Michelle Steinhilb

Michelle Steinhilb is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Central Michigan University, part of the College of Science and Technology. She leads an active research laboratory focused on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease and tauopathies, using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster.

Education:

• B.S., Wayne State University, 1996
• Ph.D., University of Michigan, 2002
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Harvard Medical School, 2002–2006

Her research centers on understanding how abnormal tau phosphorylation and proteolysis contribute to neuronal cell death. Using genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches in fruit flies, her lab investigates pathways that lead to tau neurotoxicity, with the goal of identifying potential therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease. She also employs tissue culture, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques to validate findings.

The selected publications reflect a strong focus on tau protein dynamics, neurodegeneration mechanisms, and genetic modeling in Drosophila. Key themes include phosphorylation-dependent toxicity, cytoskeletal disruption, and signaling pathways such as TOR. These works highlight her contributions to understanding the molecular basis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientific Awards and Recognitions:

• Arthur Loren Kontio Outstanding Young Biologist Prize
• Undergraduate Student Research and Creative Endeavors Grants
• Sigma Xi Awards
• Dr. Maurice H. Chapin Pre-medicine Endowed Scholarship
• Outstanding CMU Student in Confocal Microscopy
• Undergraduate Poster Award, Society for Neuroscience (Michigan Chapter)
• Summer internships at Van Andel Institute, Jackson Laboratory, Albert Einstein College, and AMGEN Scholars Program

Dr. Steinhilb mentors both undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have gone on to advanced degrees and research careers. She teaches courses in genetics, biotechnology, neuroscience, and advanced cell culture. Her lab actively recruits motivated students for research in neurodegenerative disease models.

The Steinhilb Lab fosters a collaborative and dynamic environment, combining rigorous scientific inquiry with team-building activities, and maintains strong ties with national research programs and societies such as the Society for Neuroscience and the Council on Undergraduate Research.