Michelle is a botanist researching plants and their applications to agricultural and natural systems. Of particular focus are the plant roots and microbiomes for crop plants on Earth and for space [https://wattgroup.science.unimelb.edu.au/]. Using natural and synthesised genetic diversity, Michelle and team are varying the anatomy and biochemistry of root systems for dual functions: water uptake and carbon sequestration. She currently holds the Adrienne Clarke Professorial Chair in Botany at the University of Melbourne, and is the President of the International Society of Root Research [https://www.rootresearch.org/].
