Breaking Down Barriers

Supporting Community Engagement and Effective Science Communication

We have discontinued the Breaking Down Barriers program but will continue to make available its web resources. If you have questions, please email us.

Michelle Valkanas

Biological Sciences
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania

Michelle Valkanas has a B.S. in Biology and is currently a Ph.D. Candidate. She studies how to use the naturally forming microbial communities found in abandoned mine drainage to remove harmful metals from contaminated watersheds. Valkanas is dedicated to finding cost-effective ways to provide environmental restoration caused by human-made devastation. She believes that as a scientist, she is at a unique advantage to educate, inspire, and support her community.  Valkanas does this by actively participating in Duquesne University's Women in STEM organization and in her community through science outreach.

A Day in the Life with NCSE Graduate Student Fellow Michelle Valkanas
Meet the rest of the Graduate Student Fellows