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Education

1999 University of California, San Diego, B.S.
2007 University of California, Santa Barbara, Ph.D.

Courses Taught

Developmental Biology with Lab
Genetics with Lab
Biology culminating experience
Cellular Processes
Biological Research

Career Specialties

Michelle Osovitz's passion in the classroom is teaching undergraduates about the molecular processes as they relate to genome, to the cell and to the formation of a body during development. Her passion in the research lab is investigating the molecular and genetic processes that control development and cell cycle using the sea urchin as the model system.

Professional and Community Activities

Osovitz is a developmental biologist trained in protein biochemistry, genetics, aquaculture and live cell manipulation and imaging. Her current research is on using the painted sea urchin as a genetic model to study the genes and proteins involved in early cellular decisions during development. How do cells know when to divide, and when to make decisions about fate? Within this research she encourages students to focus on experimental questions that include genetics, environmental factors and live cell studies.

OsovitzÌýalso keeps active collaborations with faculty in microbiology, regeneration and best practices in pedagogy. She enjoys involving our local Tampa Bay waterways in research whenever possible and have an active aquaculture facility. If you are curious, come join her!Ìý

Honors and Awards

2022-2023, NSF Florida Coastal Challenges Team Science Training and Practice Fellowship Awardee
2022-2023, Outstanding Student Research and Supervision Award. ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å College of Natural and Health Sciences
2021, Most Impactful External Grant Award Grant: Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund. ÂÌÅ«Ì컨°å, FL.