Michelle Leonard

Michelle Leonard is a professor of practice in the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Department. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Winona State University and a Master of Science in Environmental Health from the University of Minnesota.

Michelle began her career as a research scientist at the University of Minnesota's Genetics, Cell Biology and Development Department. She then moved to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, where she was a casework forensic scientist specializing in forensic serology and DNA. Michelle then spent the bulk of her career at the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Crime Laboratory, where she was a casework scientist, DNA technical leader, and administrator of the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Her passion for science education is what led her to become a lead educator at Science from Scientists, where she brought hands-on STEM experiments to metro area primary and secondary schools.

Michelle strives to create an interactive and dynamic learning environment where students can connect theoretical concepts to practical experiences, making the lessons both memorable and meaningful. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that learning is most impactful when it is hands-on, engaging, and grounded in real-world applications. Michelle's interests include forensic DNA, forensic laboratory logistics, and courtroom testimony.