Michelle Valkanas

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.