Her research and public engagement focuses on equity, and involves diverse publics in conversations particularly around ableism, meritocracy, white supremacy, and misogyny. Her recent book, Global University Rankings and the Mediatization of Higher Education, challenges the ways in which journalists, business tycoons and multinational corporations influence definitions of the world-class university. Her second area is around media representations of mental illness and health. She most recently completed a project that involved high school students exploring issues of belonging and exclusion through the use of photos and narratives and speaking with policymakers and media. Michelle is frequently invited by media and community groups to comment on issues related to education and equity.