Michelle Liu (she/her), Agrawal Lab

What do you study?  I study the evolution of sex-differences in gene expression using fruit flies and (very recently!) frogs.

What does this mean you do day to day?  A lot of my time is spent sorting flies and analysing RNA sequencing data on my computer. Lately, I have also taken to trudging through marshes in search of frogs.

When you aren’t doing research, how do you spend your time? I often take long walks around the city in search of pastries and coffee. I also enjoy doing yoga, taking care of my plants, 100%ing games, and reading sad books that can make me cry on the TTC. 

Why did you take on this committee work?  As someone who lives very far away from their primary support system, I rely heavily on others around me and have benefited a lot from the guidance and friendship I’ve gained from people in the department. I would like to take a more active part in building this supportive environment that can help others navigate through their mental health struggles, and at the same time become more conscious about my own mental wellness.

As a member of this committee, what relevant training have you received? Sexual Violence Education and Prevention Module

How would I find you if I need to? Knock on the door of ESC 2033 and I shall (almost always) appear. Alternatively, you can shoot me an email (mchelle.liu@mail.utoronto.ca).