Michelle Stewart

Michelle Stewart is the Scientific Manager at the Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell. She began her career at the MLC in 2004 as an animal technician, quickly progressing to NACWO and ward manager before taking on the role of Scientific Manager in 2013.

Alongside her professional duties, Michelle completed a part-time degree in Cell and Molecular Biology, followed by a PhD in Neurobehavioural Genetics, which she was awarded in 2019.

Michelle has more than 20 years of experience working with genetically altered mice, with particular expertise in complex breeding strategies, colony management, phenotyping, and all aspects of licensing. In her current role, she oversees the full operation of the animal facility at the Mary Lyon Centre, including husbandry, in-vivo studies such as dosing and phenotyping, gene delivery, and rederivation.

She works closely with both external researchers and internal teams to support and deliver high-quality in-vivo research for academic groups, biotech companies, and pharmaceutical partners across the UK. Michelle is deeply passionate about genetics and is committed to training and mentoring both animal technicians and researchers, promoting best practice and ensuring that the use of animals in research is conducted to the highest scientific and ethical standards.