Dr. Michie received her PhD in Anthropology from the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. She also completed postdoctoral training at the UNC Center for Genomics and Society, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics. Dr. Michie’s research investigates social and ethical issues in biomedical research, translation, and practice, centering around genomics and other novel technologies with a particular emphasis on reproduction, disability, and health equity. Her scholarly work focuses on the experiences of people who are stakeholders in biomedical research, the innovations it produces, and the ways these are translated into clinical care. She has conducted research with genomic research participants, people who have refused research participation, families seeking or dealing with genetic diagnoses, and various stakeholders in new technologies for prenatal testing—including clinicians, test developers, pregnant women, and disability advocates. Her work is informed by bioethical principles, social theory, and literatures on identity, practice, narrative, and disability.
Dr. Michie co-directs the PhD in Bioethics for the Department and frequently teaches and mentors students in bioethics, genetic counseling, medicine, and other areas of study. She currently teaches courses in ethical issues in genetics, reproductive ethics, and research ethics.
Research Information
Research Interests
- Reproductive Ethics
- Ethical and Social Implications of Genetics and Genomics
- Health Equity
- Ethics in Translational Medicine
- Patient Education and Counseling
Research Projects
Currently, Dr. Michie leads two multi-site, multi-year studies funded by the NIH:
• The PREPARE (Prenatal Preparation: Actions and Results) study, which draws on longitudinal interviews with parents who receive genetic results during the perinatal period, along with interviews with healthcare providers and genetic condition support groups, to understand what information and supports parents need as they prepare for a child with a genetic condition.
• The FAIRER (Framework for Advancements in Reprogenomics Ethics and Regulation) study, which is developing anticipatory ethical guidance for future clinical trials of genomic interventions during pregnancy (or that might result in pregnancy), drawing on interviews with experts and focus groups with sexual and/or gender minorities, along with a large-scale structural review of ethical literature.
Dr. Michie is also a co-investigator on multiple studies related to gene editing ethics, health equity, and reproductive ethics. She is a member of the Genomics and Society Working group at the National Human Genome Research Institute, a group that advises the institute on planning and priority setting in genomics and society research.
Publications
Selected recent publications:
Craig KP, Riggan KA, Rubeck S, Meredith SH, Allyse MA, Michie M. Never "totally prepared": Support groups on helping families prepare for a child with a genetic condition. J Community Genet. 2023 Jun;14(3):319-327. doi: 10.1007/s12687-023-00646-y.
Meredith S, Brackett S, Diaz KM, Freeman KG, Huggins E, Khan H, Leach MW, Levitz M, Michie M, Onufer J, Skotko BG, Smith L, Nicole White A, Waller T, Ayers K. Recommendations to improve the patient experience and avoid bias when prenatal screening/testing. Disabil Health J. 2023 Apr;16(2):101401. doi: 10.1016/j.dhjo.2022.101401.
Michie M. Beyond Abortion Clinics: How Overturning Roe Will Obstruct Life-Saving Research and Fetal Therapy. Am J Bioeth. 2022 Aug;22(8):62-64. doi: 10.1080/15265161.2022.2089278.
Farrell RM, Michie M. Considering Reprogenomics in the Ethical Future of Fetal Therapy Trials. Am J Bioeth. 2022 Mar;22(3):71-73. doi: 10.1080/15265161.2022.2027558. PubMed PMID: 35258428; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC9912160.
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Michie M. Is preparation a good reason for prenatal genetic testing? Ethical and critical questions. Birth Defects Res. 2020 Mar 1;112(4):332-338. doi: 10.1002/bdr2.1651. PubMed PMID: 32115901; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7158133.