Michelle M. Nolan, Ph.D.
Curriculum Vitae (Updated 2023-03-23)
Title: Chemical Sciences Librarian
Rank: Assistant University Librarian
Marston Science Library
George A. Smathers Libraries
University of Florida
PO Box 117011
Gainesville, FL 32611-7011
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Professional Biography
Dr. Michelle Nolan (any/all) is the Chemical Sciences Librarian at the Marston Science Library, the STEM branch of the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida. They specialize in discovery of chemical information, library instruction, and student outreach.
Prior to becoming a librarian in 2018, Michelle completed their Ph.D. in Chemistry at the University of Florida under the supervision of Dr. Lisa McElwee-White studying tungsten compounds for electronic applications. This multidisciplinary dissertation project involved elements of synthetic chemistry, chemical engineering, and materials science, making Michelle uniquely prepared to become an information expert for the chemical sciences. Since moving from the bench into the library, Michelle has focused their professional efforts on providing critical information literacy instruction, developing instructional tools for chemical information discovery, and exploring new avenues for engagement with marginalized students.
In one major project, Michelle and their colleagues hired, mentored, and supported a cohort of four undergraduate students through a creative project aimed at peer-to-peer library education. This team published an e-book entitled The Undergraduate Guide to the George A. Smathers Libraries (LibraryPress@UF 2022), a student-centered handbook focused on exploring and using the Libraries. They are currently involved in a chemistry education research project aimed to uncover and illuminate transphobic barriers to entry in chemistry doctoral programs; the preliminary results of this project have already resulted in two invited presentations at ACS National Meetings. An avid advocate for social justice, Michelle was recognized with the 2022 George A. Smathers Libraries Excellence Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which is a peer-nominated and peer-selected honor.
Michelle is the Chair-Elect of the American Chemical Society’s Division of Chemical Information (ACS CINF) and has worked on divisional technical programming since 2020. Michelle has previously served as the Chair of the American Chemical Society’s ACS Pride, an LGBTQ+ affinity group under the Division of Professional Relations. As the Chair of ACS Pride, they worked with other transgender chemistry professionals to advise of the landmark ACS Publications Name Change Policy. In addition to Michelle’s professional service, they are also involved in local grassroots and labor organizing. Michelle is currently the Chapter Secretary for the United Faculty of Florida, University of Florida Chapter (UFF-UF) and volunteers as a membership organizer.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry (May 2018)
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Doctoral Advisor: Prof. Lisa McElwee-White
Dissertation: Nolan, M. M. Design, Synthesis, and In Situ Characterization of Precursors for the Chemical Vapor Deposition of Tungsten Carbonitride. Ph.D. Dissertation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 2018.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (May 2013)
University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
Summa cum laude (highest honors) distinction
Current Appointment
Assistant University Librarian, Chemical Sciences (November 2018 – Present)
Marston Science Library, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Serves as the liaison librarian to the Departments of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.
- Responsible for library instruction and reference services for chemical information, including teaching guest lectures and developing online learning objects.
- Provides expert consultation support for the chemical science literature databases, including SciFinder.
Honors & Awards
Invited – American Chemical Society Leadership Institute in Atlanta, GA. Sponsored and invited delegate for the ACS Division of Chemical Information, 2023.
Awarded – George A. Smathers Libraries Employee Excellence Awards: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (Individual) for supervising the student-built guide to the libraries and the Critical STEM speaking series, 2022.
Nominated – George A. Smathers Libraries Employee Excellence Awards: Instruction and Training Award (Group) for work with the Information Literacy Committee on instructional videos, 2022.
Nominated – George A. Smathers Libraries Employee Excellence Awards: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award (Group) for creation of an exhibit focused on non-binary identities in science fiction, 2022.
Nominated – George A. Smathers Libraries Employee Excellence Awards: Behind-the-Scenes Award (Group) for developing COVID-19 library reopening protocols, 2021.
Awarded – George A. Smathers Libraries Employee Excellence Award: Outreach Award (Group) for creating a COVID-19 information guide that was nationally recognized, 2020.
Teaching
Credit Courses
STEM Essentials (IDH3931, Spring 2021)
Co-designed and co-instructed with Sara Russell Gonzalez
Description: This course will provide the information research skills necessary for students to succeed as researchers in STEM disciplines, including finding scientific literature and communicating research results in the scientific community. We will include guest lectures from a variety of areas on research, graduate school, and what skills are essential for success. Learning in this class will be self-directed with each student selecting a scientific topic of interest to them personally for course projects.
Library Instruction & Guest Lectures
Course-Integrated Lessons (77 total sessions, approximately 1200 students reached)
- CHM 2047: Accelerated General Chemistry (2019, 5 sessions)
- CHM 2047L: Accelerated General Chemistry Laboratory (2019-2022, 9 sessions)
- CHM 2200: Introduction to Organic Chemistry (2020, 6 sessions)
- CHM 3217: Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry (2020, 4 sessions)
- CHM 3610L: Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory (2022, 1 session)
- CHM 4411L: Physical Chemistry Laboratory (2019-2023, 20 sessions)
- CHM 4413L: Biophysical Chemistry Laboratory (2019-2023, 9 sessions)
- CHM 4910: Undergraduate Research Experience in Biochemistry (2019-2020, 3 sessions)
- CHM 4930: Special Topics – Biotransformations (2020, 1 session)
- ECH 4905: Bioprocessing Engineering (2022, 1 session)
- ECH 6926: Chemical Engineering Graduate Studies (2022, 1 session)
- EGS 1006: Introduction to Engineering (2019, 15 sessions)
- IDS 2935: Why Chemistry Matters (2022, 1 session)
- ISC 2401L: X-Lab 2 (2021, 1 session)
Asynchronous Learning Modules (approximately 4800 total students enrolled)
- CHM 2211L: Organic Chemistry Laboratory – Library Module in Canvas (2020-2022, 6 semesters)
Stand-Alone Workshops (10 sessions, approximately 350 students)
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Library Orientation (2022, 1 session)
- Chemistry Graduate Student Library Orientation (2019-2021, 2 sessions)
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Seminar (2020-2022, 2 sessions)
- Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Seminar (2019, 1 session)
- Introduction to the UF Libraries for MFOS Students (2020, 2 sessions)
- Designing a Conference Poster Workshop (2019, 1 session)
Publications
Books
Refereed Articles
Non-Refereed Articles
Exhibits Curated
Transcend: Beyond the Gender Binary. Curator: Gott, C. J.; Nolan, M. M.; Uhler, B.; Ward, K. Marston Science Library, June 9 – October 31, 2022.
Presentations
International & National
Nolan, M. M. “Rethinking Library Research Guides: Making LibGuides Useful for Beginners” (oral presentation). Division of Chemical Information (CINF), American Chemical Society. American Chemical Society Spring 2023 Meeting, Indianapolis, IN and Virtual. March 2023.
Blythe, I. M.; Vincent-Ruz, P.; Nolan, M. M. “How to Support Transgender Graduate Students” (oral presentation). Division of Chemical Education (CHED), American Chemical Society. American Chemical Society Spring 2023 Meeting, Indianapolis, IN and Virtual. March 2023.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist) “Chemistry Alternative Career Paths in Higher Education” panelist. Promoting Equity and Diversity In Chemistry (PREDICT) Virtual Meeting, hosted by ACS Indiana Local Section, IUPUI Graduate Student Chemistry Society (MOLE), and National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE), September 2021.
Nolan, M. M. “Identifying a Fake Journal Article as a Library Lesson with Undergraduate Chemistry Students” (oral presentation). Division of Chemical Information (CINF), American Chemical Society. 262nd ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Atlanta, GA and Virtual. August 2021.
Invited – Blythe, I. M.; Nolan, M. M.; Vincent-Ruz, P. “Navigating the Graduate School Admissions Process for Transgender Students in Chemistry Doctoral Programs” (oral presentation). Division of Professional Relations. 262nd ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Atlanta, GA and Virtual. August 2021.
Nolan, M. M.; Russell Gonzalez, S. “Using Gather.Town for a Virtual Poster Presentation Session with Undergraduate Students.” Lightning Presentation (oral), STEM Librarians Collaborative 2021. Virtual meeting, July 2021.
Invited – Nolan, M. M.; Blythe, I. M. “What Trans Students Need: Ethical and Supportive Mentoring of Transgender and Non-Binary Graduate Students” (oral presentation). Division of Professional Relations (PROF), American Chemical Society. Abstract ID: PROF-0002. 260th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Virtual Meeting, August 2020. DOI: 10.1021/scimeetings.0c06847.
Nolan, M. M.; Putnam, S. R.; Godinez, S.; Williams, E.; Kleiman, V. D. “Immersive Stereochemistry: Using Virtual Reality (VR) to Understand Chirality with Undergraduate Students” (oral presentation). Division of Chemical Education (CHED), American Chemical Society. Abstract ID: CHED-1988. 259th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, Philadelphia, PA, March 2020. DOI: 10.1021/scimeetings.0c05980.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist) “Unconventional Chemistry Careers,” (panel discussion). Chemistry Aligned with Life and Career at the University of Michigan (CALCIUM) organization, Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, November 2019.
Nolan, M. M.; Davidson, T. A.; Russell Gonzalez, S.; Williams, E. “Modeling Polymers for Tactile Learning with 3D Printing” (oral presentation). Division of Chemical Education (CHED), American Chemical Society. Abstract ID: CHED-0260. 258th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, San Diego, CA, United States, August 2019.
Invited – Putnam, S. R.; Nolan, M. M.; Williams, E. “Librarians and Extended Reality: Enhancing Teaching and Learning in the Chemical Sciences” (oral presentation). Division of Chemical Information (CINF). Abstract ID: CINF-0102. American Chemical Society. 258th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, San Diego, CA, August 2019.
Invited – Nolan, M. M.; Touchton, A. J.; Kim, S.-Y.; Anderson, T. J.; McElwee-White, L. “Tungsten Nitrido Precursors for the Deposition of WNxCy Thin Films” (poster presentation). Divisions of Professional Relations (PROF) and Gay and Transgender Chemists and Allies (GTCA), Abstract ID: PROF-26. American Chemical Society. 255th ACS National Meeting & Exposition. New Orleans, LA, March 2018.
Invited – Nolan, M. M.; Koley, A.; Kim, S.-Y.; Anderson, T. J.; McElwee-White, L. “In Situ Raman Investigation of Chemical Vapor Deposition of WNxCy from Tungsten Imido Precursors” (oral presentation). Divisions of Professional Relations (PROF) and Gay and Transgender Chemists and Allies (GTCA), Abstract ID: PROF-4, American Chemical Society. 253rd ACS National Meeting & Exposition. San Francisco, CA, April 2017.
[Older Presentations Removed from List]
Seminars & Colloquia
Invited – Nolan, M. M. “Connecting to Information, Science Literature, and the UF Digital Libraries from a Distance.” Departmental Seminar, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, April 2020.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. “Connecting Materials Science and Engineering to the Marston Science Library.” Departmental Graduate Seminar, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, October 2019.
Local & University of Florida
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist). “Trans Visibility Week: Representation at UF.” Pride Student Union, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, November 2022.
Invited – Nolan, M. M.; Glenn, A. “Peer to Peer Mentoring at the George A. Smathers Libraries.” Library Leadership Board, George A. Smathers Libraries, Gainesville, FL, October 2021.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. “LGBTQ+ in STEM,” visit to IDH2930: Different in STEM (Prof. Nancy Ruzycki), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. A total of four class visits were made in October 2019, February 2020, November 2020, and December 2020.
Invited – Nolan, M. M.; Putnam, S. R. “Social Justice, Science Publishing, and Data Capitalism” (speaker and discussion facilitator). Feminist Science Reading Group, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, December 2019.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist) “LGBTQ+ Experiences in High School and Higher Education” (panel discussion). EDF 3604: Social Foundations of Education, College of Education, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. November 2019.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist). Women in Science and Engineering Career Day (panel discussion). Women in Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, November 2019.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist) “Representation and Inclusion in Research and Tech,” Gainesville Research Bazaar (RezBaz), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, September 2019.
Invited – Nolan, M. M. (panelist), “Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity” (panel discussion). ANT2301: Human Sexuality and Culture, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, Feburary, 2019.
Invited – Miller, C.; Nolan, M. M.; Ortíz, P.; Resende, R.; Vado, K. A.; Worlds, M. “Teaching in the Era of Trump(ism)” (lightning presentations and panel discussion). University of Florida Biennial Social Justice Summit – Allyship: Identify, Interact, & Impact. Gainesville, FL, January 2018.
Grants Awarded
Active Grants
Middle Grade and Young Adult Books with Black, Indigenous People and People of Color: Where Are They?
Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). Award: $427,100; cost share $434,404.
Project Team: R. Elrod (PI), K. Aaronson (Co-PI, Bates College Diverse BookFinder Director), B. Kester (Co-PI), S. Alteri (Anne Nixon Center Librarian), A. Asher, K. Bague, A. Baird, S. Birch, L. Campbell, T. Digby, A. Glenn, H. Hawley, J. Heckathorn, A. Hines, T. Hodge, C. Johnston, K. Kidd (Department of English), A. Lindell, X. Ma, G. Mahar, M. Meke, M. Nolan, L. Pang, L. Santamaria-Wheeler, L. Spears, and L. Taylor. Proposal: IR00011385
Abstract: The project team, in partnership with Bates College and California State University-Fresno, with promotional support from state library associations, seeks $427,100 to enhance the discoverability of middle grade (MG) and young adult (YA) novels featuring Black and Indigenous people and People of Color (BIPOC) characters. The two primary goals of this project are to: 1) create a database that identifies not just who are included in MG/YA books featuring BIPOC characters, but how they are represented and 2) to create a freely available analysis tool that can easily be used by librarians to analyze the diversity of their own MG/YA novel collections.
Past Grants
Oral History of Women in Science in the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Libraries Strategic Opportunities Program. Award: $4,757; cost share: $1,190.
Project team: M. M. Nolan (PI), Marston Science Library; E. H. Hawley, Special and Area Studies Collections; S. Birch, Library West; P. Ortiz, Samuel Proctor Oral History Program (SPOHP); K. Vado, Dept. of English; D. Hendrix, SPOHP; T. Jenkins, SPOHP. Proposal: IR00010935.
Abstract: As a collaboration between the Marston Science Library and the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program (SPOHP), the project team seeks to record and promote the living histories of women science professors in the UF College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In particular, the team will use oral history interviews to capture the experiences of scientists living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities, such as gender, race ethnicity, ability, and socioeconomic background. This initial project will yield six oral histories (digital audio files and written transcripts), a library guide to increase visibility of these histories, and two podcasts created by SPOHP for public dissemination.
Facilitating Learning through Smart Pens
UF Technology Fee Program. Award: $11,990.
Project Team: M. M. Daly (PI), Library West; G. Altamirano, Disability Resource Center; J. Krauth, Disability Resource Center; A. Lindell, Architecture and Fine Arts Library; M. M. Nolan, Marston Science Library; J. Wu, Health Science Center Library. Proposal: IR00010795.
Abstract: In partnership with the Disability Resource Center (DRC), the project team seeks to purchase 300 Livescribe pens, protective cases, paper, and ink to enhance note-taking capabilities for students, faculty, and staff. The proposers seek to offer Livescribe pens to aid in writing and preserving lecture and reading notes in classrooms, at home, and on the go. Students will be able to check these out from the circulation desks at Library West, Marston Science Library, the Architecture and Fine Arts Library, the Education Library, and the Health Science Center Library. DRC students have been using Livescribe pens for assistance with note taking for approximately two years. These pens can record audio and written notes to digital form to help students create more accurate and organized notes, potentially leading to better comprehension, retention of information, and higher performance in classes.
Service
Service to National Organizations
- Chair-Elect, Division of Chemical Information (CINF), American Chemical Society (2023)
- Program Chair, Division of Chemical Information (CINF), American Chemical Society (2022)
- Assistant Program Chair, Division of Chemical Information (CINF), American Chemical Society (2021)
- Chair, ACS Pride, Division of Professional Relations (PROF), American Chemical Society (2021)
- Chair-Elect, ACS Pride, Division of Professional Relations (PROF), American Chemical Society (2020)
Service to University of Florida
- Liaison, UF Environmental Health And Safety Advisory Committee (2022 – Present)
Service to UF Libraries (College)
- Chair, Faculty Search Committee, Student Success Librarian (2022)
- Leader, Undergraduate Peer Instructor Program (2020-Present)
- Member, Convocation Planning Committee (2022)
- Co-Chair, Convocation Planning Committee (2021)
- Member, Information Literacy Committee (2021)
- Logistics Subcommittee Chair, Convocation Planning Committee (2020)
- Member, Tenure and Promotion Support Committee (2020-2022)
- Moderator, Libraries DEI Discussions with Twanna Hodge (2020)
- Member, Faculty Search Committee, Student Success Librarian (2019)
- Member, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (2018-2020)
Service to Marston Science Library (Department)
- Member, Marston Website Usability Testing (2021)
- Member, Marston Student Engagement (2019-2021)
- Leader, COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Library Reopening (2020)
- Member, Marston Social Media Team (2018-2020)
- Member, Marston Instruction Committee (2019-2020)
Programming
Conference Symposia Organized
- “Innovations in Library Instruction.” ACS Spring 2023 Meeting, Indianapolis, IN. March 2023. Division of Chemical Information, American Chemical Society.
- “Herman Skolnik Award Symposium Honoring Dr. Wendy Warr.” ACS Fall 2022 Meeting, Chicago IL. August 2022. Division of Chemical Information, American Chemical Society.
- “LGBTQ+ Mentorship, Advocacy, & Community Building.” ACS Fall 2021 Meeting, Atlanta, GA. August 2021. Division of Professional Relations, American Chemical Society.
- “Fourth Annual LGBTQ+ Graduate Student and Post-Doctoral Scholar Research Symposium.” ACS Spring 2021 Meeting, virtual. April 2021. Division of Professional Relations, American Chemical Society.
Local Symposia and Events Organized
- “Can’t Ban Us” Black History Month Teach-In with the Samuel Proctor Oral History Program. Marston Science Library, University of Florida, February 2023.
- “Critical STEM @ Marston” Speaker Series. Marston Science Library, University of Florida. 2021-2022.
Michelle Nolan, Ph.D. 