Michelle Samuel-Foo

Michelle Samuel-Foo serves as the Chief of Staff (acting) and National Program Leader at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, focusing on scientific and programmatic leadership in crop protection and pest management. Previously, Michelle held the position of Director of Hemp Research and Assistant Professor at Alabama State University, and worked as an Associate Research Scientist/IR-4 Regional Field Coordinator at the University of Florida, where responsibilities included managing field trials and ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and standard protocols. Michelle’s academic background includes a Ph.D. in Entomology and a Master's degree in Agronomy and Crop Science from The University of Georgia.