Michelle Bellair, MSc

Michelle Bellair is a Laboratory Director specializing in the development, implementation, and oversight of large-scale biorepository and laboratory operations. She has expertise in laboratory automation, robotic sample processing, and the integration of advanced monitoring and quality management systems to ensure the integrity of biospecimens. Her work includes building compliant policies and procedures aligned with CAP, BAP, and ISBER standards, as well as designing robust emergency preparedness and business continuity strategies.

In addition to managing day-to-day biobank operations, Michelle contributes to the field through collaboration with institutional partners to advance research infrastructure, as well as bridging clinical, technical, and operational needs to create efficient and sustainable institutional systems.

Personal Statement

I am committed to building and maintaining biobanking systems that advance research and protect the integrity of every specimen entrusted to our care. I believe that high-quality science begins with reliable, well-documented processes, and I strive to ensure that our operations reflect the highest standards of accuracy, safety, and compliance. Collaboration is central to my approach. I work closely with researchers, clinicians, and institutional partners to develop solutions that meet both scientific and operational needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, cooking international foods, baking, and rock wall climbing, which help me stay grounded and balanced while supporting the mission of advancing research through biobanking.

Education

* Texas Children’s Hospital physicians’ licenses and credentials are reviewed prior to practicing at any of our facilities. Sections titled From the Doctor, Professional Organizations and Publications were provided by the physician’s office and were not verified by Texas Children’s Hospital.

Bellair M, Amaral E, Ouren M, Roark C, Kim J, O'Connor A, Soriano A, Schindler ML, Wapner RJ, Stone JL, Tavella N, Merriam A, Perley L, Breman AM, Beaudet AL. Noninvasive single-cell-based prenatal genetic testing: A proof of concept clinical study. Prenatal Diagnosis, 2024 Mar;44(3):304-316. doi: 10.1002/pd.6529. Epub 2024 Feb 27. PMID: 38411249

Zhang, X., Zhu, C., Beecham, G., Vardarajan, B.N., Ma, Y., Lancour, D., Farrell, J.J., Chung, J., Bellair, M , Dinh, H. and Doddapeneni, H., 2019. A rare missense variant of CASP7 is associated with familial late-onset Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's & Dementia, 15(3), pp.441-452

Murali, Shwetha C.; Bandaranaike, D.; Bellair, Michelle; Blankenburg, Kerstin P.; Chao, Hsu; Dinh, Huyen; et al. (2015). Oncopeltus fasciatus genome assembly 1.0. Ag Data Commons. Dataset, https://doi.org/10.15482/USDA.ADC/1173238

Bellair, M. and Withey, J.H., 2008. Flexibility of Vibrio cholerae ToxT in transcription activation of genes having altered promoter spacing. Journal of Bacteriology, 190(24), pp.7925-7931