Inspire. Educate. Create.

Hi! I'm Michelle Lawson 👋 I'm a Computer Science student, building a community of 150,000+ women in CS.

I'm the Founder of Computer Science Girlies, a global movement empowering Gen Z women in CS through content, connections, and career opportunities. I've worked on machine learning, product management, and quantitative research, and I've spoken at major tech conferences like TechCrunch Disrupt and Columbia Devfest.

I love building things that inspire and educate, from viral Comp Sci content to AI-driven projects. When I'm not working, I'm probably reading about behavioral psychology, art journaling, or writing poetry by a pond.

Bio

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Michelle Lawson is a Top Voice in Educational Technology recognized by LinkedIn. With over 150,000 followers across various social media platforms, she has established herself as a leading figure in the field. An accomplished author, Michelle has written multiple books that use "girly" metaphors and analogies to make complex computer science concepts more engaging. As an undergraduate researcher, she has published papers with the American Society of Engineering Education, focusing on Computer Science education. Michelle also curates a strong collection of educational resources designed to help students succeed in their STEM degrees.

My Journey

The Beginning: Smith College & Research

2022 — Present

In 2022, I was awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to attend Smith College and study Computer Science. By 2023, I had joined a research team in computer science education, working with Pablo Frank Bolton and Liberty Lehr as the team’s statistician. We investigated a more effective way to assess STEM students, developing the Justified Multiple Choice Question (JMCQ) Effect. Our research was recognized by the American Society of Engineering Education, where we presented our findings.

Diving Into Finance & Equity Research

Spring 2023 — 2024

While I was deep into computer science, I couldn’t shake my long-standing interest in finance. So in Spring 2023, I took my first step into the field through stock pitch competitions. Along the way, I worked under the mentorship of a former Morgan Stanley VP, gaining insights into unconventional approaches to equity research. This experience sharpened my ability to blend quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Building a Global Tech Community

Summer 2023 — Present

In the summer of 2023, I started doing something that changed my life: creating content. What started as a simple way to share my love for computer science on TikTok quickly turned into a movement, reaching millions of people around the world. Soon after, I founded Computer Science Girlies, a vibrant community dedicated to supporting young women in tech.

Startups, AI, and the Future

Summer 2024 — Present

In Summer 2024, I immersed myself in the world of startups and AI. I joined The Residency, a startup incubator, while living at Harvard St. Commons. At the same time, I started studying Machine Learning at MIT’s Breakthrough Tech, a program that continues to push my technical expertise forward.

Where I'm Headed Next

Summer 2025 — Future

This journey—spanning research, finance, startups, AI, and content creation—has given me a unique skill set that allows me to analyze things technologically, but still understand them from a business and psychological point of view. In Summer 2025, I’ll be bringing all of these perspectives together as a Product Management Intern at MongoDB. I’m especially excited about their advancements in AI and vector search, and I can’t wait to contribute to the next wave of AI-powered innovation. Whatever comes next, one thing is certain—I’ll keep building, learning, and finding new ways to make an impact.