Michal is an interdisciplinary scholar with a background in law and social science. Specializing in the utilization of academic and empirical research to inform and improve our laws and policies, with specific expertise in laws and policies that impact the lives of children and families, her research focuses on the synthesis of science and law, developing evidence-based adaptations of laws and policies to the unique developmental, social, and cultural needs of children and youth, to improve the efficacy and quality of justice. Michal's most recent work has been published in prominent professional journals, such as the University of Illinois Law Review, NYU Review of Law & Social Change, and the Fordham Urban Law Journal, as well as media outlets such as Forbes, NY Daily News, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. She holds a doctorate (S.J.D.) and an LL.M. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, an M.S. in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, and an LL.B. from Tel-Aviv University Faculty of Law. Michal is a Salzburg Global Fellow.