Dr Michelle Fava holds a PhD in drawing and cognitive psychology from University of Loughborough (2014). Her work brings together cognitive principles and design thinking approaches to education and facilitation. She has written and edited academic publications on drawing, visual literacy and arts integration.

Michelle's present research with the Centre for Social Innovation is looking into the factors influencing the longevity of Community Economic Development Organisations in the UK.

She is co-founder of the Thinking Through Drawing project, a research network and professional development provider that focuses on creativity and visual literacy in education and research.