Scholar Stories: Michael's Journey of Family, Resilience, Purpose Comes Full Circle
11/11/2025 2:00:00 PM | Women's Cross Country
Continuing the series that began in 2016-17, each week MGoBlue.com will highlight a Michigan student-athlete and their academic pursuits. These are our Scholar-Athlete Stories.
By Lily Zirin
For graduate student and track and cross country runner Gabbie Michael, family, perseverance and purpose have guided her every step of the way, on the course, in the classroom and in the lab.
Michael grew up in Frankenmuth, Mich., a small German town where family was at the center of everything. She spent her childhood surrounded by cousins and her uncle, who she described as a "second dad," all playing a significant role in her life, especially when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer during her college recruitment process. That diagnosis became the foundational moment that shaped Michael's entire career path and focus.
After being recruited first by Michigan State, Michael realized her long-term goals extended beyond the track, spurred by her uncle.
"I always knew I wanted to go into medicine," she said. "Once I saw the research and facilities at Michigan, and the fact that my uncle was being treated here, it just felt right."
That decision proved to be transformative. Michael went on to complete her undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology and is now pursuing a one-year master's in Chemical Biology of Cancer, a program that she lights up when talking about.
"It feels like it was made for me," Michael said. "The focus is so specific to what I want to do," particularly around pancreatic cancer. After everything my family went through with my uncle, this feels like exactly where I'm supposed to be."
Today, Michael's research focuses on pancreatic cancer at the Rogel Cancer Center, a full-circle moment that carries personal weight. Rogel is where her uncle was treated, and Michael is doing research on the same diseases he fought.
"It means everything to my family," she said.
Her experience outside of the lab has been equally formative. While shadowing and interning in preparation for medical school, Michael found herself deeply moved during her time on the pediatric oncology floor at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.
The kind of compassion she witnessed from the doctors and specialists showed her exactly the kind of doctor she wants to be.
"I remember it so vividly; it was emotional, sad and hopeful all at once," she said. "It was such a life-changing experience that I could just see myself in that environment."
Balancing this intense academic and research schedule with athletics has not been easy. Michael has battled many injuries that sidelined her during stretches of her undergraduate seasons, forcing her to miss a significant amount of competition.
Now in her fifth year of eligibility, Michael is grateful for the opportunity to compete again and continue to contribute to the success of her team. At the Big Ten Championships on Oct. 31, she ran a career-best 21:12.3 over six kilometers, finishing 56th.
"This team is family, it's more than just teammates. It's a sisterhood," she said. "We've built something special together."
That sisterhood has carried her through the toughest workouts and the longest runs. Her teammates understand what drives her, both on the course and in the lab, and they've supported her every step of the way.
As Michael continues through her final season and looks ahead to medical school, with Michigan high on her list, she remains hyper-focused on her purpose.
"It's in my heart to be the best oncologist I can be," she said. "I want to be there for people the way my uncle's doctors were there for him."
Whether she is leading her teammates through the final miles of a long race or contributing to cancer research in a lab, Michael's journey is defined by her resilience, compassion and an unwavering determination. Her story proves that when passion and purpose align, everything can come full circle.
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