Dr. Michelman joined the University of Kentucky faculty from the University of Massachusetts in 2002 as Department Chair. Shis is currently full-time faculty in MAT. She has published numerous articles in national and international journals such as The Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, The Family and Consumer Science Research Journal, Sociological Inquiry and international journals such as Etnofoor and The Journal of the Korean Society of Textiles and Clothing.  She has also published chapters in books including most recently in the Encyclopedia of Religion (2005) and Encyclopedia of Clothing and Fashion (2005).  She was co-editor of the textbook Meanings of Dress (2005 and 1999), used both nationally and internationally for classes on dress and culture.  Her current research focuses on weight loss, body image and dress issues in 10-16 year-old girls in Kentucky.

In the area of teaching, Dr. Michelman was a recipient of both a Lilly Foundation and Hewlett Foundation Teaching Fellowship.  Dr. Michelman served on the Editorial Board of the Clothing and Textiles Research Journal from 1992 to 2002 as well as serving as a guest co-editor for a focused issue of that journal.  She served on the Council of the International Textile and Apparel Association from 2002-2006.