Michelle Elekonich

Observer

DISC Type : ic

Deputy Director at National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), at the National Science Foundation

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Overview

Michelle Elekonich is the Deputy Director at the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), a role that builds upon her extensive background in biological research and grant administration. A PhD graduate from the University of Washington, her career progressed from an Associate Professor at UNLV to various directorships within the National Science Foundation, focusing on integrative biology and data infrastructure.

She appears to be driven by themes of growth and adaptation, once sharing a quote about personal evolution: "what got you here wont get you there. . . time to change the game! " While at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, she also coordinated a mentoring network to support the retention and success of students in science and engineering fields.

Her foundational research was in animal behavior, specifically focusing on the cellular and physiological mechanisms of stress and aging in honey bees.

Personality Overview

Curious

Example Seeker

Assertive

They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing. They are likely to ask many questions and look heavily for supporting information. They are generally good communicators and can be hard to convince.

Topics They Care About

Data Interoperability

In a 2023 presentation, she proposed establishing a national biodata fabric to promote data discovery, complete lifecycle, and re-use in biological sciences research.

Science Statistics

As Deputy Director of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), she oversees the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on the science and engineering enterprise.

Neuroscience Strategy

Serves as an ex officio member on the NIH's Multi-Council Working Group for the BRAIN Initiative, contributing to its long-term scientific vision.

Data Interoperability: In a 2023 presentation, she proposed establishing a national biodata fabric to promote data discovery, complete lifecycle, and re-use in biological sciences research.

Science Statistics: As Deputy Director of the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), she oversees the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data on the science and engineering enterprise.

Neuroscience Strategy: Serves as an ex officio member on the NIH's Multi-Council Working Group for the BRAIN Initiative, contributing to its long-term scientific vision.

Media Appearances

Michelle has no verified media appearances

Work History

8-2025

Deputy Director at National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), at the National Science Foundation

5-2019 - 9-2025

Deputy Division Director at National Science Foundation (NSF)

8-2010 - 5-2019

program director at National Science Foundation (NSF)

6-2015

Associate Professor at University of Nevada Las Vegas

Education

1986 - 1997

PhD from University of Washington

1982 - 1986

BA from Cornell University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 15 Location : Alexandria, Virginia, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Deputy Director at National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), at the National Science Foundation

<div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="DISC profile is one of the most popular behavioral assessment frameworks in use. It is especially useful in understanding workplace behavior and how different people approach similar situations differently.">DISC Profile : Michelle's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="disc_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">ic</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Dominance(D) reflects how goal and task oriented a person is and her ability to accomplish results, irrespective of how demanding the circumstances might be. Those scoring high tend to be motivated by winning, competition and success and can be described as direct, demanding and strong willed." style="position: absolute;top: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f1828d, #d2527f); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">D</div><div class="disclabel1" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general." style="position: absolute;right: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff;background: linear-gradient(270deg, #fad859, #f7ca18); height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">I</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Steadiness(S) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to focus on cooperation, support and taking everyone along. Those scoring high tend to be consistent and calm, are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and partner and could sometimes be indecisive or overly accommodating." style="position: absolute;bottom: -4%;left: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #b7f4d8, #66cc99);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">S</div><div class="disclabel2" data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical." style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 20px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #848ccf, #524eb7);height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:1">C</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="disc_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Influence</div>Influence(I) reflects the degree to which a person prefers to work by influencing or persuading others. Those scoring high tend to be people oriented, are motivated by social recognition and building relationships and can be described as warm and enthusiastic in general.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Calculativeness</div>Calculativeness(C) reflects the degree to which a person is likely to be cautious, systematic and analytical. Those scoring high tend to emphasise quality and accuracy, enjoy showing off their expertise or challenging assumptions but can sometimes overanalyze things and be overcritical.</div></div></div></div><div class="break-inside-avoid"><h1 class="sect-head" style="display:inline-flex; align-items:center"><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="OCEAN personality assessment, or Big 5 personality traits model, is the second most well-known behavioral assessment framework after MBTI. It provides a holistic way of understanding how people are and what to expect of them.">OCEAN Profile : Michelle's Key Traits </div></h1><div class="ocean_main personality_container" style="display: flex;align-items: center;justify-content: center;"><figure class="highcharts-figure"> <div class="frrole_circle_label" style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 67.5px);left: calc(50% - 66.5px);">Eca</div> <div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Openness(O) reflects the degree of intellectual curiosity, a desire to seek new experiences and a preference for novelty and variety. Those scoring high tend to be inventive, curious and open to trying new things whereas those scoring low tend to be consistent, cautious and more realistic in their approach." style="position: absolute;top: -7%;left: calc(50% - 12px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(90deg, #963694, rgb(175,79,173));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">O</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times." style="position: absolute;right: 4%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(180deg, #f15a22, rgb(255,115,59));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">C</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings." style="position: absolute;bottom: 3%;left: calc(50% - -93px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(270deg, #bf55ec, rgb(216,110,255));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">E</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude." style="position: absolute;left: 17%;top: calc(50% - -127px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #be5683, rgb(215,111,156));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">A</div><div data-toggle="tooltip" data-placement="bottom" title="" data-original-title="Emotional Stability(ES) refers to the degree to which one can experience unpleasant emotions like anger, anxiety etc. easily. Those scoring high tend to be calm, stable and are not perturbed easily whereas those scoring low can be passionate, excitable and have low impulse control, especially under stressful circumstances. (Emotional Stability is same as Neuroticism rated on a reverse scale)" style="position: absolute;left: 5%;top: calc(50% - 70px);z-index: 2;cursor: pointer; border-radius: 50%; color:#fff; background: linear-gradient(360deg, #f62459, rgb(255,61,114));height: 30px;width: 30px;font-size: 14px;align-items: center;justify-content: center;display: flex;font-weight: bold;opacity:0.72">N</div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 106.5px);left: calc(50% - 106.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:105px"></div><div style="position: absolute;top: calc(50% - 135.5px);left: calc(50% - 135.5px);border-radius:50%;border: 1.5px dotted #c8c6c6;padding:133px"></div> <div id="ocean_container"></div> </figure><div class="row traits-row" style="position: relative;width:70%;justify-content:flex-end;margin-right:10px"><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Extraversion</div>Extraversion(E) reflects the degree of assertiveness, sociability that an individual exhibits. People scoring high on extraversion tend to be outgoing, energetic and talkative whereas those scoring tend to be reserved, quiet and thoughtful, especially in social settings.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Conscientiousness</div>Conscientiousness(C) reflects the degree of self-discipline, focus on doing things in a planned manner and acting dutifully. Those scoring high are usually efficient, organized and focused whereas those scoring low tend to be easy-going, spontaneous and unreliable at times.</div><div class="personality-cards col-md-10"><div class="personality-head">Agreeableness</div>Agreeableness(A) reflects the degree of compassion, cooperation and general friendliness in a person. Those scoring high are mostly even-tempered, pleasant and easy to convince whereas those scoring low tend to challenge and question things and are likely to have a contrarian attitude.</div></div></div><hr class="divider-hr" style="margin-bottom:20px"></div>

Michelle Elekonich

Deputy Director at National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), at the National Science Foundation

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Overview

Personality Overview

Topics They Care About

Media Appearances

Work History

Education

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

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Insights For Selling To Michelle

During A Call Or A Meeting

When Cold Calling

Pattern Interrupt: Informal style, where you are talking in a friendly & casual manner, with a big smile on makes them want to speak to you.

Pace: Don't be too fast or too slow, stay in the middle. Sound like a 'brings happiness to others' person.

Tone: Speak with high energy and in a personal manner, as if you have met a friend suddenly after a long time.

Tactics To Win: Giving social proof, personal rapport, usage of superlatives, repeating their name.

Mistakes To Avoid: Information overload, use of negations

Making The Ask: Use positivity and/or humor to make the ask. It appeals to them, as if you are bringing a cheer to their day. (Avoid doing this with Dominant or Calculative types)

Subconscious Driver: They are driven by emotion more than any other type. Hence a proposition that excites them will immediately get their attention.

Greeting: Hey Michelle, [user_fname] here at [user_companynamefirsttwowords] calling you this morning/evening!

Opener: Now I know how much people love cold calls, so how about 30 seconds to tell you what I have for you?

Introduction: We have built an AI that predicts exactly what will build a solid relationship with each prospect before you even spend a minute with them.

Ask: Michelle, leaders just like you at companies like [abc], [xyz] have been blown away with what they have seen, why don’t we put 15 minutes on your calendar to show you if what I am saying is actually real, yeah?

Close: So morning at around [time] next [tuesday], shall we say? And is it [prospect_email]? Don't want to get that wrong you know!

When Writing An Email

Subject: Exciting but objective

Salutation: Yes ( Something usual)

Greeting: No

Emojis/GIFs:

Bullet Points: Could use

Closing Line: Logically summarize, keep high energy

Complimentary Close: Unique or standard

Tone of Words: Confident, informational

Overall Messaging: Focused on generating excitement while staying objective

Length of Mail: Medium

While Negotiating & Closing

The secret to closing fast with Michelle is

Will you ever get a clear answer from Michelle

Insights For Deal Planning

How fast (or slow) will Michelle move?

Can Michelle take some risk or not?

You And Michelle

Personality Compatibility

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