

Michelle Laboy serves as the Research Lead for SENTRY’s Layered Security Architecture Design and Simulation research area. As an Associate Professor of Architecture at Northeastern University, she brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and practical experience to her work, helping to develop security strategies that respect the integrity and purpose of the spaces they are designed to protect.
A longstanding interest in the many aspects of designing the built environment – defined as the human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity – shaped Michelle’s path to her current role. Initially drawn to civil and environmental engineering, Michelle gained a solid technical foundation that she later expanded through architecture and urban planning studies. Her expertise in sustainable design naturally extended to include resilience as she began to explore how we can design physical environments that can resist, recover, or adapt to changes in use or natural disruptions. Her work on design for the threats of climate change led her to explore the question of human-made threats.
Today, she and her team approach design and security from multiple angles, integrating technical, environmental, social, and ethical considerations into their work. This practical approach ensures that solutions balance security with the character, values, and functionality of the venues and communities deployed, whether a school, a concert hall, or an office building. Michelle works collaboratively to apply this mindset of enhancing security without compromising the human experience across SENTRY’s four core research areas.
In addition to her role as a Research Lead, Michelle is the Principal Investigator for the SENTRY project, Architectural Design Research: Integrating Security in the Public Realm. The project aims to develop a holistic approach to enhancing security in public spaces by leveraging human intelligence and passive and multi-functional environmental strategies to improve security, minimize the need for costly technology, and, when required, improve their performance. While leading this security research effort, Michelle remains cautious about the potential ethical implications of security technology, especially regarding privacy and human rights. She hopes that her work with SENTRY will contribute to a future where technology is used responsibly, respecting the dignity and privacy of individuals while creating a sense of safety in thriving public spaces.
Beyond her professional passions, Michelle enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors. Whether cultivating flowers on her roof deck, growing produce in her urban community garden, volunteering in her local park, or biking across the city with her family, she finds joy in creating and caring for environments that support and enhance community well-being. This personal passion mirrors her professional dedication to designing spaces that empower people to live freely and without fear.
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