Faces of the Library - Danielle Michaud

Get to know the people behind the scenes who are here to support your academic journey, guiding you to the best resources for your research and studies.

With our new interview series, Faces of the Library, we're highlighting a few of the dedicated people, employees, librarians, and specialists who make our library an essential resource for students and faculty. Discover their insights, learn about their recommended tools, and see how they can support your academic journey.

We met with Danielle Michaud, Supervisor of the Telfer Finance Lab. Learn more about her knowledge and expertise!

Tell us more about you and your role at the Library.

My name is Danielle Michaud, I’ve spent over 25 years in asset management, and my favorite part was being an analyst. I loved diving into the economy, trying to figure out how the world works by looking at it through the lens of the financial system. Moving into academia was a natural fit. Now, as the Supervisor of the Telfer Finance Lab, I get to support both research and academics. Many think the Lab is just for finance, but in today’s world, data is everywhere. The Lab is a resource that can serve students and faculty across all fields of study, not just finance.

Why do you love working at the Library?

This position requires a strong grasp of the markets, and while my background isn't in library sciences, it's closely related due to its focus on information. This unique niche gives me the freedom to engage in the data-driven work I love and take on diverse projects. What I love most is that there’s always something new to tackle—there’s no shortage of opportunities!

What resources or databases do you find particularly useful for undergraduate and graduate research?

Determining which resources are most important is a challenge, as it depends on what you're seeking. Bloomberg, LSEG Workspace, and WRDS are all very strong contenders, each offering unique advantages depending on your research needs.

What’s one thing you want students to know?

Finance touches almost every decision we make, no matter the industry. Understanding the basics of finance can help get projects approved and funded, and being skilled at manipulating data is valuable no matter where you work. With that in mind, our lab is here to support you. It’s a place where you can develop these crucial skills, make connections, and build lasting friendships.

What’s your favorite Book or author?

With so many amazing books available, picking just one can be tough! To get a broad understanding of the world, I like to read a bit of everything. However, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks really stood out to me with its collection of cases about patients living with neurological issues. As someone with a background in math and economics, it was fascinating to see how the brain works in such surprising, mysterious, and complex ways.