Michael's research has been recognized through numerous competitive fellowships and grants, including Fellowships from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and from Society in Science – The Branco Weiss Fellowship. In 2015 he was awarded 1 of 10 Young Investigator Grant worldwide from the Human Frontier Science Program, and in 2016 he was the winner of an ERC Starting Grant. Nash’ research is in the broad area of nanobiomaterials and biophysical chemistry, specifically focusing on single-​molecule protein mechanical properties, protein and polymer engineering, and the interface between synthetic and biological systems.