Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a Part-Time Lecturer at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), specializing in sustainability, industrial ecology, and the circular economy. He holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Health from Cornell University and an A.B. in Politics from UC Santa Cruz. His research focuses on the role of sustainability professionals in organizations and the development of innovative sustainability tools.

He co-founded Brown and Wilmanns Environmental (BWE), LLC, contributing to projects like the Nike Materials Sustainability Index and the Made-By Fibre Environmental Benchmark. Previously, he led Patagonia’s Environmental Assessment Program and advised government agencies on business sustainability initiatives.

Michael serves on the California Ocean Protection Council and nonprofit boards focused on environmental protection. His teaching includes courses such as Industrial Ecology and Waste Management Strategies. He advocates for systems-based sustainability solutions and emphasizes aligning programs with organizational values.