Michele Okoh

Michele Okoh is an Assistant Professor of Law at Lewis & Clark College's Law School, teaching criminal law and criminal procedure. Her scholarship critically examines intersections of criminal justice, environmental justice, and public health law through an advocacy-focused lens.

Her academic credentials include:

• MPH in Public Health from The George Washington University
• Juris Doctor (JD) from Duke University School of Law
• BA, cum laude, from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Professor Okoh's research investigates systemic inequities in environmental and health policy, with emphasis on water contamination, maternal health impacts, and climate change consequences for marginalized communities. Her work consistently bridges legal theory with practical advocacy, addressing racial disparities in environmental enforcement and public health crises.

Publication trends reveal deep engagement with climate adaptation law, environmental health hazards, and pandemic-related legal challenges. Her scholarship spans doctrinal analysis of water rights, critiques of medical waste regulation, and examinations of privacy in public health surveillance, all framed within environmental justice frameworks.

Professional recognition includes:

• 2021 Rebecca A. Head Award from the American Public Health Association's Environment Section for outstanding leadership in environmental justice, policy, and science

She maintains active service roles as section councilor for APHA's Environment Section and representative on the APHA Action Board for both Law and Environment Sections, previously co-chairing APHA's Environmental Justice Committee. Her extracurricular engagement includes theater production and direction, notably the regional premiere of Eclipsed for the Women's Theatre Festival.