Michelle Lewis

Dr. Michelle Lewis serves as a Lecturer in the Social Sciences and Global Studies Department within the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). She began her full-time teaching career at CSUMB in 2014, bringing with her 25 years of professional experience as an evaluator and public health researcher.

Dr. Lewis earned her doctoral degree from The American University before transitioning to academia. Her extensive professional background informs her teaching approach and scholarly work in the social sciences, creating a unique bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Dr. Lewis specializes in anthropological research methods, program evaluation, and public health issues with particular focus on HIV/AIDS prevention and care, women's health, and social justice. Her interdisciplinary expertise allows her to connect cultural anthropology with critical public health concerns, providing students with valuable perspectives on how social structures impact health outcomes. She is particularly passionate about teaching academic writing in the social sciences and cultural anthropology, emphasizing the development of research skills that students can apply to real-world issues.

As an engaged member of the CSUMB community, Dr. Lewis contributes significantly through capstone advising and mentoring. She plays an active role in campus-wide assessment activities designed to improve student learning outcomes, demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence. Her involvement extends beyond the classroom as she helps shape curriculum and assessment practices that benefit the entire Social Sciences and Global Studies Department.

Dr. Lewis teaches a diverse range of courses including Human Biocultural Evolution, Cultural Anthropology, Academic Writing in the Social Sciences, and specialized topics such as Tattoos, Makeup & Burkas and the Anthropology of Education. Her course offerings reflect her dedication to providing students with both foundational knowledge and innovative perspectives that challenge traditional disciplinary boundaries and encourage critical thinking about contemporary social issues.