Michèle Companion

Dr. Michèle Companion is a Professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (College of Letters, Arts & Sciences). She specializes in food and livelihood security in complex emergencies, disaster studies, Indigenous communities, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). Her work bridges academic research and humanitarian practice globally.

• Education: Ph.D. in Sociology (2003), University of Arizona

Research Interests: Focus on disaster risk reduction, food sovereignty, Indigenous rights, climate change impacts, urban Native American populations, and cultural barriers to healthy eating. She pioneers educational modules like 'Bucket Brigades' for urban food access and health outcomes.

Scientific Awards:

• RC-39 President’s Service Award (2018)

Grants & Professional Roles: Served as a grant reviewer for USDA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program. Held leadership roles in the World Social Science Association, Association of Applied and Clinical Sociology, and the International Sociological Association’s Research Committee on Disasters (RC-39), where she is now its President.

Labs & Collaborations: Visiting Research Professor at Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute (Maki Lab) and Secretary/Treasurer of the Lowlander Center in Louisiana, focusing on climate adaptation and Indigenous advocacy.