Martha Matsuoka

Martha Matsuoka is a Professor of Urban and Environmental Policy and Executive Director of the Urban & Environmental Policy Institute at Occidental College. She holds a B.A. from Occidental College, an M.C.P. from UC Berkeley, and a Ph.D. from UCLA.

• Education: A.B., Occidental College; M.C.P., UC Berkeley; Ph.D., UCLA

Her research and teaching focus on environmental justice, community-based organizing, and social movements within urban planning and policy contexts. She collaborates extensively with NGOs such as East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice and the Asian Pacific Environmental Network.

Recent publications include the 2024 book Ground Truths: Community-Engaged Research for Environmental Justice, which explores participatory research methods aligned with grassroots activism. Her work spans community resilience, policy analysis, and urban sustainability.

She actively contributes to social justice initiatives, serving on the Board of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, advocating for immigrant rights and criminal justice reform.