Melissa G Ocepek

Melissa G Ocepek is an Assistant Professor in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Illinois, with an affiliation at the Center for Social & Behavioral Science. Her research focuses on Everyday Information Behavior, Misinformation Governance, and Cultural Heritage Protection. She explores how communities co-construct knowledge and misinformation in digital and social contexts, emphasizing ethical frameworks and policy solutions.

Her work bridges theory and practice through studies on food acquisition behaviors during crises, digital literacy in computer science education, and the intersection of law and cultural preservation. Notable contributions include analyzing misinformation dynamics in knowledge commons and investigating the role of libraries in fostering inclusive food policy discussions.

Ocepek’s publications often combine empirical research with interdisciplinary perspectives, addressing topics like social norms, participatory governance, and transdisciplinary collaboration. Her articles frequently highlight case studies and policy implications, emphasizing real-world applications of information science research.

Collaborations include partnerships with institutions like the Center for Social & Behavioral Science, focusing on projects such as combating abuses of power in systems and exploring everyday life contexts in LIS research. She has co-edited volumes on misinformation governance and contributed to studies on food policy and digital toolkits for data storytelling.