Sonya Ziaja

Sonya Ziaja is an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Baltimore School of Law, specializing in Environmental Law, Climate Adaptation, and Water Governance. She teaches courses on Environmental Law, Climate Adaptation, Law and Equity, Water Law, Energy Law, Administrative Law, and Property.

• Ph.D. in Geography, University of Arizona
• M.Sc. in Water Science, Policy and Management, University of Oxford
• J.D., University of California College of the Law, San Francisco
• B.A., University of Michigan

Her research explores the intersection of environmental governance, law, and technological systems, focusing on how legal frameworks can adapt to climate change challenges while addressing equity and democratic participation. Her work has been featured in top law journals, including Georgetown Law Journal and Ecology Law Quarterly, with a 2022 article on algorithmic decision-making in environmental law recognized as a leading contribution.

Scientific Awards:

• 2024-2025 Pace Award

Ziaja brings practical experience from roles at the California Public Utilities Commission and the California Energy Commission, where she addressed energy regulation and climate-water-energy nexus issues. Her interdisciplinary work bridges geography, water governance, and legal policy.