Jessica Ostrow Michel is a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Michigan's School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS), collaborating with Dr. Michaela Zint on the project Innovative Pedagogies for Cultivating Leadership Amidst the Climate Change Crisis . Her research focuses on sustainability and environmental justice education in higher education contexts. Doctor of Education , Teachers College, Columbia University Master of Education , Teachers College, Columbia University Master of Arts , Higher and Postsecondary Education, Teachers College, Columbia University Bachelor of Arts , Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication and Spanish, SUNY New Paltz Micel’s research explores interdisciplinary pedagogies, curriculum integration, and leadership development in sustainability education. She investigates how institutional frameworks and student engagement influence environmental literacy and justice outcomes, with publications in Sustainability Science , Sustainability , and Environmental Education Research . Her recent publications include analyses of sustainability leadership competencies, curriculum mapping, and student learning outcomes. Collaborative work spans institutions like Teachers College, Columbia University, and SUNY New Paltz, addressing systemic integration of sustainability practices in graduate and undergraduate programs. Michel’s work bridges educational theory with climate action strategies, emphasizing the role of higher education in fostering environmentally conscious leadership and equity-centered pedagogies.










