Lesley Michalegko

Lesley is the research project manager for the Center for Science, Technology & Environmental Policy Studies (C-STEPS) at Arizona State University. In this role, she supports a variety of research projects and the Center’s overall operations including: budget and human resources management, pre and post-award grant management, and assisting with the development of an online platform, SciOPS, designed to showcase STEM experts’ input on current events and timely science and tech issues.

Lesley holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Environmental Studies and Psychology from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. She has over ten years of experience working in the public sector, with a focus on public policy as it relates to sustainability and environmental protection. Prior to joining C-STEPS, Lesley worked in ASU’s University Sustainability Practices department where she designed and implemented programs and policies to advance sustainability across the institution. She has also held previous roles as a rule and regulation writer for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and as an event manager for ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability.

Lesley began her work in the public sector through the AmeriCorps Public Allies program, where she gained leadership and community development training, while serving at 10-month apprenticeship at the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, an environmental conservation non-profit based in Scottsdale.

Lesley has held several leadership roles in community outreach and policy development in the Phoenix area, including serving as appointed commissioner on the City of Phoenix Environmental Quality & Sustainability Commission and most recently, member of Valley Leadership Accelerate 2019 cohort. She is currently pursuing a J.D. at ASU's Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law.