Lesley Forst Michalegko

About Lesley Forst Michalegko

Lesley is a Research Project Manager at the Center for Science, Technology and Environmental Policy Studies (C-STEPS) at Arizona State University (ASU), where she supports a portfolio of research projects focused on the nexus of scientific, technological, and environmental change on a global scale. She has over 10 years of experience in the public sector, with a focus on public policy as it relates to sustainability and environmental protection. Lesley is also a J.D. candidate at the Sandra Day O\'Connor College of Law at ASU. She holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from the University of Southern California, and has completed a study abroad program in Environmental Science at the University of Edinburgh. Lesley has led several initiatives and programs to advance sustainability across ASU and the Phoenix area, such as developing and launching SciOPS, a new kind of science digital communication platform, increasing student sustainability leadership and participation in community service, and serving as an appointed commissioner on the City of Phoenix Environmental Quality and Sustainability Commission. Lesley is a skilled writer, researcher, and community outreach coordinator, who strives to create positive impact through policy and program development and evaluation.

Experience

1. Affiliate Attorney

   Coppersmith Brockelman Plc

   Oct 2025 — Present

Education

• Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University

  Doctor of Law - JD

• University of Southern California

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Environmental Studies; Psychology

  2005 — 2010

• University of Edinburgh, Scotland

  Environmental Science

  2009 — 2009

• University of Southern California

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Environmental Studies

  2009 — 2010