Michael Schmeltz, M.S., Dr.P.H.
Biography
Michael Schmeltz is an Associate Professor at California State University, East Bay, where he teaches environmental health and health policy courses. Prior to his academic appointment, Dr. Schmeltz has worked on occupational and environmental health issues at local, state, and federal government organizations. His research and work have focused on the risk assessment and community risk perceptions of environmental and climate hazards and their impacts on the health equity of vulnerable populations. His current work has expanded into climate change governance and policy development, specifically addressing extreme heat action plans and exploring ways to achieve a ‘just transition’ towards decarbonization.
Dr. Schmeltz is a nationally recognized expert on environmental health issues and has been appointed to two federal advisory committees, including a review committee for the US EPA environmental justice-screening tool and as a member of the US EPA Board of Scientific Counselors. He also holds advisory roles with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Dr. Schmeltz has worked extensively with communities impacted by environmental and climate hazards in planning and program development to improve responses and resilience in the most affected populations. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, he believes representation of historically marginalized populations matter in making informed public health decisions to fully understand the benefits and consequences of those decisions.
Dr. Schmeltz is a lifelong New Yorker currently residing in California. He earned a BS in Biomedical Research and Clinical Sciences at Boston University, an MS in Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (Industrial Hygiene) at Hunter College, and a DrPH from the Public Health program (now the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy) at the CUNY Graduate Center. He did his post-doctoral work at the US EPA from 2015-2017 as an Environmental Health Fellow through the Association of Schools and Program of Public Health (ASPPH).