Michael Lizotte, Ph.D.

Mike Lizotte joined UNC Charlotte in 2013. He holds degrees in Environmental Science (University of Massachusetts), Botany (Virginia Tech) and Marine Biology (University of Southern California). He was previously the sustainability director at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where he also served as a professor of ecology and helped found programs in environmental studies and sustainability management. He continues to teach sustainability in an online graduate business degree program and for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Dr. Lizotte also has experience in science administration as a research director for Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences and as a consultant detailed to NASA Headquarters to study the effectiveness of interdisciplinary science teams. In a research career studying the ecology of algae, he made twelve trips to Antarctica and one to the Arctic. Lizotte Creek in Antarctica was named in his honor.

The University Sustainability Officer leads and supports initiatives that improve the environmental, social, and financial sustainability of UNC Charlotte. They conduct assessments of sustainability, review plans and designs created by other units, organize outreach to the campus community, and support faculty in their teaching and research. They serve as the Chair for the Environmental Sustainability Working Group and the Culture of Sustainability Working Group.