Melissa earned her first bachelor’s degree in dietetics with an emphasis in nutritional biochemistry from the University of Kentucky, and went on to work in both acute and long term care facilities. She returned to school at USC to study biomedical engineering where she graduated with a BS in biomedical (mechanical) engineering and an MS in biomedical (chemical) engineering. Her research is focused on low-cost solutions to common conditions, particularly those involving women’s health and point of care diagnostics. She is a huge animal lover and has two dogs, her precious pound puppy “Pongo” and a roly-poly spaniel named “Waffles”. She is also involved in charity work with the Beagle Freedom Project, which raises money to purchase laboratory testing dogs so they may retire in loving homes.