Melissa is responsible for developing and implementing programs to advance the translation of research to clinical practice, including an innovation training course through a national consortium funded by NIH. She convenes and connects innovators across the regional life science ecosystem and works closely with academic and industry partners to facilitate programs for investigators and clinicians with early-stage ideas. Melissa also coordinates the OCTRI KL2 award and Scholars program, which engage and support OHSU’s early-career investigators in their transition to research independence.

Melissa holds an M.S. in public health from the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health and a B.S. in business administration with a focus in entrepreneurship from the University of Oregon. She brings expertise in project management, partner cultivation and business development strategies. 

Melissa enjoys biking (mountain and road), traveling and spending time with her family of four. Melissa is passionate about creating an inclusive and equitable STEM culture and a volunteer board member for Women in Science Portland.