Melissa Velez
About Melissa Velez
Melissa Velez serves as the Director for Data Services and Project Operations at Harvard Business School, bringing over 15 years of experience in data analysis and project management. She holds a PhD in Sociology from New York University and has a strong background in translating complex data into accessible formats.
Current Role at Harvard Business School
Melissa Velez serves as the Director for Data Services and Project Operations at Harvard Business School. In this role, she has been responsible for overseeing data-related projects and ensuring efficient operations since 2018. Her position involves managing multidisciplinary teams and implementing data-driven strategies to support the institution's objectives.
Previous Experience at Abt Associates
Prior to her current role, Melissa Velez worked at Abt Associates in various capacities. She served as a Senior Analyst from 2010 to 2014, followed by a position as an Associate from 2014 to 2018. During her tenure, she gained valuable experience in data wrangling, cleansing, and aggregation, contributing to data-driven decision-making processes.
Educational Background
Melissa Velez has an extensive educational background. She earned her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology from New York University, studying from 2003 to 2010. Additionally, she holds an A.B. in Psychology from Princeton University, which she completed from 1997 to 2001. She also obtained a Graduate Certificate in Data Science from Harvard Extension School, where she studied from 2018 to 2021.
Technical Skills and Expertise
Melissa Velez possesses over 15 years of experience in programming, designing studies, and analyzing data using advanced statistical techniques. She has a strong ability to translate complex technical methods and results into non-technical language, making her insights accessible through presentations and visualizations. Her expertise supports effective communication within multidisciplinary teams.
Early Career at MDRC and New York University
Melissa Velez began her career as a Technical Research Assistant at MDRC from 2001 to 2003. She then transitioned to New York University, where she worked as a Research Fellow and Apprentice from 2003 to 2010. These early roles contributed to her foundational knowledge and skills in research and data analysis.