Melissa Alford
About Melissa Alford
Melissa Alford is a Research Study Coordinator at the Institute for Community Inclusion - UMass Boston, with a focus on international and cross-cultural mental health research. She has a BA from Haverford College and an MHS from The Johns Hopkins University, along with extensive experience in organizing fundraising events and facilitating groups.
Current Role at UMass Boston
Melissa Alford has been serving as a Research Study Coordinator at the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston since 2014. In this role, she is involved in coordinating research studies that focus on community inclusion and mental health. Her work contributes to understanding and improving the lives of individuals in the Greater Boston Area.
Educational Background
Melissa Alford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Haverford College. She furthered her education at The Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a Master of Health Science in International Public Health/Health Systems from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, she obtained a Certificate in Health Emergencies in Large Populations from the Center of Excellence for Disaster Relief and Emergency Preparedness in 2002.
Professional Experience
Prior to her current position, Melissa worked as a Research Assistant at the Human Services Research Institute from 2011 to 2012. She also spent two years as a Community Peer at Rosetta Stone from 2009 to 2011. Her diverse experience includes organizing and running fundraising events and facilitating various groups, showcasing her ability to manage and lead initiatives.
Research Interests and Advocacy
Melissa Alford is interested in international and cross-cultural mental health research. She actively advocates for mental health issues at the state level, contributing to discussions and initiatives aimed at improving mental health services. Her involvement in research and advocacy reflects her commitment to enhancing mental health awareness and support.
Certifications and Training
Melissa is certified as an Internal Review Board member and has served on multiple boards, indicating her expertise in research ethics. She has extensive training in Motivational Interviewing, including Training the Trainers, which enhances her skills in facilitating discussions and interventions in various settings.