Melissa is a tenured Associate Extension Professor at the University of Idaho, where she has been creating and delivering hybrid adult learning experiences for over nine years. She specializes in community development, horticulture, agriculture, and 4-H youth development programs, and has a strong track record of building community capacity through leadership and coalition-building. She holds a master's degree in Bioregional Planning and Community Design, and a bachelor's degree in Biology. She is also certified in Small Scale Agriculture and Science communications. She applies her diverse knowledge and skills to design and manage innovative and adaptive projects that meet the needs and interests of various stakeholder groups. She is passionate about facilitating positive change and enhancing the quality of life in rural Idaho.