Melissa Baird Email & Phone Number

Alexandria, Virginia, United States

Associate Dean of STEM Equity, Graduate School

Sponsored through the VP of Research Program and supported by the Dean of the Graduate School, guided the implementation of internal and external graduate program reviews, development of graduate student learning objectives, and implementation of assessment methods by graduate programs; developed, implemented, and supported activities to enhance advising and mentoring of graduate students, including grant development and support, expanded efforts to attract and retain a diverse graduate student body, and implement activities designed to enhance the professional and career development of graduate students; support efforts to increase the diversity of the graduate population at Michigan Tech, following the University’s Strategic Plan; represented the Graduate School at Graduate Faculty Council and Graduate Student Government meetings, Council of Deans, as needed.

Grad Director for 2 MS, 3 Ph.D., and 3 Accelerated MS programs in Social Sciences. Responsible for managing all aspects of these programs and advising students and faculty on academic matters. Chaired the Graduate Affairs Committee, served as a resource person on rules and policies, managed graduate activities, monitored program design and record keeping, ensured graduate information was up to date and consistent, and communicated regulations and work with Graduate School and faculty. Oversaw placement of GTAs, attended information sessions, worked with Department Chair, and supervised the Coordinator of Student programs on work related to GD. Worked with faculty to monitor and record student progress, communicated procedures and rules, advised students, and filed and reviewed annual progress reports. Led admissions, answered questions from prospective students, oversaw student orientation, and participated in decisions on awards. Helped with registration and class selection. Provided direction on thesis examinations and defenses. Ensured faculty were current on program regulations and changes, represented the department at Graduate Faculty Council, and liaised with Graduate School, Dean, and administrators.

Designed and launched the department's first Undergraduate Director. Included designing undergraduate and graduate research programs (UPPeRs and Mentoring Experiences for Graduate Students- MEG) and awards. Developed record-keeping and tracking for student success. Liaised with Chair and Dean of Undergraduate, Pavlis Honor's College to develop programs to support student success and retention.

Postdoctoral Researcher Department of Anthropology, Woods Institute for the Environment, and Stanford Archaeological Center

Postdoc

Woods Institute for the Environment Department of Anthropology Stanford Archaeology Center

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Anthropology

Summa Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa Highest Distinction & McCown Prize (Outstanding Graduating Senior)

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd & Ms

National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow Oregon Humanities Center Graduate Fellow Theodore Stern Distinguished Teaching Fellow.