Melissa Nel Email & Phone Number

I have more than seven years of experience as a social science researcher with a background in project development, coordination, and research conduct, collaborating with diverse teams at universities and non-profits globally. My expertise lies in working closely with marginalised and affected communities, particularly those vulnerable to crises at the intersection of health, services, and resources. I have dedicated myself to developing a comprehensive understanding of on-the-ground needs and problems related to environmental health and communicable infectious diseases in urban/peri-urban contexts of sub-Saharan Africa. My approach involves fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, young people, and interdisciplinary academic researchers such as research psychologists, anthropologists, and engineers. Central to my work is a commitment to representation and inclusion, especially of vulnerable populations. I strive to amplify their voices in decision-making processes related to service delivery and design.