Melissa Bender Email & Phone Number

New York, United States

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Air Quality, Energy, Climate Change, Asbestos, Noise, Environmental Audit and Hazardous & Contaminated Materials program leadProject manager for State (SEQR) and Federal (NEPA) environmental compliance of all DOT projectsPerforming air quality analyses to confirm regional conformity with EPA NAAQS using MOVES modelScreening structures for asbestos containing materials through desktop review and field observations to write project-specific asbestos recommendations under 12 NYCRR Part 56NYSDOL certified Asbestos Project Designer for DOT Buffalo and Syracuse (Regions 3 and 5)

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Performed data analyses and writing technical reports that were published on EPA.gov Reviewed Federal greenhouse gas regulation (40 CFR Part 98, among other related regulations) to guide industry reporters Researched burden reduction policy options to streamline the program for industry and government Presented webinars to explain changes to the data system for industry reporters Served as a member of the project development team of electronic GHG reporting tool for various programs along with multiple contractors and subject matter experts Interfaced with State regulatory agencies to design a common State/Federal greenhouse gas reporting form

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Communicated with WNYSBR members to identify best practices and increase collaborationTracked sustainability metrics based on SBR reporting toolCreated individually tailored sustainability plans for each member business

Remote

Researched RGGI states' renewable energy policy to inform policy decisions

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Compiled the Erie County Climate Smart Communities Greenhouse Gas Inventory through multi departmental communication and database organization Wrote initial iteration of Erie County Climate Action & Sustainability Plan, which was based off of GHG Inventory data, to support municipal resiliency Engaged in community pollution prevention outreach, focused on recycling and storm water awareness Presented the Inventory as the County environmental representative to the Environmental Management Committee for further action and stakeholder awareness

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Interviewed key members and created a funding presentation with a focus on organizational management and enhanced cross-group communicationWrote a blog post to educate the public about the target platforms of the Alliance (specifically transportation) and initiate further sustainable actionEngaged in various groups of the Alliance, including urban food availability, transportation, energy, waste reduction, and water issues

Greater New York City Area

Faciliatated the creation of the IRI Data Library Glossary to increase usage of the data by the public and other non-scientists

Greater New York City Area

Consulted for Columbia students that needed assistance with GIS projects

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Trained students of different proficiency backgrounds simultaneously Tracked student performance based on proficiency level towards final goal of a public performance Collaborated with other teachers in organizing joint performances to foster teamwork within the programs

Buffalo/Niagara, New York Area

Collaborated with small group of peer forecastersAnalyzed models to predict weather for localized site of private sector wind farm installation

Master’S Degree, Climate & Society

Activities and Societies: Barnard-Columbia Chorus

Bachelor’S Degree, Individualized Studies- Climatology, Summa Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: Co-President of Meteorology Club Presenter of “Western NY Climate Map”, American Association of Geographers.

Bachelor’S Degree, Music Teacher Education, Summa Cum Laude

Activities and Societies: All College Honors Program, Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Lambda Delta, Nafme, Buffalo State Philharmonia, Jazz.

Master’S Degree, Music Performance, General

Activities and Societies: UB Symphony Orchestra, UB Summer Strings Workshop, UB Jazz Ensemble

Geography

Study Abroad Field Course to Buenos Aires, Argentina through the Geography Department, December 2011- January 2012

Spanish Language And Literature

Study Abroad experience to Madrid, Spain through the Spanish Language and Culture program June-August 2011