Home / Alyssa Melendez – TIE Fellow/WSSS
Alyssa MelendezSchool: Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy Department: Agriculture, Food, and Environment Research Interests: Conservation and Ecology, Water Science & Systems, Food Systems, Climate Change, Public Health Learn more about some of Alyssa's (and Nayla's) preliminary research findings here. |
Alyssa is a Master's Student at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy majoring in Agriculture, Food, and Environment. She expects to complete her studies in May 2019. Before coming to Tufts, Alyssa earned her B.A. in Environmental Policy and Humanitarian Studies from Fordham University. While at Fordham, Alyssa worked with the Science Technology Entry Program (STEP), which is a pre-college enrichment program for underrepresented and low-income students interested in STEM-related fields. She also conducted urban ecology research on the Bronx River. Alyssa also completed a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in Hood River, Oregon, where she worked as the Food Access and Outreach Assistant for the Gorge Grown Food Network. In addition to being a TIE Fellow/WSSS Student, Alyssa is also a co-chair of the Friedman Justice League.
When asked what she found most meaningful about her field of study, Alyssa responded with the following: "What I find most meaningful about the Agriculture, Food, and Environment program is the interdisciplinary approach it takes. In order to address the complex issues of our food system, we need to work across sectors to develop creative solutions".
When asked what interested her in WSSS and the TIE Fellowship, Alyssa responded with the following: "I applied for the WSSS certificate, because I wanted to gain hands-on experience in the field, especially in relation to the food and water nexus. My research partner and I applied for the TIE fellowship, because we were passionate about bringing to light the stories of the agro-ecological farmers after Hurricane María. With TIE's support we were able to achieve that and inform our communities of our findings".
When not doing school work, Alyssa can be found spending time with family and friends, reading, hiking, and playing piano/guitar.
Favorite Food: Cheese
Favorite Place You've Visited: Morocco
Favorite Thing You've Seen: When her niece was born