Melissa is a registered nurse and public health policy and research professional focused on strengthening health systems, advancing equity, and supporting health emergency preparedness across the Indo-Pacific.

As PHOENIX Senior Policy Advisor at the NCCTRC, Melissa supports country partnerships, capacity building, program monitoring and evaluation. She leads the program’s gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) work, with a focus on embedding disability inclusion in health emergency preparedness and response.

Melissa also holds a Research Fellow role at Menzies School of Health Research, contributing to primary healthcare and health systems research in collaboration with the World Health Organization and regional partners. Her work promotes inclusive, evidence-informed approaches that respond to country priorities and community needs.