Previously, Melissa worked for the University of Michigan’s Graham Sustainability Institute and for the U.S. Forest Service. She holds degrees from Michigan State University (B.S.) and The Ohio State University (M.S.). At one point in her career she was a certified wildland firefighter, and spent some time with a hotshot crew in Idaho working on fires in Idaho, Arizona, and Utah.

Can you explain what you do?

In the very simplest of terms, I work with people to help them think about how their work can make the world a better place. As Associate Director of the Erb Institute, my work crosses all three of our platforms: research, engagement, and education. I work with scholars to connect their business sustainability research with practice. I collaborate with business leaders to identify pathways for achieving their sustainability goals. And I help our students apply their business sustainability knowledge and skills through action-based learning. This work is grounded in the belief that business plays a critical role in justly advancing social, environmental, and economic sustainability.

What is your favorite part about your job?

I am fortunate to have a job where I am constantly learning and growing. I work with a range of stakeholders representing broad interests, industries, and sectors, including business leaders, community advocates, and policy makers. Through these partnerships, I am continually gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of sustainability. Out of all of our stakeholder groups, however, the one from which I learn the most is hands down our students. Their perspectives, insights, and ideas challenge my thinking – in the best possible way – on a regular basis. I love that I get to work in this kind of environment.

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