Melissa is an educator, voice specialist, theatre artist, researcher, speaker, and Faculty-in-Residence in the . As a voice teacher, she specializes in musical theatre, pop styles, the history and performance of hip-hop, and opera/musical theatre crossover. Her scholarly book, The Scenario: Hip-Hop History and Performance Techniques for Musical Theatre, examines the pathway into hip-hop performance with historical and cultural awareness, vocal health, and authenticity. Among other pursuits beyond campus, Melissa is the rap and R&B coach for Rock the Audition, as well as a resident vocal consultant for the Lyric Opera of Chicago. On campus, she provides vital service as a faculty representative on the Community Safety Advisory Board and panelist within the University Hearing and Appeals System (UHAS).
