Melissa Natividade

Melissa is the Conservation Outreach and Education Assistant in the Conservation and Research Department. She coordinates The Rare Plant RaMP Network, which focuses on research and professional development experience for mentees from demographics historically excluded from STEM.

Melissa acquired her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from The College of New Jersey. Following her graduation, Melissa joined the Animal, Science, and Environment team at Walt Disney’s Animal Kingdom where she specialized in conservation education and animal husbandry. Melissa previously worked with Science from Scientists as a Science Presenter, where she joined her passion for conservation education, botany, and performance art. She values forging rooted, accessible connections within conservation and the public at large and is looking forward to furthering this mission through the Garden’s vast conservation efforts.