Melissa Parkinson

Melissa Parkinson is an undergraduate student at Washington University in St. Louis, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science and Secondary Education, with a minor in Political Science. Currently serving as a Media & Communications Intern at the Tyson Research Center, Melissa also contributes as a Student Consultant in the Interdisciplinary Environmental Clinic, where interdisciplinary teams advocate on environmental and community health cases. In academic support roles, Melissa assists over 200 students as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant in courses related to environmental policy and geology, while also creating innovative grading strategies. As a Washington University Student Associate, responsibilities include facilitating community engagement for incoming students, alongside roles in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to promote WashU to prospective students. Additionally, experience with the Downers Grove Park District includes developing and leading science curricula for nature camps, and prior work on political campaigns involved grassroots organizing and volunteer training.