Director of Accrual Strategies | Academic Research Organization for Clinical Trials
AB 770
Melissa began her research administration career at Baylor College of Medicine, supporting investigators and research trainees at the Texas Children’s Cancer Center with grant development. After relocating to Birmingham in 2002, she has held several roles at UAB, building expertise in research education, career development, and investigator support. Her experience in the Office of Program Planning and Educational Research and the Center for Clinical and Translational Science helped shape institution-wide training and career development initiatives. Melissa later helped establish and grow the UAB Pediatric Research Office at Children’s of Alabama, strengthening research infrastructure and support services for pediatric investigators and study teams. Today, as the inaugural Director of Accrual Strategies for Clinical Trials, she leverages more than 20 years of experience in research administration and operations to lead institutional efforts that enhance clinical trial enrollment.
Melissa received a B.S. in Human Ecology from the University of Tennessee and a M.Ed. in Education from the University of Louisville.