Melissa gained her Master of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with first-class honours from the University of Auckland before moving to the United Kingdom to pursue a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology at University College London. Melissa has a strong background in academic research in both the UK and New Zealand, including experience with large datasets, quantitative analyses, and data visualisations. She has since gained extensive experience in the UK health and social care sector, working as a management consultant specialising in project management, reporting, risk assessment, strategic planning and relationship-building.