While pursuing a master’s degree in Chemical Oceanography at the University of Puerto Rico Marine Sciences Department, Melissa provided support in maritime operations for the installation and maintenance of the acidification buoy. In addition, she carried out laboratory analysis, sensor calibration, and coordinated activities to disseminate information on the impact of acidification on marine ecosystems. Melissa completed her Ph.D. in  Chemical Oceanography at the University of New Hampshire. She is currently an Affiliate Research Faculty at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.