Melissa received her A.B. degree in Social Studies from Harvard University and master’s degree with distinction in Development Studies from Cambridge University. Her academic work has focused on the intersection of health and politics, and she has additionally worked on access to medicines advocacy and research with the MSF Access Campaign, the Harvard School of Public Health, Universities Allied for Essential Medicines, the Health Global Access Project in Nairobi, the Student Global AIDS Campaign, and is a commissioner for the Lancet Youth Commission on Essential Medicines Policies. Prior to joining CHAI, she was a consultant at the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, focusing on advocacy and support to key populations in the context of transition from funding.
Our History
In 1999, a group of Princeton alumni, faculty, and staff launched Princeton in Africa as an independent affiliate of Princeton University inspired by the University’s informal motto, “Princeton in the Nation’s Service and in the Service of All Nations.” In 2010, the program opened up to include graduates of any US accredited university in order to meet the growing demand from host organizations and allow more young professionals access to the unique opportunities afforded by PiAf. During the past 20 years, we have placed over 600 Fellows with more than 100 organizations in 36 countries, while developing more strategic partnerships across Africa and creating more opportunities for our alumni community to engage with the continent and with one another.