Melissa studies news literacy, misinformation, and global media with a focus on African media studies, and engagement.

Melissa has a particular interest in media produced in and about Africa and has conducted research in multiple Sub-Saharan African countries. She is currently working on research about misinformation and news literacy in Kenya and Senegal.

Melissa teaches courses that focus on social and digital media for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Melissa is also the Director of the Global Media Studies Working Group at the Obermann Center and a Researcher Affiliate at the Center for Social Science Innovation.