Melissa is an editor, journalist and communications specialist. Her work focuses on borders and the rights of people on the move across the UK, Jordan, Syria, Turkey and Greece. She has written for several international publications including Al Jazeera, The New Humanitarian, openDemocracy and Middle East Eye. She also works as editor for Beyond Trafficking and Slavery, which is part of openDemocracy. 

Melissa holds a master's degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from Utrecht University, where her research examined pushbacks along the Greece-Turkey border. She holds a bachelor's degree in English Language and Literature from King's College London. She has a background in the support and humanitarian sectors, research and campaigning.