ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m Melissa!

This is a space where I keep and share the projects I create on my free time. I love exploring data, uncovering patterns, and turning insights into stories that make sense of complex problems. Here, you’ll see my background, the work I’ve done, the ideas I’m exploring, and a bit of my curiosity in action.

Feel free to look around and see what I’m up to!

Description of GIF

INTERESTS

Data-Driven Storytelling

Data-Driven Storytelling

I enjoy taking complex datasets and turning them into clear, creative visuals that make insights easy to understand and act on. For me, data science is just as much about communicating stories from data as it is about analyzing it.

Geospatial Intelligence

Geospatial Analysis

Geospatial datasets are some of my favorite to analyze. Their high dimensionality makes problems complex, while the visualizations they enable are both eye-catching and meaningful.

Algorithms and Exploration

Machine Learning Algorithms and Exploration

My projects focus on applying machine learning techniques to uncover hidden patterns in large datasets. Exploring different approaches keeps the work engaging and constantly helps me learn.

Sustainability Through Data

Sustainability Through Data

I use data science as a tool to explore opportunities for positive change. When applied thoughtfully, data can make a meaningful difference across multiple issues and domains.

RESUME

Education

Master of Science in Data Science
Concentration in Cognitive & Prescriptive Analytics
Lewis University


Bachelor of Science in Biology
Washington State University

Skills

Programming Languages: SQL, Python, M Code, DAX, RDL

Data Management: Microsoft SQL Server, Snowflake, Power BI, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), Git

Certificates

Certificate in SQL Server Development
University of Washington

Employment

Data Scientist/Analyst
Hanford Tank Waste Operations and Closure, Richland, WA

  • Enhanced and optimized existing Python scripts to streamline workflows and improve overall processing efficiency.
  • Developed interactive and static visualizations from complex timeseries datasets.
  • Assessed the current data environment and recommended improvements to ensure data quality, reliability, and scalability for analysis.

Supply Chain Data Analyst
Lamb Weston, Kennewick, WA

  • Designed and automated reporting systems to improve process efficiencies and generate actionable business insights.
  • Supported business partners by developing dashboards to detect patterns in supply chain data.
  • Analyzed complex datasets, ensuring data quality for accurate reporting and predictive modeling.

Lab Coordinator
Agrinorthwest, Plymouth, WA

  • Authored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab processes and instrumentation, ensuring compliance with quality standards.
  • Generated soil, petiole, and bruise analysis reports using LIMS, Report Builder, and Excel to aid in crop field preparation.
  • Oversaw lab instrumentation (Agilent 55B AA Spectrometer, FIA, ICP OES), performed data cleaning, and supervised technical staff.

Lab Specialist
Framatome, Richland, WA

  • Collaborated on the development of LabX collection software, streamlining data processing and analysis for radioactive samples.
  • Conducted data quality assessments and analyzed QA/QC samples for radioactive materials, prioritizing regulatory compliance.

Research

Research Assistant
Joanna Kelley's Genomic Response to Physiological Stressors Lab
Washington State University, Pullman, WA

  • Performed genome-wide comparisons using high-performance computing, focusing on data quality and analysis with OrthoFinder and CODEML.
  • Coordinated daily lab maintenance and data documentation in line with IACUC standards.

PROJECTS

Network Role Discovery and Node Importance

This project aims to analyze the Bitcoin OTC trust network to distinguish key players and potentially risky users through the discovery of node roles and their relative importance.

Relative Elevation Model Visualization of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake Rivers

This project creates a relative elevation model (REM) of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake river conjunction in the Tri-Cities

Wildfire Risk Assessment: Predicting West Coast Wildfire Size and Severity

This project aims to analyze historical wildfire, weather, and population data to predict potential fire size and severity using key environmental and demographic factors.