Melissa Ann Nava
MPH in Maternal and Child Health
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Email:
About
Melissa Nava is currently a first-year MPH student in the Community Health Sciences division with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from DePaul University in June of 2020.
During her four years at DePaul, she was a research assistant on Dr. Judith Singleton’s study titled “Inequality of Life Expectancy in Chicago.” This project focused on how the built environment shapes practices and decision-making of residents living in Pilsen and Washington Park. Melissa was then accepted into the Summer Training and Research Program (STAR) at the University of Maryland. Her research focused on the role of health insurance status in the perceived barriers to mammography among African American women. She also participated in research study abroad programs in China, Argentina, and the Dominican Republic.
Melissa’s interests within Maternal and Child Health are focused on how the built environment of pregnant, undocumented immigrant women affects their health and the health of the fetus. She is also passionate about the LGBTQ+ Latinx community’s health.
Her future professional and academic goals are to pursue a PhD and empower women locally and globally.
Fun Fact- Melissa’s favorite flower is the sunflower. Her favorite plant is the Dracaena Compacta.
Selected Publications
- Nava, M., Woodard, N., Okwara, L., & Knott, C. (2020). Role of Health Insurance Status in Perceived Barriers to Mammography Among African American Women. Northwestern Undergraduate Research Journal. (1st ed., Vol. 1). Evanston, IL: doi: https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-xnfb-nj53