Melissa Fernandez

Melissa Fernandez is Communications Specialist at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability. Prior to joining the Nicholas Institute, Melissa worked at Durham County Library as marketing coordinator and highly recommends visiting any one of the library locations and learning more about their Seed Library and STEAM programs. She has also previously worked with Care One Health Training Institute, Morehead Planetarium & Science Center (as a science educator) and 1893 Brand Studio. She graduated from UNC-CH with bachelor’s degrees in both political science and journalism (focus: editing and design).

Melissa has a passion for communications and DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) with particular interest in multimedia design and social marketing. Her work with the Nicholas Institute focuses on day-to-day management of social media and email channels, designing graphics and other promotional materials, contributing to design and purchase of branded items, multimedia content curation and creation, and much more!

Gender & Climate (podcast): This podcast does a wonderful job speaking on the relationship of intersectionality and climate change. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (TV show): A wonderful way to get succinct, well-researched and entertaining updates on current events and world news. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (TV show): This iconic show, starring generational talent Sarah Michelle Gellar, highlights the importance of a strong chosen community and the positive impact a single person can make on the world.