Melissa Bernardo
Miami,FL
Summary
Environmental social scientist conducting in-depth research utilizing qualitative and quantitative data. Skilled in instructional design and assessment tailored to diverse student populations. Published research findings through peer-reviewed articles and organized presentations educating students, academic peers, and community members. Overall, a dependable and organized candidate who can successfully manage multiple responsibilities while remaining detail-oriented in approach.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Postdoctoral Fellow
Florida International University
01.2022 - Current
- Conducts independent research assessing community resilience in South Florida as part of the National Science Foundation's Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research Grant (FCE-LTER).
- Contributes to interdisciplinary research, leveraging methodological expertise (both quantitative and qualitative) to address complex ecological challenges.
- Develops and teaches undegraduate courses in Geography and Sociology tailored to diverse learning styles, engaged pedagogy, and inclusive curriculum design.
- Presented research findings at national conferences, showcasing the institution's leadership in restoration science and resilience.
Graduate Research Assistant
Florida International University
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Designed interview and participant observation protocols for primary data collection, ensuring accurate representation of local communities and organizations.
- Conducted in-depth interviews and focus groups with local residents, farmers, and government agents; coded and analyzed the resulting data.
- Completed comprehensive literature reviews to inform research design and theoretical frameworks used by the wider interdisciplinary research team.
- Assisted in manuscript preparation, contributing to the publication of articles in peer-reviewed journals.
GIS Research Assistant
GIS Center, Florida International University
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Worked with an interdisciplinary team of geographers, ecologists, and biologists to collect and analyze new spatial data from Everglades National Park as part of a pilot study that investigated the spectral separability of marsh vegetation.
- Processed and analyzed geospatial data to produce new vegetation classifications and change analysis maps using satellite imagery.
- Conducted field surveys to assess the accuracy of WV2 and WV3 spatial data, ensuring precise representation in GIS databases.
- Presented findings of the pilot study to community and governance agencies that impacted future research and management policies for storm water treatment in the Everglades.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Florida International University
08.2014 - 05.2018
- Developed class lectures and assessment materials for undergraduate courses, aimed at creating an inclusive learning environment.
- Evaluated student performance on graded assignments including written essays, exams, and presentations.
- Managed a classroom of diverse learners, implementing differentiated instruction strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Facilitated class discussions and developed strong rapport with students through individual assistance and engaged coursework.
Psychometrist
Head To Head Consultants
01.2011 - 07.2014
- Administered and scored neuropsychological testing, evaluating cognitive, academic, and emotional functioning.
- Assisted in the generation of comprehensive patient reports used by New Jersey school districts to create individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized treatment plans for patients based on the resulting psychometric data.
- Improved patient outcomes by presenting testing results to patient family members, school district officials, and other healthcare professionals.
Education
Ph.D. - Global And Sociocultural Studies, Geography Track
Florida International University
Miami, FL12.2021
Graduate Certificate - Geographic Information Systems
Florida International University
Miami, FL01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Drew University
Madison, NJ05.2010
Skills
- Proven background in completing effective research, writing, educational instruction, and communication
- Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Microsoft Office Suite, and Adobe Creative products
- Graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems
- Experience in both qualitative and quantitative data analysis using NVivo, Stata, Python, and Excel
Professional Training
• FEMA Introduction to Incident Command System, ICS-100: March 2023
• FEMA Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response, ICS-200: March 2023
• CITI Human Subjects Research Training and Certification: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016, 2015
• CITI Social and Behavioral Research Ethics Training: 2022, 2020, 2018, 2016
• IAT Basic Aviation Training, A-100, A-103, A-105, A-106, A-113: June 2018
• IAT Risk Management I, A-205: June 2018
• IAT Water Ditching and Survival, A-312: July 2018
• FERPA Annual Training: 2020, 2021, 2022
• DBHYBRO Environmental Training Course: September 2017
• FIU CAT From Diversity to EQUITY, Teaching for Student Success Workshop: August 2016
Accomplishments
• Alex Stepick Outstanding Dissertation Award, Florida International University, 2021-2022
• Urban Resilience to Extremes Sustainability Research Network T&F Grant, 2018-2021
• AAG Graduate Student Affinity Group Professional Development Award Recipient, 2017
• American Association of Geographers GFASG Research Grant Recipient, 2016 & 2018
• Drew University Recognition Scholarship, 2006-2010
• Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar
Timeline
Postdoctoral Fellow
Florida International University
01.2022 - Current
Graduate Research Assistant
Florida International University
01.2019 - 12.2021
GIS Research Assistant
GIS Center, Florida International University
05.2018 - 01.2019
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Florida International University
08.2014 - 05.2018
Psychometrist
Head To Head Consultants
01.2011 - 07.2014
Ph.D. - Global And Sociocultural Studies, Geography Track
Florida International University
Graduate Certificate - Geographic Information Systems
Florida International University
Bachelor of Arts - Behavioral Sciences
Drew University
Similar Profiles
Theresa BenderTheresa Bender
Medical Coding Student at Florida International UniversityMedical Coding Student at Florida International University
Trey StephensTrey Stephens
Senior College Recruitment Manager at Florida International UniversitySenior College Recruitment Manager at Florida International University
SCHUYLER BURKE-MCLOUGHLINSCHUYLER BURKE-MCLOUGHLIN
Studio Manager at Florida International UniversityStudio Manager at Florida International University
Jordyn PhiloJordyn Philo
Resident Assistant at Florida International UniversityResident Assistant at Florida International University
Javier FanegoJavier Fanego
Intake & Authorization Specialist at Ciressolution Home HealthIntake & Authorization Specialist at Ciressolution Home Health