Melissa is an experienced specialist scientist with >14 year of experience as an environmental scientist. Melissa has a MSc in Ecological Sciences awarded from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in 2019. She is a Director of Enviro Energy Solutions and a Certified Natural Scientist (SACNASP). She is a member of Rivers of Life and contracted to the University of Mpumalanga as a specialist scientist. Melissa is a member of the Southern African Society of Aquatic Scientists and Golden Key International Honour Society. She’s been working in the field of environmental sciences since 2006 and has gained experience in various areas including environmental impact and basic assessments, aquatic impact assessments, biomonitoring of rivers, ecological risk assessment as well as being part of various water related research projects funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC). Her career vision is to continue with research projects that focus on the sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems.