In addition to her work at Jones Studio, she is a Research Associate with the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture. She is the Vice-chair of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice (AAJ) Research Committee and a principal investigator on a National Institute of Corrections funded study that examines the impact of views of nature on the stress levels of inmates. A specialist in the design of criminal justice facilities and large-scale public projects, her most recent work is the Mariposa Land Port of Entry in Nogales, AZ. Melissa frequently gives presentations on evidence-based design applications, and is a contributing author to the AIA AAJ Sustainable 2030: Green Guide to Justice and Arizona School Design Primer: The Basic Elements of School Design, by Marlene S. Imirzian.