Dr. Melton earned her Ph.D. in Political Science from Texas A&M University in 2011, and received her Bachelor of Science degrees in both Political Science and Religion from Lincoln University in 2006. Her research interests include public management, public policy, and race and ethnic politics. Erin was the recipient of the SWPSA's 2009 Ted Robinson Memorial Award for best research proposal by a graduate student in the field on Minority Politics.