Dr. Melvin’s undergraduate work includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Tougaloo College and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mississippi in Clinical Laboratory Sciences.  Her graduate studies have culminated in a Master of Combined Science degree in Biology from Mississippi College, a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from Jackson State University, and a Doctor of Public Health in Epidemiology from Jackson State University.

Dr. Melvin’s research interests are reflected in various publications that she has authored and co-authored.  These publications explore health disparities related to the development of infectious and chronic diseases, such as COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, TB, diabetes, and asthma. She has also produced manuscripts that examine social factors that contribute to health disparities. She has published several book chapters that explore diabetes in Black men, HIV/AIDS in Kenya, and health disparities in Mississippi. Most recently Dr. Melvin and colleagues published a manuscript discussing the role of public health in COVID-19 emergency response.

In May 2019, after 20 years of public health practice as an epidemiologist, Dr. Melvin founded and currently serves as the chief executive officer of the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. The Institute was founded in response to the need for the development and implementation of public health interventions that include the voice of the community and place health equity at the forefront of decision-making. Throughout her career, she has managed millions of dollars in federal, state, and foundation funds for community-based public health programs designed to reduce health disparities among disadvantaged and minority communities in Mississippi. These projects have provided health education, outreach, training, and prevention to thousands of individuals in Mississippi.

She has received numerous awards for her health equity work, including, an acknowledgment in the Congressional Record by the Honorable Bennie Thompson, the Dr. David Marion Step into Action Award, Jackson MS Branch of NAACP President’s Award, Mississippi Public Health Association’s Health and Racial Equity Award, and the Yvonne T. Maddox HEAL award.

Dr. Melvin continues her civic engagement on numerous boards, including serving as the Health Committee Chair for the MS State Conference of the NAACP, active membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated,  Jackson (MS) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and membership on the Department of Health and Human Service’s Council on Health Equity.