Melissa Schigoda, MS: Research Assistant

melissas@gnocdc.org | 504–304–8260 x229

Melissa Schigoda processes data and performs the research that lays the groundwork for many of Knowledge Works’ information products. She also plays an integral role in the final design and production of these publications, websites, presentations, maps, etc. Her areas of expertise include post–disaster housing recovery, neighborhood indicator projects, and community–based and applied research.

Prior to coming to Knowledge Works, Melissa served as a Mayoral Fellow in the City of New Orleans’ Housing Renewal Division where she tracked and analyzed local housing data and contributed to the development of the City’s housing policies and programs. Before that, Melissa gained a more grass–roots view of the New Orleans’ recovery from her collaboration with a variety of nonprofits through her work at the Tulane University Center for Public Service. Melissa has also worked internationally through internships at community development organizations in Peru and Argentina. She earned her BA in political science and international development and her MS in international development from Tulane University.

Expertise

• Post–disaster housing recovery
• Neighborhood indicator projects
• Community–based and applied research

Experience

• Research Associate, PolicyLink
• Mayoral Fellow, City of New Orleans’ Housing Renewal Division
• Senior Program Coordinator, Tulane University’s Center for Public Service
• Assistant Project Manager and Events Production, Neighborhood Partnership Network

Education

• MS in International Development, Tulane University
• BA in Political Science and International Development, Tulane University

Select Projects

• Reviewed literature on Neighborhood Indicator Projects
• Reviewed literature on Local Government Performance Indicators