Prestigious fellowship gives Norton professor the opportunity to work directly with federal policymakers and translate research into action

Melissa Delgado, an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) at the Norton School of Human Ecology, has been named a 2024-2025 U.S. Policy Fellow by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Society for Research in Child Development (SRCD). The fellowship program offers mid-career researchers the opportunity to work full-time in a federal agency, state agency or congressional placement to advance policies related to children and families. 

Delgado, whose work focuses on promoting the health and wellbeing of minoritized children and adolescents and reducing inequality among minoritized groups, is currently working at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development’s (NICHD) Office of Health Equality. The experience represents a unique opportunity for her to influence federal policy.

“Every day thus far has been exciting,” she said. “Working with the NICHD’s Office of Health Equity allows me to contribute directly to policies and programs that are working to create a more diverse and equitable scientific workforce and ensuring that research is conducted to reduce health disparities and promote health equity.” 

Delgado noted that another benefit of the fellowship is that she’s gaining an on-the-ground understanding of the policymaking process and federal research opportunities that she can bring back to her students.

“I’ve already gained a wealth of knowledge,” she said. “I am thrilled to bring all these insights back to our HDFS program and the university community to enrich our research and teaching programs, and to help build capacity for our growing number of students interested in policy and government positions outside of academia.” 

She continued, “In its early stages, the fellowship has already enhanced my understanding in a meaningful and impactful way. I am honored to have this exciting opportunity to shape my knowledge and to translate research into action.”