Meet Melody
She is a first generation Punjabi-American scholar paving the way for cultural sensitivity, inclusion, representation, and empathy across sociology and disability studies; amplifying lived experiences of all children and their families.
Melody Mann, M.S., M.A., is a PhD Sociology student at the University of Maryland, College Park and is deeply committed to researching the intersection of holistic ideologies, health equity, and inclusive policies in special education. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is passionate about fostering positive change within the broader educational community for all learners. This commitment is reflected in her volunteer work with international non-profit organizations, dedication to mentoring students, culturally adapting interventions, classroom/university teaching, and the exploration of culturally informed mental health practices.
Academic Trajectory
MA Psychology, Cognitive & Developmental
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, 2023
MS Special Education, Mild to Moderate Disabilities
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, 2021
Graduated with Distinction
BA Child & Adolescent Development, Teacher Prep
Minor Early Childhood Special Education, 2020
San Jose State University
Lurie College of Education 2020 Dean’s Scholar Graduate
In her free time, Melody finds creative expression through poetry, painting, journaling, and occasionally dabbles in pottery.