Melissa Ross, PsyD

Melissa Ross, PsyD, serves The Ohio State University’s Center on Education and Training for Employment as the Associate Director of Research Partnerships and Impacts and a Program Director for the center’s Excellence in Engagement and Evaluation team. She received her clinical training at the Wright State University School of Professional Psychology. As Associate Director, Dr. Ross establishes and cultivates research partnerships, manages the center’s faculty and student program, and supports CETE Associates’ engagement in translational research, scholarship, and student instruction.

As co-director of the center’s Excellence in Engagement and Evaluation program, Dr. Ross leverages her extensive experience in project management and partner relations to assist organizations and communities to achieve desired outcomes in an efficient and effective manner. She has managed large scale, multi-collaborative professional development, and coaching projects. Products and lessons learned from past projects serve as the basis for her current work.  The work of serving vulnerable populations (including marginalized populations, early learners, students learning English, and special education students) is embedded in her day-to-day work and practice.

Prior to accepting her current position with The Ohio State University, Dr. Ross served as a Deputy Superintendent of Programs for the Ohio Department of Youth Services. While in that position, she oversaw all social, health, education, religious, and recreational programming for a 240-bed correctional institution that served youth aged 12 to 21.

Research Interests

• Behavioral Aspects of Health
  • Interventions that promote health and wellness
• Community/Youth Development and Organizations
  • Community planning for health and social services
  • Policy development
  • Program evaluation
• Family and Community Human Services
  • Planning and evaluation to promote effective health and wellness services
• Translational Research