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Academic & Professional Work

Academic & Professional Work

Profile

Melissa Jo Hill is a Master of Professional Studies (MPS) student in the Department of Global Development at Cornell University, where her research examines redundancies in critical and crisis communication systems and planning. She serves as the Digital and Visual Strategy Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension, where she leads the statewide website upgrade initiative and supports digital modernization efforts across the organization.

Melissa brings a broad communications background across university, extension, and private sector settings, with expertise in digital strategy, UX/UI design, and multimedia storytelling. She's earned Project Management and UX Design certificates from Cornell University, as well as a B.A. in English from Indiana University. Her professional work focuses on communicating complex research with clarity and accessibility, developing user-centered digital experiences, and supporting community-serving organizations through thoughtful, evidence-informed communication strategies.

Selected Cornell Cooperative Extension Stories

  • “CCE tiny house makes powerful energy impact” (Jun 9, 2021) — Describes a mobile “tiny house” outreach unit operated by CCE Tompkins used to demonstrate energy-saving technologies and reach underserved communities. Cornell News
  • “Seed to Supper sows confidence while addressing food insecurity” (Nov 4, 2021) — Highlights the Garden-Based Learning program’s efforts to empower novice gardeners across New York to grow food on a budget, focusing on food security and community building. Cornell News
  • “Cornell, CCE Responding to Farming Mental Health Crisis” (Apr 3, 2023) — Examines how CCE and Cornell are collaborating to address mental health challenges in farming communities, bringing attention to often-overlooked support systems. Cornell News
  • “Broome County chefs flavor CCE Women of Food event” (Sep 5, 2023) — Reports on a women-owned business food event hosted by CCE Broome County, highlighting entrepreneurship, local food systems, and community empowerment. Cornell News
  • “CCE helps Erie and Lewis counties weather storm disasters” (Jul 17, 2024) — Covers CCE’s role in assisting communities impacted by severe weather events, focusing on resilience and outreach in rural counties. Cornell News
  • “Cornell, CCE Responding to Farming Mental Health Crisis” (Apr 3, 2023) — Examines how CCE and Cornell are collaborating to address mental health challenges in farming communities, bringing attention to often-overlooked support systems. Small Farms Quarterly
  • “Master Composters turn food waste into community action” (Jul 30, 2025) — Explores a volunteer-driven composting program under CCE that transforms food waste into community engagement and sustainability outcomes. Small Farms Quaterly