Dr. Melissa Bemiller

Resilient Communities of East Georgia

Supporting: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Wilkes, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington

Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Melissa moved to Orlando, FL, where she attended the University of Central Florida. After graduating with her Ph.D., she accepted her first position as an Assistant Professor at Lakeland College in Wisconsin. Next, she moved to Tennessee, where she was a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Memphis Lambuth Campus, before moving to Augusta University. She is currently an Assistant Professor at Augusta University in the Department of Social Sciences. Her subject matter expertise is in violent crime, specifically preventing and reacting to childhood victimization. In addition, she has spent 12 years researching childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, lethality, injury prevention, and reactionary measures, including building resiliency and trauma-informed care.She is thrilled to be in a position that allows her to integrate her passion for research, desire to help her community, and love for teaching. She is grateful for the networking opportunities in the Augusta region and connecting with so many people in the area who have the same drive that she does to make the community safer and healthier for children.

She is married to an amazing partner who is supportive of the challenges that come with her position. Together, they have two fourteen-year-old rescue cats, Whizzer and Snowflake. In their spare time, they enjoy being outdoors. One of Melissa’s favorite things is to explore new areas and wineries. Her husband loves to fish on the lake, but she enjoys reading while on the boat. They also enjoy hiking and working together on upcycling furniture, remodeling activities, and gardening projects."