Melissa Ponce-Rodas

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Dr. Ponce-Rodas became interested in exploring the ways in which religion and spirituality impact people’s beliefs and behaviors while in graduate school. Dr. Ponce-Rodas’ is a Community Psychologist, a field that goes beyond an individual focus to understand and change people and organizations. The ecological framework prominent in the field tries to integrate social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and international influences to promote positive change, health, and empowerment at individual and systemic levels. Her professional memberships include: Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA); Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR); and Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP)

Domestic violence, religion & spirituality, education, community-based prevention & promotion programs, race & ethnicity.

Office Location: Buller Hall 218
Phone: (269) 471-3154