معرفی
Dr. Alison Heinhold Melley is the Director of Teaching Development in George Mason University's Psychology Department, focusing on pedagogical innovation, accessible classrooms, and mentorship of graduate teaching assistants. She previously taught at Montgomery College (2019–2023), earning fellowships with the Smithsonian and UN Sustainable Development Goals programs. Her research spans infant mental health, STEM education for preschoolers, and adult attachment theory, with recent emphasis on inclusive teaching practices and digital accessibility.
Education:
- PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Virginia (2003)
- MA, Clinical Psychology, West Chester University (1997)
- B.A., Psychology, Loyola University (1994)
Research Interests: Dr. Melley’s work bridges psychological science and pedagogy, emphasizing:
- Development of open educational resources
- Support for first-generation and marginalized learners
- Application of universal design principles in higher education
- Mentoring novice instructors via the Teaching Practicum
Awards & Grants:
- 2023 University Teaching Excellence Award
- VIVA Open Course Content Creation Grant (2023)
- Smithsonian Faculty Fellowship (2019)
Teaching & Advising: Leads courses like PSYC 850 (Teaching Practicum) and PSYC 100 (Introductory Psychology). She oversees undergraduate Learning Assistants and collaborates on initiatives to reduce barriers in online/in-person education. Mentors graduate student instructors on evidence-based teaching methods.
Labs/Teams: Active in Mason’s Teaching & Learning Center and collaborates with the Department’s Applied Developmental and Human Factors research groups to integrate classroom innovations with empirical research.
