Melina Melgarejo

Dr. Melina Melgarejo serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education at San Diego State University, with significant affiliations at the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC) and the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN). Her work bridges academic research, clinical practice, and statewide policy implementation.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Education with emphasis in Special Education, Disabilities, and Risk Studies from UC Santa Barbara. Prior to her faculty position, she completed an SDSU postdoctoral fellowship and served as lecturer in SPED and CFD departments, building on early clinical experience as a supervisor for Latinx families of children with developmental disabilities.

Research interests center on critical intersections of disability, language, and culture:

• Implementation science for evidence-based practices in diverse settings
• Cultural adaptation of interventions for dual language learners
• Early childhood special education equity
• Autism services in linguistically diverse communities
• Community-partnered systems change

Her leadership in CAPTAIN demonstrates active statewide engagement in scaling autism interventions, while CASRC affiliation supports rigorous clinical research. Though specific funding details aren't provided, her executive roles indicate substantial grant-supported initiatives. No advisees are listed in available materials, reflecting her early-career faculty status as Assistant Professor.