Melissa Ponce-Rodas

Melissa Ponce-Rodas is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Vice-Chair of the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences at Andrews University. She holds a Ph.D. (2015) and M.A. (2006) in Psychology from the University of Illinois-Chicago, and a B.A. (2001) in Psychology from Yale University.

Her research focuses on community psychology frameworks addressing domestic violence, religion/spirituality's role in behavior, education equity, and racial/ethnic dynamics. She specializes in community-based interventions and intersectional approaches to empowerment. Professional memberships include the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA), Society for the Scientific Study of Religion (SSSR), and Society for the Teaching of Psychology (STP).

Her work emphasizes ecological systems theory, integrating social/cultural/economic factors to promote systemic change. Conference presentations span topics like faith-based domestic violence resources, culturally responsive teaching, and spiritual dimensions in research methodology.

Ponce-Rodas teaches undergraduate and graduate psychology courses, co-leads disaster response training programs, and contributes to community outreach initiatives through Andrews University's Office of Service Learning (OSL).