Melanie Tran is a PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). She received her BA in Psychology at UCLA and her MA in Clinical Psychology at UIC. Her research aims to reduce disparities in access to mental health for marginalized communities. Broadly, she utilizes a community-engaged, public health approach to promote youth mental health. Her specific research interests include enhancing positive youth development and youth mental health in settings natural and accessible to children and families, such as afterschool, parks/recreational programs, and community organizations. She is deeply invested in translating research into action to improve child and family well-being. As such, she works to influence policy and systems change via science communication and collaboration with decision-makers at local and governmental levels.