Hi! My name is Melissa and I am looking for new experiences through travel, culture, cuisine, and people. My PhD is two thirds complete, and I love my topic focusing on the social mobility and independence of Roman women. I am doing this program in the UK, about 4,256 miles away from my hometown.

I grew up in a small town in central Florida known for its equestrian background and beautiful transparent springs. The University of Central Florida was my home for four years (Go Knights, Charge On!) and where I received my Bachelor’s in Anthropology, with a minor in Sociology. With a degree in anthropology, I became fascinated by different cultural experiences and sought a degree focused on archaeology to further my fascination with the ancient world and its people.

I then flew across the Atlantic Ocean to pursue my Master’s degree in archaeology and then returned for my PhD two years later. People often ask me what made me choose my postgraduate universities in the UK, and I answer that following intensive research of some of the greatest universities in England, I have found courses and supervisors that best suited my interest (ancient women’s access to social mobility and independence) at these universities.

I have always been interested in blogging about my experiences, thoughts, and ideas but was especially inspired on a two-week long interrailing adventure in April 2019. This is where I am going to begin my blogging journey, and I hope that I can motivate others to explore the world and the people who live here.

Thanks for being a part of the Maneuvering with Melissa community!

xx Melissa