Melissa Newsome

Tagline:Doctoral Student, Community & Family Health — University of South Florida College of Public Health

Tampa, FL, USA

personal photo of Melissa Newsome

About Me

I am a PhD student in Public Health at the University of South Florida, with a concentration in Community and Family Health. My research centers on maternal and child health. I hold degrees in biological science and international affairs from Florida State University, as well as a master’s in social anthropology from the University of Cambridge. My experience includes work in behavioral health integration, perinatal mental health, program evaluation, and community outreach.

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

    from: 2023, until: present

    Field of study:Public HealthSchool:University of South FloridaLocation:Tampa, FL, USA

  • Master of Philosophy

    from: 2017, until: 2018

    Field of study:Social AnthropologySchool:Murray Edwards College, University of CambridgeLocation:Cambridge, UK

  • Bachelor of Science

    from: 2014, until: 2017

    Field of study:Biological ScienceSchool:Florida State UniversityLocation:Tallahassee, FL, USA

  • Bachelor of Science

    from: 2014, until: 2017

    Field of study:International AffairsSchool:Florida State UniversityLocation:Tallahassee, FL, USA

Research Interests

  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Perinatal and Infant Health
  • Health Policy and Systems Research
  • Public Health Program Evaluation
  • Implementation Science and Quality Improvement
  • Community-Based and Participatory Research

Work Experiences

Publications

  • The association of childhood experiences of abuse on timely cervical cancer screening utilization among women in the United States

    Journal ArticlePublisher:Preventive MedicineDate:2025
    Authors:
    Khaila A. PratherSuman Kanti ChowdhuryHarsha PuriElizabeth ZachariasMelissa NewsomeRussell S. Kirby
  • The role of perinatal psychiatry access programs in advancing mental health equity

    Journal ArticlePublisher:General Hospital PsychiatryDate:2023
    Authors:
    Megan E. Deichen HansenAmalia Londoño TobónUruj Kamal HaiderTiffany A. Moore SimasMelissa NewsomeJulianna FinelliEsther Boama-NyarkoLeena MittalKaren M. TabbAnna M. NápolesAna J. SchaeferWendy N. DavisThomas I. MackieHeather A. FlynnNancy Byatt