AAAS Fellows in front of the U.S. Capitol building

NSF AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellows

Biography

Portrait of Melody Denhere, AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow
Credit: Charlotte Geary/NSF

Dr. Melody Denhere
AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellow
Office of Assistant Director 
Directorate for Geosciences
Class of 2024-2026


Dr. Melody Denhere is an associate professor of mathematics at the University of Mary Washington specializing in robust estimation techniques for functional regression models. Her expertise lies in applied mathematics, data analytics and statistical analysis. She earned her doctorate in mathematics and master's in applied mathematics from Auburn University and holds a master's in computer science and a bachelor's in computer science and mathematics from the University of Zimbabwe. With over two decades of experience in IT, teaching and research, Denhere has published extensively on statistical models, particularly in addressing challenges with high-dimensional data. She has been actively involved in various research projects, exploring topics such as insurance loss modeling, college major trends and the impact of COVID-19 on college students' learning experience. Beyond her research work, she is passionate about mentoring students, particularly young women and minority students, guiding them into meaningful careers in science and technology. Denhere is dedicated to both advancing her field and supporting the next generation of scholars.