Melissa Herlitz is a Senior Scientific Manager in the Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategies (RAAS) Division at Fondazione CMCC@Ca’Foscari. Melissa has provided project management support since joining in 2024 for projects focused on nature-based solutions and climate risk assessment. Most recently, Melissa worked as a sustainability specialist for an Italian manufacturing company. Previously, Melissa worked as a consultant for the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and for the NYC Department of City Planning. In these roles, Melissa oversaw projects to adapt land use to future sea level rise and flood risk through zoning and other policy changes informed by public and stakeholder engagement. Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Humanities (Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, 2023), a Master’s of Urban and Environmental Planning (University of Virginia, 2012) and a Bachelor of Science in Community Development (Portland State University, 2010).