Melissa Jung

Melissa Jung is an experienced marine conservation professional currently serving as the Reuse Networks Manager at Upstream, where innovative solutions to plastic pollution are developed. As the Director of Programs and Outreach for the Inland Ocean Coalition, Melissa manages and develops programs, coordinates volunteer efforts, and engages with legislative leaders on state plastic bills. Previous roles include Research and Laboratory Manager at the Center for Marine Debris Research, where Melissa conducted fieldwork, managed research projects, and supervised graduate students, and Field Response Sector Manager at Hawaii Marine Animal Response, overseeing volunteer operations for marine animal rescue. Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Marine Biology from Hawaii Pacific University and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Southeast Missouri State University.