Melissa D. McInnis has forged a multifaceted career that brings together biomedical engineering, research and innovation in wearable technology. As a research fellow at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, Massachusetts, she plays an essential role in advancing studies on altitude physiology and the prevention of altitude sickness among military personnel. Her work includes equipping soldiers deployed in high-altitude regions with physiological monitors such as Garmin devices and sleep trackers, collecting and analyzing real-time data and applying machine learning to create predictive algorithms for early detection of altitude sickness.
Ms. McInnis’ academic background has provided the foundation for this success. She earned a Master of Science in biomedical engineering summa cum laude from Universidade Federal do ABC in Brazil, supported by a scholarship awarded through the Organization of American States and Coimbra Group of Brazilian Universities. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in bioengineering from the University of California, Riverside, where she was named to the Dean’s Honor List, an Associate of Science in physics from Southwestern Community College District and an Associate of Applied Science in chemistry from San Diego Mesa College. Earlier, she completed her secondary education at Academy of Our Lady of Peace in San Diego. Her commitment to expanding her knowledge is further reflected in certifications from MIT xPRO in machine learning modeling and simulation, as well as training through the CITI Program for biomedical research investigators and study coordinators.
At the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Ms. McInnis earned recognition through Certificates of Appreciation that honored her work with wearable technology and military personnel. One of these acknowledgments was tied to her leadership in a large-scale heat study, where she was responsible for securing consent from thousands of soldiers and ensuring full compliance with HIPAA regulations. Her role was vital in maintaining ethical standards while delivering meaningful results for the research team.
Outside of her research, Ms. McInnis has pursued creative and performance-based endeavors. She is an active dancer with Samba Docemel in Cambridge, balancing her artistic interests with her scientific pursuits, and she continues to work as a model represented by San Diego Model Management and Brand Model & Talent Agency. Her modeling experience has given her a close look at the fashion industry, fueling her ambition to one day integrate technology and fashion through projects such as smart textiles and intelligent clothing that merge biological monitoring with innovative design.
Ms. McInnis’ earlier professional experiences reflect versatility and a strong work ethic. She has contributed as a math tutor, supported hyper-realistic training environments as a role player for emergency responders and special forces, and gained international exposure as a student researcher in Brazil and as a group leader in Japan. She began her research journey as an undergraduate working on the Window to the Brain Project at the University of California, Riverside, and she has since built a portfolio of scholarly work, including published and presented research in biomedical engineering.
Community service has been a consistent part of Ms. McInnis’ life. She has volunteered with organizations such as Science Club for Girls, leading weekly workshops to encourage young students from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue STEM fields. Her earlier involvement included food drives, environmental cleanups, cancer walks and service at local nonprofits. These efforts underscore her belief that education and civic engagement are essential complements to professional success.
Ms. McInnis’ goals for the future extend beyond research and community service. She envisions applying artificial intelligence and machine learning in fashion and wearable technology to address health concerns while enhancing personal expression. By merging her scientific expertise with her creative passions, she hopes to design innovative clothing that serves both aesthetic and medical functions.