Emily Melluso is a research professional who is passionate about serving underrepresented communities and organizations facing challenges. She currently works for the American Institutes for Research (AIR), where she applies her background in qualitative and quantitative research methods, survey development, and data management to AIR client proposals and projects. She’s also held teaching positions at local state universities, including the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and the University of Maryland, College Park.
Extracurriculars
Emily volunteers with the Frederick 4H Therapeutic Riding Program in the warmer seasons. She also enjoys bluegrass, folk and Latin music, knitting, animals, nature walks, and coffee breaks with coworkers and friends. She also does some freelance consulting when she can.
Why we love Emily
Oh, wow, it’s tough to pick just a few things that we love about Emily, but we will try anyway. Emily is friendly, warm, and welcoming to everyone around her. She is always willing to listen and empathize with others. Emily is also known for her witty sense of humor and her dedication to helping people and animals.
Q&A with Emily Melluso
How did you get into research?
I originally went into research because I wanted to understand the context behind problems and issues I was seeing in the world. A problem can only be solved once it is understood. That can only happen once the right people with the correct information enter the conversation. I enjoy problem-solving of all kinds, be it how to get all the storable goods to fit in the hallway closet, or how to change a social program to meet its designed goals better.
In my role, I’m a jack of many trades. I do a lot of different things. I teach others, while also learning from them. I also use my research and analytical skills to make new connections. I love new ideas, building things up from scratch, and finding the smoothest, most efficient way to meet the group’s goal.
Cowork Frederick members tend to be a little unconventional. Does that apply to you?
I haven’t gone about things the traditional way, even when I have tried to do things in the “right” order, it has, in hindsight, felt inauthentic and forced. I believe that the world becomes a better place to live while we are striving to make our little spaces in the world better. So my approach to work and life is to do what I can to make my corner of the world a good corner. I strive to move strongly through each day, speak my mind when I feel something strongly, and trust my gut.
Who/What inspires you and keeps you going?
The capacity of people to do what is right and loving toward each other is what inspires me and keeps me going. I am driven to support my 5-year-old as he navigates becoming himself in the world. I strive to advance in my career field in ways that are authentic to my values, and find ways to be intentional with each new phase of life. There is always something new to learn, how challenging and exciting.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
GENEROSITY. The value that resonates with me today is generosity. Sometimes we do not have the luxury or capacity to give our all in every situation, but we can always give our attention and respect. We can choose to prioritize how we show up in the world when there are competing demands for our time and attention. Where we place the depth of our energy is a choice. When I struggle with balancing the demands of holding and growing a career with parenting solo and maintaining a household, the generosity of family and friends keeps me afloat and allows me to keep moving forward. You may not know who may be struggling with their circumstances, their career, their mental health, or their physical health and just need a dose of kindness or a few minutes of your time. I operate from the mentality of, “if I have it, you have it.”
.
Any tips for getting the most out of your coworking community?
Go for walks with your new coworkers. Be open for spontaneous interactions and experiences around town. Or if that’s not your speed, then simply working in a room with someone else who is also working is nice and will feel different than working alone.
Why Cowork Frederick?
I joined Cowork Frederick in 2021 because of the pandemic! I needed somewhere to work outside of my home. I stay because I work better around other people, and I really like my coworkers.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
My email is open to chat more, and please feel welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn!
About the author:
Bethany Good is the founder of Good Writing Co., which provides professional writing, developmental book editing, book coaching, and ghostwriting services. Her writing has appeared in Innovation and Tech Today, Columbia Inspired Magazine, and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine (among others). Bethany works with authors to help guide them through the book-writing process so that they can finally finish their memoirs or nonfiction books. Specializing in eldercare, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, she also works with home health businesses to provide content and resources for their patients and families. Bethany is also a dedicated wife and mother to two active kids. In her limited time, she enjoys gardening, long nature walks, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Scout.
About Cowork Frederick
Cowork Frederick’s mission is to be a catalyst for the success of freelancers, remote workers, and entrepreneurs by creating ways for them to come together to work, share ideas, and support each other. Our diverse coworking community consists of people from many backgrounds and professions. We provide a work-friendly environment, meeting rooms, and the usual office amenities at an affordable price. More important, members of our coworking community benefit from a support infrastructure, a chance to connect with and help others, and a place to belong. For many, it’s just a better way to work.