Majoring in political science and minoring in sociology at University of Michigan-Dearborn, Melissa thought interning at a radio station would be unique. Since her internship, she's joined the staff and has had tremendous impact. She researches for WDET's Detroit By The Numbers series, creates infographics and works on Detroit Today programming. Her future plans include a master’s degree, maybe in public administration. In between her academics, volunteerism and WDET work, she takes care of four kids, a husband and a dog. She’s a fan of craft beer and Detroit.

Detroit’s Finances [CHARTS]

Candidate: Donald Trump

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Candidate: Ted Cruz

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Candidate: Marco Rubio

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Candidate: Ben Carson

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Candidate: John Kasich

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Candidate: Bernie Sanders

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Candidate: Hillary Clinton

    This work was produced in partnership with the Ravitch Fiscal Reporting Program at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. The Project...

Population and Poverty: A View of Detroit, the State and Other Big Cities [Maps, Charts]

Poverty Rates Across U.S. Cities Press “play” and watch how the populations and poverty rates change in various American cities,...

Michigan’s Poverty, City by City [Map + Infographic]

"Hover" your cursor over a city, indicated by a blue dot, on the map to view its population, poverty rate...

Poverty Rates and Population in Detroit, Cities Around the Country [Map + Motion Graphic]

Poverty Rates Across U.S. Cities Press “play” and watch how the populations and poverty rates change in various American cities,...

Up Down Up Down Up Down: Detroit, County Populations in Motion Since 1940 [Motion Graphic]

Press “play” and watch how the populations in Detroit and Wayne County decline while Oakland and Macomb counties gain population. This...