About Mel




I am currently a Masters student at USC- University of Southern California.
I am studying Heritage Conservation which is based in the School of Architecture.
I returned to school after working in and observing the public history and arts + culture sectors in California.  
Through my studies and research I hope to help shift perspectives and increase investment and appreciation for heritage conservation.

Heritage Conservationist

Working to document underacknolwedged histories and cultures into the public record.


→ Thesis Research:

Restoring the Paths to Dwell in: Gender Reconciliation of Lincoln Heights Jail In my thesis I argue that historic carceral heritage facilities should be preserved because they represent early 20th century histories of first wave feminists and working class Queer women. To do this I present the history of Lincoln Heights Jail, a 96 -year-old jail in Los Angeles, California and its associated women's history which has been underacknowledged. Then I analyze additional U.S carceral heritage sites associated with women.  Through my research I found most women's carceral heritage is intangible and so the preservation field needs to prioritize saving the remaining physical sites.