Melissa Kopyto

Melissa Kopyto

Melissa Kopyto
melissa.kopyto@nih.gov">Email Melissa Kopyto

Power Words

Power Words: English: 
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Never give up. I am the youngest of 10 children and my parents only possessed an elementary school education--and could not help me with homework assignments, projects, etc. They just didn't understand, so I took it upon myself to achieve more than what my parents could have ever dreamed of accomplishing. In my spare time, I tutor children in foster care. I tell my students all the time to never give up. If you have a goal, go for it. Never let anyone tell you that you can't accomplish your dream--and prove them wrong. You only have one life and make the best out of it. Never ever look back and say "What if"? Always look forward.

Where were you born? 

Lusby, Maryland

What school did you attend? 

Strayer University

What gained you interest in the NIH? 

I was a contractor for many years before joining NIH approximately 5 years ago. NIH represents the future, advancement and cure of undiagnosed diseases which I am proud to represent.

What kind of work do you do at the NIH? 

I am currently a Program Analyst with the Office of Management Analysis and Reporting at the Clinical Center. In my role, I currently develop presentation materials for meetings with Clinical Center (CC) governing bodies including the Advisory Board for Clinical Research (ABCR), ABCR Finance Working Group, Medical Executive Committee, and CC Executive Committee. I also assist the Office of the Director staff with special projects which includes accurately and thoroughly collects data from a variety of sources that are then used to create written reports, position papers, and summaries.

What message would you like to send to young Blacks who are considering going to college? 

Go to college. Go to college. Go to college. :-) I started working directly out of high school many years ago and actually thought a college education was a 'waste'. I realized that was a mistake and often times wonder how my career path would have been different if I would have received my degree much sooner.