Melanie grew up in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, where she learned to love and value Utah’s unique landscape and geological history. Once in school, Melanie translated her appreciation of the built and natural environment into a love of history and a passion for social justice.

Thus, Melanie Hall comes to HEAL via Chicago, where she specializes in environmental history and the history of science and technology at Northwestern University. Prior to attending Northwestern, she received a B.A. from Westminster College in Utah and an M.A. from Binghamton University in New York.

Melanie has pursued numerous opportunities with nonprofit organizations, including environmental justice campaigns in Chicago as part of her participation in Northwestern’s Center for Civic Engagement. After being away for a decade, she is back in Utah and excited to be a part of the journey at HEAL Utah where she can bring her intellectual and social justice interests together as she researches and advocates for policies that will protect Utah’s landscape and communities.  

In her free time, Melanie and her Australian Shepard, Hubble, enjoy long hikes and trips to the desert. When they are in Chicago, you can find them at the beach on Lake Michigan. Melanie is also a huge baseball fan, and enjoys following her Chicago Cubs and, of course, the Salt Lake Bees.

Please help us in welcoming Melanie to the team!