Practitioner-scholar Melissa Abeyta's research uses an anti-deficit lens that explores the experiences of formerly incarcerated students in higher education. Her professional experience includes working for an equity assessment lab that conducted qualitative research and assessment for regional and national projects.

She was awarded the Ron Jacobs Outstanding Research Award for her study, A Phenomenological Study of Formerly Incarcerated Latino Men in California Community Colleges. She also received the Community College Research and Scholarship Award from the NASPA Community College Division.

She is committed to serving traditionally underrepresented students in higher education through research and policy. She also served as the inaugural co-chair for the NASPA Formerly Incarcerated Students & System Impacted Families Knowledge Community.

Beyond the classroom, Abeyta extends her teaching through academic, personal and professional femtorship of students and colleagues. She engages students and supports their scholar identity in research activities, including conference proceedings, and publications. She connects with students throughout the country for advice and guidance on qualitative research, navigating their doctoral program, and/or academia.

She has taught: Student Affairs and Student Success; Access and Equity in Higher Education; College Student Development: Theory and Practice; Scholarly Writing; Qualitative Research; Advanced Qualitative Research.

A product of the California Community System, she earned her A.A. degree from Southwestern College. She is also a proud 3x San Diego State University alumnae earning an B.A. in communication and Chicana/o Studies, an M.A. in postsecondary educational leadership specializing in student affairs, and an Ed.D. in educational leadership.