Melissa  Gillis was an instructor for the Genetics Institute in Andover and died suddenly on September 9, 2001  in Melrose, MA.  Melissa was born and raised in Melrose.  She graduated from Melrose High School with the class of 1992.  She continued her education at Harvard University, where she completed her degree in Chemistry.  She worked at MIT for a couple of years until taking a position at  Newton North High School teaching chemistry.  Melissa taught there for 2 years and recently she took on a position training biochemists at Genetics Institute in Andover.  Melissa was a member of the Harvard Alumnus Assoc., was an avid reader, and enjoyed Mountain Biking.

“She was a very determined individual and worked tirelessly in any project or challenge that faced her.  We were privileged to have been part of her short life and we know she would have been so proud of the recipient who is to receive this scholarship”  –The Family of Melissa Gillis