Melissa Birchfield
UW Honors Graduates
Melissa Birchfield

Computer Science
Designation: College Honors
Honors Grads 2020/2021
Proudest Moment: Publishing my first book in 2019: "Data for Dignity: Leveraging Technology in the Fight Against Human Trafficking"
Thesis: Understanding the Role of Data in Cross-Sector Collaboration to Combat Human Trafficking
mybirchfield@gmail.comI'm an educator, researcher, author, adventurer, and anti-trafficking advocate who thrives at the intersection of disciplines. I'm grateful for the space to explore culture, language, and literature through Interdisciplinary Honors, where I've played with poetry to ponder life's deep questions and immersed myself in history during a study abroad in Rome. These experiences gave me new angles for viewing the world, allowing me to recognize the resilience of the human spirit and appreciate the unexpected joys in life.
At the same time, honors courses opened my eyes to the horrific realities of human trafficking today. Since then, I've intertwined my heart for teaching, technology, and anti-trafficking work through research and outreach. From podcasts and TEDx talks to social media campaigns and on-campus events, I seek creative ways to use my voice as an advocate. As I build connections with policymakers, direct service providers, and other stakeholders, I focus on opportunities for technology to come alongside these efforts. I plan to continue pursuing the tech-against-trafficking space during my next chapter: completing my Master's in Computer Science at UW.
In the meantime, you can find me hiking, swimming, making banana nut butter smoothies, or deep in conversation over coffee. My anti-trafficking work has taught me not to take freedom for granted, so I'm motivated to make the most of every moment!