Artist Biography
Melissa is graduating this spring of 2023 from Endicott College with a BFA in Interior Architecture. Throughout her studies, Melissa has consistently been recognized for her academic achievements, earning a spot on the Dean’s List all four years of her undergraduate career. In addition to her academic success, Melissa has taken advantage of numerous leadership opportunities during her time at Endicott College. She has held several leadership positions, including serving as President of Endicott College Architecture & Design Club, an Orientation Leader, Provost Student Council Board Member, and a Peer Tutor. These experiences have allowed Melissa to develop her skills in communication, organization, and teamwork, all of which she believes will be essential to her future success as a designer. Moving forward, Melissa plans to pursue a career in healthcare design and is attending the University of Oregon Fall of 2023 completing her Master of Interior Architecture with a concentration in Sustainability and the Environment. She is excited about the opportunity to combine her passion for design with her desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives through the creation of healing environments.
Thesis Abstract
Melissa’s thesis project was a thought-provoking exploration of the Juvenile Justice System and its impact on the mental health of incarcerated youth. Her work shed light on the deficiencies of the current system and highlighted the urgent need for trauma-informed care and more robust mental health services for young people in detention. Through her research, Melissa discovered that the Juvenile Justice System often fails to adequately address the mental health needs of young people in its care. Many incarcerated youth suffer from untreated mental illnesses, which are exacerbated by the trauma of detention and the use of disciplinary measures such as solitary confinement. Moreover, the education provided in juvenile correction facilities is often inadequate, leaving young people ill-prepared for re-entry into society and hindering their future employment prospects. The lack of support and guidance for those with mental illness or special education needs only compounds the problem. Despite the stated goal of rehabilitation, the Juvenile Justice System frequently perpetuates a cycle of trauma and recidivism, particularly for those from marginalized communities. Melissa’s thesis called attention to the urgent need for systemic change and the importance of collaboration between detention center staff, parents, and community programs to address these critical issues. Overall, Melissa’s thesis was a powerful and impactful piece of work that showcased her deep commitment to Social Justice and her ability to tackle complex and challenging issues. Her research highlighted the ways in which the Juvenile Justice System fails young people and illuminated a path forward for advocates and policymakers working to create a more just and equitable society.
The effects of juvenile delinquency are dealt with by incarcerating minors and serious offenders who are predisposed to mental illness and lack educational resources. Mistreated, acting-out youth is a problem that society struggles with, fluctuating between rehabilitation and punishment determining the effects of their futures.
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/melissa-izzio
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/melissaizzio