Melissa Krassenstein joined the Knowledge Platform for Security & Rule of Law (KPSRL) as the Communications Lead in September 2019. She leads the Secretariat’s external communications efforts, design, events and logistics. Melissa also contributes to the Secretariat team’s administration of the Knowledge Management Fund, monitoring and reporting, and network expansion. In 2022, Melissa's role has shifted to focus more on meaningful engagement and the reform of the Knowledge Management Fund, serving as the Engagement & Grants Officer.
Prior to joining the Knowledge Platform, Melissa’s expertise focused on research related to China’s Belt Road Initiative, surveillance and big data governance, as well as comparative juvenile justice models. She is fluent in Mandarin and has completed advanced Business Chinese courses from Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China. She holds a master’s degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights from Utrecht University in the Netherlands and a bachelor’s degree in Politics and International Relations from Scripps College in the United States, minoring in Asian Studies.