Melissa A. Valerio, PhD

Melissa A. Valerio is an assistant professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health (Department of Health Behavior and Health Education) as well as the Center for Managing Chronic Disease. She received her doctorate in health behavior and health education from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Valerio's research focuses on the design and evaluation of health communication materials and educational interventions for chronic disease management and prevention. She is particularly interested in the area of functional health literacy. Other research interests include examination of patient-provider communication and the assessment of the oral exchange (verbal communication) of health information in the clinical setting ("What do patients hear?").

As former Texans, Dr. Valerio and her husband, Eduardo, enjoy the Michigan seasons, attending UM football and baseball games. They go to as many local sports events as possible, including the traditional Lions Thanksgiving game (in attendance for the past seven years!).