MELISSA J. COFFEL
International Alliance for Ability in Science
International Alliance for Ability in Science (IAFAIS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that I started with my dear friend and respected colleague Joey Ramp. This passion project idea came to my mind as I encountered the great need for community and support for disabled students and researchers, especially within STEM fields.
​
What We Do:
​
-
Raise funds from independent donors to provide scholarships and financial aid opportunities for disabled students and researchers.
-
Cultivate community support for disabled people in all domains of academia and research through peer support groups.
-
Create educational resources about disability, accommodations, different learning strategies, and how to make one's laboratory and work place more accessible.
-
Engage the public through science communication and disability awareness educational efforts.
-
Provide free tutoring for disabled students at all levels of education.
​
Check out the biographies and photos of our award recipients here!
​
​