9/22/98

ATHENS, Ohio -- Melissa Rake, a former reporter with The Marietta Times, has joined the staff of University News Services and Periodicals at Ohio University as a science writer and media relations specialist.

Rake began work on the Athens campus Sept. 14. She will report on the physical sciences, engineering and social sciences for the office's three periodicals and work with the news media.

"Melissa has a real interest in and talent for relating the importance of university research to all of our lives," said Bryan McNulty, assistant vice president for University Relations and executive director of University News Services and Periodicals.

"Our University Relations division is very fortunate to bring in a quality and experienced science writer like Melissa Rake," said Vice President Adrie Nab. "She will add to the strengths of our division."

Rake has three years of daily newspaper experience as a reporter with The Herald-Dispatch in Huntington, W.Va., and The Marietta Times in Marietta, where she covered news in science and higher education. She also served as a copy editor intern with the Cincinnati Enquirer and The Vindicator in Youngstown while pursuing a bachelor's degree from Marshall University, which she received in 1994.

Rake is the daughter of Paul and Marcella Rake of Parkersburg and is a 1990 graduate of Parkersburg South High School.