Amanda Melilli received a Master of Library and Information Science with a concentration in youth services from San Jose State University. As the head of the UNLV Teacher Development & Resources Library, Melilli specializes in youth library collections with a focus on the discovery and evaluation of diverse children’s/young adult literature.  Melilli's research focuses on promoting the use of often underutilized youth materials, specifically the importance of incorporating graphic novels into elementary/secondary classrooms and supporting LGBTQIA+ youth through inclusive school library collections and curriculum.