Memorial services planned for VIPPS researcher Shane

Shane

A memorial service was to be held Monday morning in Louisville, Ky., for VIPPS researcher and former nursing student Melissa Shane, who died in Percy Warner Park, where she apparently had gone to jog.

A memorial service is being planned on campus in the next few weeks at the convenience of her family, according to Gary White, associate University chaplain. Details have not yet been finalized.

Shane, 24, was the subject of a search after she was reported missing Aug. 7. Her body was found two days later at the park where she often jogged. Authorities have not determined the exact cause of death, but have said there is no evidence of foul play. They have said the cause could have been illness or heat.

"The entire Vanderbilt community is saddened by this tragic event," said Vanderbilt Chancellor Gordon Gee. "Melissa Shane was a bright light -- as a student and as a member of our staff. I join her family, friends and colleagues in mourning her death. "Melissa was a hard-working, dedicated professional," said Tom Catron, co-director of the Center for Psychotherapy Research and Policy at the Vanderbilt Institute for Public Policy Studies and Shane's supervisor. "She had an extreme interest in working with children and families to improve their quality of life. Dedicated and responsible, her contributions to the research project and the families that she was working with will be sorely missed. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family and friends. We will truly miss her."

A native of Louisville, Ky., Shane received her master of science in psychiatric nursing in August 1999 from the Vanderbilt Nursing School, which her mother, Melanie, had also attended. She had worked at the VIPPS Center for Psychotherapy Research and Policy since December 1999 as a mental health clinician. Her research involved an intervention program aimed at teenagers with severe conduct disorders. She worked with the parents and teens in the families' homes and helped coordinate all services from the various agencies working with the child.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her father, Dr. Charles Shane of Louisville, and a brother Dr. Matthew Shane of Lexington, Ky.