Danixa Rodriguez Melendez

Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to become a scientist. Growing up in a small community where I witnessed crises and natural disasters, I often wondered how I could make a meaningful contribution. That curiosity led me to pursue science in high school and, eventually, in college. After graduation, I earned the highest score in Puerto Rico’s Chemistry Licensure Exam, which reinforced my commitment to research and discovery. Since then, I have filed a patent, published 18 scientific articles, and was awarded a fellowship to support my PhD studies. Today, I am proud to contribute to groundbreaking work at my company, which became the first to patent a non-toxic, bio-based fire suppression technology. I am also deeply proud to be the first PhD chemist in my family. My journey has been shaped not only by my passion for science but also by the people around me who encouraged me to keep pushing forward. Their support inspired me to pursue excellence and to dedicate myself to solutions that create a safer and more sustainable environment. Coming from a family of three children, with parents who built their lives from humble beginnings, I am especially grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. Every step of my career has been guided by a sense of purpose—to use science as a way to contribute to positive change.

The best career advice I’ve ever received is that fear is often a sign of growth. Whenever you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, it means you’re stepping into new territory—and that’s exactly where opportunities lie. I’ve learned to embrace that discomfort, push through the fear, and trust that it will lead me to greater heights.

My advice would be twofold: First, remember that all the sacrifices, effort, and even failures you experience today are the foundation for tomorrow’s success. Second, if something truly scares you, that’s often a sign you should do it. Grab fear by the hand and walk with it—because on the other side of that fear is where you’ll find growth, freedom, happiness, and ultimately, success.

One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing sustainability with cost, scalability, and commercialization. While bio-based solutions provide safer protection for people and products, they are often more expensive, and many companies hesitate to adopt them in order to preserve financial relationships with suppliers that use harmful ingredients. Still, I see this as a major opportunity—because every step toward implementing safer, more sustainable approaches has the power to protect human lives and drive lasting change.

The values most important to me are maintaining a positive mindset and treating everyone with kindness. I believe that the way you approach people and challenges shapes both your personal and professional life. By carrying positivity and respect into my work, I create stronger relationships, foster collaboration, and contribute to an environment where others feel supported and motivated.