Born in the mountainous central region of Puerto Rico, Johary Rivera-Meléndez was inspired to study chemistry through the urging of her high school chemistry teacher in Orocovis. However, after being accepted at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, it was the support she received from her professors that helped her keep that dream alive. “It has not been an easy journey, but I have had amazing people around me who have motivated me to keep on going,” says Rivera-Meléndez, who is pursuing a Ph.D.