Melissa Grenier is a Chemistry Major in her junior year at Villanova University, in Pennsylvania. She hopes to become a pediatrician, and currently has a work-study position tutoring in chemistry. Melissa’s father, James, works as an electrical engineer with the Army Research Laboratory. She can still remember going to visit him for Take Your Child to Work Day, and witnessing demonstrations with liquid nitrogen. “To this day I insist that was the start of my interest in chemistry!” she says. Melissa knows that the work ethic her father has shown allowed her to take on the extensive education necessary to be a medical doctor without hesitation.

Melissa is co-president of her campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity, and spends much time promoting awareness of, and solutions to, the issue of affordable housing. This work has inspired her to incorporate peace and justice ideals in all aspects of life. Melissa enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, and swimming, especially in the Adirondacks of New York.