As part of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the Santurce-based institution paid
tribute to Dr. Roselin Rosario.
By Institutional Communications
As part of the celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the School of Health and Sciences at Universidad del Sagrado Corazón honored Puerto Rican scientist Dr. Roselin Rosario Meléndez for her international career and her impact in the scientific field. The recognition took place during the second edition of the Women in Science Speaker Series, an annual event dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the excellence of women in science.
With more than a decade of experience in industrial scientific research, Rosario Meléndez was recognized for her contributions to polymer chemistry, her work as the inventor of more than 50 global patents, and her commitment to promoting the participation of women and girls in STEM disciplines. The honoree, who also serves as an ambassador for the If/Then program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, shared reflections with students, faculty, and members of the university community about her professional journey, the challenges she has faced, and the importance of ensuring that girls and young women have real role models in science.
“My love for STEM began when I discovered—already in college—that working in a research laboratory was my passion. The best part of being in this field is the possibility of creating what does not yet exist, inventing, and transforming ideas into solutions that can change the world. To young women interested in STEM, I tell them to seek opportunities, learn everything they can, and not hesitate to ask for guidance. You don’t have to do it alone. There will always be someone willing to share their story,” said Rosario Meléndez, who is originally from the town of Aibonito.
As an educational institution founded by women and committed to the development of female talent, encouraging young women to pursue careers in science is one of the pillars of the School of Health and Sciences. “Honoring Dr. Rosario Meléndez means recognizing the extraordinary potential of Puerto Rican women in science. Her career demonstrates that young women have the power to contribute to global knowledge, and her example paves the way for our students to envision themselves as future researchers, innovators, and leaders in STEM,” stated Dr. Bianca Valdés, Dean of the School of Health and Sciences.
The event also featured the participation of L’Oréal Caribe and its For Women in Science program. “At L’Oréal Caribe, we strongly believe in the power of supporting future generations of women scientists. Supporting them means creating space for them to share their talent, knowledge, and vision so they can transform the world through science and innovation. This commitment is an essential part of our values and the legacy we seek to build in our region,” said Liana Camacho, VP Market Lead of L’Oréal Caribe.
Through initiatives like this one, Sagrado reaffirms its commitment to advancing scientific education and creating spaces that connect the academic community with leaders who are transforming the global scientific landscape.