As a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and former Dean of the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of California, Riverside, I am deeply committed to inspiring my community, fostering innovation, advancing scientific knowledge through inventions, and collaborating with industry. My research focuses on bioactive-based, biodegradable polymers; I create novel materials for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and sustainable technologies. With > 200 published articles and > 60 issued patents, I've made significant contributions along with my talented research group. My research team is built upon excellence and inclusion: ~60% of predoctoral students, 50% of postdoctoral associates, ~80% of visiting scientists, and 60% of undergraduate students recruited into my lab are from underrepresented groups. Particularly for science, excellence is enhanced by including multiple perspectives. As a leader, I advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in science, recognizing that inclusive perspectives drive creativity and invention.While invention starts in the lab, innovation requires collaborators and partners. While I’ve successfully translated creative science into impactful technologies through entrepreneurship, I also partner with a broad range of companies (e.g., BASF, Chanel, Colgate-Palmolive, ExxonMobil, Johnson & Johnson, L’Oréal, and Merck) to develop new biomaterials that are nontoxic and biodegradable. With the scientific expertise and professional skills gained from industrial collaborations within my lab, approximately 90% of my researchers go directly into industry.My expertise and leadership extend beyond my laboratory; I serve as a scientific advisor and intellectual property manager to startups and industry. My collaborative approach, curiosity, and commitment to interdisciplinary research fosters a culture of innovation, driving positive change in both academia and industry. My curiosity also drives me to bridge the gap between science literacy and the public – and share the joy of science.My journey began with a fascination for science. As far back as I can remember, I’ve been curious about everything – science, art, history, religion. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t know how to harness that curiosity. With guidance from mentors, family and friends, I am now privileged to share my curiosity with hundreds of young scientists and more experienced scientific collaborators. Whether in the classroom or the lab, I strive to inspire the next generation of scientists and pay it forward.