As Rice University prepares to celebrate the Class of 2025 at commencement May 9-10, Rice News is spotlighting a collection of standout graduates.
Esther Jimenez, a fifth-year doctoral candidate in biochemistry and cell biology, is revolutionizing sustainable materials through synthetic biology. Her research focuses on engineering microorganisms to self-assemble into structures that can replace plastics, offering a promising solution for reducing industrial waste.
Jimenez said she believes universities are essential for driving discoveries that lead to real-world applications.
“It’s very important to keep the research going and to always be at the forefront of science,” she said.
After graduation, she will join intellectual property law firm Fletcher Yoder as a scientific adviser, contributing to innovation through patent prosecution.
Raised in Houston by immigrant parents who supported her ambitions, Jimenez said she feels her work honors their sacrifices.
“I wanted to pursue graduate studies to advance my career and make my family proud by putting the word ‘doctor’ in front of our last name,” she said.
Video and photos by Brandon Martin/Rice University