For LSU Chemistry alumna Dr. Danielle Songe Meador, Louisiana isn’t just home, it’s the heart of her journey, both personally and professionally. From her hometown of Meraux, just southeast of New Orleans, to her leadership role in the chemical industry, Meador’s path is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to leave your roots to grow.

“I always knew I wanted to study chemistry,” Meador said. “And I knew LSU had a strong program. But honestly, a big part of why I chose LSU was because it was in Louisiana. My whole family lives here, and I wanted to be close enough to visit them on weekends or whenever I needed to.”

Her love for chemistry sparked in high school at Andrew Jackson High, where a passionate teacher, Ms. Martin, helped her fall in love with the subject. “I liked that it was hard. Most people struggled with chemistry, but I liked the challenge and knowing it was something that could make a difference in the world.” She even successfully petitioned her school to offer a Chemistry II course so she and her classmates could keep learning.

That same determination carried Meador to LSU, where she majored in chemistry and immersed herself in various learning opportunities. “People told me to go to other schools for broader experiences, but I think you can get just as much variety right here. I stayed at LSU, partnered with other departments, and worked in different labs; each one had something new to teach.”

As an undergraduate, Meador participated in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, which bridged organic chemistry and biomedical engineering and allowed her to explore different applications of science. The experience solidified her desire to continue in chemistry with a very clear goal.

“I’ve always wanted to help people,” she explained. “At one point, I thought that meant I would have to go into the medical field. But I realized quickly that medicine wasn’t the only way or right fit for me. I wanted to make a difference, just not face-to-face. Chemistry lets me help people from behind the scenes.”

Her research experiences encouraged Meador to pursue her Ph.D. in chemistry at LSU. “It was the right fit in every way. My family had moved to Prairieville, and my husband’s family was in Central. Everything lined up, and LSU’s graduate program in chemistry was strong. I had no reason to go anywhere else.”

She joined Prof. David Spivak’s lab, where she thrived in a research environment that blended organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and analytical chemistry. “I always said I was a jack of all trades. I wanted a wide range of experience, and that’s exactly what I got. It helped me become a more well-rounded chemist.”

For Meador, the community was a meaningful part of graduate school. “The people, my lab group, the other graduate students, those bonds were special. Everyone came from different backgrounds, and I learned so much just from being around them.”

Eager to launch her career, Meador attended the LSU Career Fair with a purpose. “I went to the fair and said, ‘I’m not just here for the free pens; I’m here for a job.’ And I meant it,” she recalled. That determination paid off. By October, she had a job offer from Syngenta, a global leader in agricultural science. Just three days after earning her Ph.D. in May 2014, Meador stepped into her new role as a chemist.

At Syngenta, Meador found the exact purpose-driven work she envisioned. “What I do now helps people put food on the table,” she said. “We produce chemicals that help farmers grow the food we rely on. It’s easy to overlook the chemistry behind agriculture, but without it, there’d be no crops, harvests, or supply. I know my work matters, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”

Today, Meador is a Quality Manager at Syngenta, overseeing quality assurance, quality control, environmental lab testing, and a team of 30 professionals. Her role is both technical and strategic, ensuring the integrity of products, compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and support of the broader mission of advancing global food security.

Looking back, Meador’s advice is clear: “Dream it, then do it.”

“You have to want success and then be willing to work for it. Even if things don’t go your way the first time, keep learning, ask questions, and don’t give up,” Meador shared. “After all, the best view comes after the hardest climb.”  

Dr. Meador is proud to be a Louisiana chemist. Her journey shows that you can build a life and a career that truly matters with heart, hard work, and a strong sense of home.