Kenny Reynieri Rodriguez

Kenny was an accomplished (patent-holding) scientist in the field of genomics. His passion for science and mathematics started early at Loyola High School in Los Angeles, CA. He attained a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA and a PhD in Molecular Biology at the impressively young age of 27 from Northwestern University in Chicago, IL. Kenny was the first person in his family to obtain a PhD. Born and raised in Los Angeles, he was happy to return to California in pursuit of a career defining opportunity at an emerging biotech company in the Bay Area, where he excelled. He balanced great professional success with a passion for adventure, with skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing all within his athletic capability. He loved supporting both the Lakers and the Dodgers. He filled his time by hiking, exploring California and traveling with friends and family - most recently to Honduras and Hawaii.

His loved ones would describe him as confident, generous, undeniably charming with an unlimited potential. He was very focused on attaining his personal goals but had such a happy, lighthearted spirit, making sure to find the fun in every day. He forged meaningful and lasting friendships in every phase of his personal, educational and professional life. He cared deeply for his parents and sisters, spoke with tremendous gratitude for their support and opportunity they afforded him, and in turn, brought them tremendous pride with his achievements.

Kenny is survived by his beloved parents, Marina and Santos Rodriguez, his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy Rodriguez Chin and Baldwin Chin, as well as his sister, Aileen Rodriguez. He was a doting uncle to his niece, Chelsea Chin, who he absolutely adored. He was a loving and committed companion to his partner, Sonika Hegde. He leaves behind a large extended family, both in the U.S. and Honduras. His legacy and life, though too brief, will endure as an inspiration for having both balance and joy.