I came to know Meri a few years ago when she applied to work at Memphis Meats (now known as Upside Foods). My early impressions of Meri were her classic authenticity as a cell biologist and the pride she took in leading her R&D team at the company. She was uncompromising in maintaining a high standard of scientific excellence within the team and set an example by celebrating her team’s progress with boba tea and other treats. Meri was relatable to me in many ways. Especially memorable were our conversations on topics I had once considered lost to scientific esoterica, gardening, and our shared Italian heritage. (pictured here are ingredients prepared by Meri for a ZabagIione dessert) I am fortunate to have known her.