5 Questions with Melisa Mollaian, Client Manager, CAI

Melisa Mollaian, Client Manager at CAI, channels her passion for problem-solving, collaboration, and mentorship into building smarter systems and stronger communities across the life sciences space. Whether she’s troubleshooting a complex project or chasing the Northern Lights, she’s all about discovery, connection, and a little bit of adventure.

1) What did you want to be when you grow up? How'd you get from there to here?

I was always drawn to structure and organization—things that made sense, had patterns, and fit together logically. That instinct led me to study chemical engineering for my bachelor’s. Chemical engineering helped me see the "behind the scenes" of how everything works, like peeling back the layers of life itself. Then, I became deeply interested in data analytics using machine learning, which is all about uncovering hidden patterns and structures to extract meaning. That became my focus during my master’s at UC Davis, and it’s something I’m still passionate about today, especially in how we can integrate machine learning into biotech to optimize processes and uncover new insights.

My curiosity led me to biotech, where I started in computer system validation (CSV). Over time, I realized I thrive in project management, where I can bring structure and keep everything on track while balancing technical problem-solving with the human side of work. Now, as a client manager, I get to combine all those strengths—understanding complex systems, managing people, and making things run smoothly. It’s not the straight path I imagined, but looking back, it makes perfect sense.

2) How are you helping to build a more connected community?

I enjoy meeting people who share a passion for our field and sparking conversations that drive innovation, which I get to do through industry events. The best ideas often emerge in unexpected moments, and I love being part of those discussions where different perspectives come together to move the industry forward.

Beyond that, one of the most fulfilling parts of my job is mentoring others and recognizing potential in people—just as others did for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without people seeing something in me that I hadn’t yet realized myself. I believe everyone has unique strengths, and sometimes all they need is the right opportunity or encouragement to see them.

3) What are currently buzzing about? Anything and everything...

Honestly? Everything. Life is all the little things to be excited about.

Work-wise, I love my role as a client manager, helping CAI and our clients solve challenges. There’s something deeply satisfying about fixing things—whether it's a process, a system, or even just making a project run more smoothly.

Outside of work, I’ve been painting a wall-sized piece, which has been both exciting and intimidating. I also love baking and experimenting with new recipes. Lately, I’ve been soaking up every bit of spring—fresh air, longer days, and the feeling of everything coming back to life. There’s just something about this season that makes you want to slow down and savor it.

4) If you could travel back in time - what early career advice would you give yourself?

I’d tell my younger self: step out of your comfort zone more. Life is full of possibilities, but you only discover them when you take chances. At the end of the road, you won’t look back and regret the risks you took—you’ll regret the ones you didn’t.

Opportunities rarely come with a flashing sign that says “this is your moment.” You have to create them, recognize them, and sometimes just take a leap even if you’re unsure where you’ll land. Growth happens in the uncomfortable moments, and that’s where the best experiences often begin.

5) What's the most adventurous thing you've ever done?

Recently, I traveled to Scandinavia to chase the Northern Lights. I spent four nights out in the open (bundled up, of course), watching the sky transform with shifting shades of green and purple. There’s something surreal about standing under a sky full of dancing lights and catching shooting stars—it makes you feel small in the best possible way. Nature is just incredible, and that experience was pure magic.