Aixa Cruz Rodriguez

Aixa Cruz Rodriguez is a Senior Scientist for Chemical and Biological Defense Programs at the National Strategic Research Institute at the University of Nebraska, the University Affiliated Research Center designated by the U.S. Department of War and sponsored by U.S. Strategic Command.

Cruz Rodriguez has a strong foundation in microbiology and a proven track record of leadership in high-stakes environments. She earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of South Florida and began her career contributing to research projects that explored the mechanisms of PARP inhibitors using in vivo and in vitro models to understand how these inhibitors block and attenuate cellular processes, providing insights into therapeutic strategies and deepening her expertise in applied biological research.

Building on her scientific background, Cruz Rodriguez has combined technical acumen with operational leadership. She has forward-deployed to austere environments, leading laboratory teams in support of critical missions, including red-team efforts. Her work has supported operations spanning a broad spectrum of biodefense priorities, including hazard mitigation, counter-proliferation, sample collection and detection. In addition, she has trained personnel across diverse environments and acted as a subject matter expert for multiple multi-year research and development initiatives, driving innovation and operational success.

Cruz Rodriguez has served as a civilian liaison between the DOW, private industry and other government organizations to identify and integrate cutting-edge biotechnologies. By bridging the gap between scientific discovery and mission-critical applications, she provides NSRI with unique insight and strategic connections that strengthen innovation efforts and advance solutions in support of national security.