Diego Pedroza’s fascination with science can be traced back to his childhood in Texas, where his father, despite not having a formal education, ignited his curiosity about the human body. “He was an avid reader, and he loved to discuss how our body fights off viruses and bacteria and how proteins contribute to muscle growth,” Pedroza recalls. This nurturing foundation laid the groundwork for his future explorations in science.

Pedroza's passion intensified during high school when a teacher challenged him to dive into the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance, a significant concern in his hometown of El Paso. “I remember examining the structure of two different antibiotics. Although I didn’t grasp everything at the time, I found it fascinating,” he reflects. This moment marked the beginning of his love affair with biochemistry.

Eager to deepen his knowledge, Pedroza pursued a degree in biochemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso. He volunteered in Shizue Mito’s lab, where he synthesized amino acids, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. His journey took a pivotal turn when he secured a summer internship at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. Here, he explored a different realm of science, focusing on breast cancer and molecular biology. “Working with cancer cells and testing drug compounds felt like I was contributing to something meaningful,” he said.

Upon returning to his university, Pedroza joined Renato Aguilera’s lab, merging his chemistry background with cancer research. This collaboration resulted in his first scientific manuscript, which, to his amazement, was published. “Having a first-author paper as an undergraduate provided me with a tremendous sense of belonging in the research community,” he notes.

Pedroza continued to thrive in academia, earning his master’s degree and later a Ph.D. at Texas Tech University, where he published four first-author papers. His exceptional work led him to a postdoctoral position at Baylor College of Medicine, working under renowned researchers Jeffrey Rosen and Xiang H-F Zhang. However, the path was fraught with challenges, particularly when he faced multiple grant rejections. “I questioned my future in science,” he admitted, but support from his colleagues helped him persevere.

Pedroza's resilience paid off spectacularly when he received a prestigious three-year grant from the American Cancer Society, achieving a perfect score. He also joined the Maximizing Opportunities for Scientific and Academic Independent Careers (MOSAIC) program, which empowers researchers from diverse backgrounds. Through this program, he gained mentorship that has been instrumental in shaping his career trajectory.

Currently, Pedroza’s research is focused on targeting tumor-associated macrophages—immune cells that often aid cancer rather than fight it. His breakthrough studies in genetically modified mice have shown that combining an antibody aimed at these macrophages with traditional treatments like chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy can lead to remarkable antitumor effects, particularly in lung and liver metastases. This groundbreaking work not only holds promise for enhancing cancer treatments but also suggests a transformative approach to immunotherapy.

As a role model for aspiring researchers, Pedroza stresses a vital piece of advice: “Do not confine yourself to one discipline. Explore different fields such as chemistry, physics, and biology. It’s through exploration that you’ll discover your true passion.” Diego Pedroza's journey from a curious child to a pioneering researcher exemplifies the power of perseverance, mentorship, and an insatiable quest for knowledge. His work is paving the way for innovative cancer therapies, potentially altering the future of treatment for millions worldwide.