Daisy De Leon

Daisy De Leon, Ph.D., is a distinguished professor at Loma Linda University with over three decades of experience in breast cancer research, administration, and mentoring. She has dedicated her career to advancing the scientific understanding of health disparities and promoting diversity in medicine. As a researcher, Dr. De Leon has contributed to the field of reproductive endocrinology and breast cancer through her work at institutions including the NIH Cancer Institute and Stanford University.

Throughout her career, Dr. De Leon has been deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of medical professionals, particularly underrepresented minorities. She has guided countless students and early-career researchers through programs such as the NIH-funded Initiative for Maximizing Student Development, helping to increase diversity in the biomedical workforce. Her efforts emphasize both rigorous scientific training and fostering personal growth and resilience among emerging scholars.

Dr. De Leon also serves as a leader in academic administration, including her role as Assistant to the Dean for Diversity, where she integrates research, education, and community engagement to reduce health disparities. She leads the Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine (CHDMM) at Loma Linda University, recognized as a Research Center of Excellence, where she and her diverse team explore factors contributing to susceptibility to disease and develop strategies to improve health outcomes across populations.