Annel Andrea Leon

I am a Quechua bioengineer and community scientist focused on making science accessible, culturally relevant, and accountable to the communities it serves. My work combines molecular biology, data science, and public engagement. At Stanford, I conduct research in the Gomez-Ospina Lab on genome-edited hematopoietic stem cells for lysosomal storage disorders. I lead functional studies on DNASE1L3 variants using PCR, enzymatic assays, and protein analysis. At the Broad Institute, I analyzed datasets such as PRISM and CCLE to identify drug repurposing candidates. In my Biodesign Capstone, I led in-vitro assay development for a bacteriophage-based emollient designed to reduce infections in preterm infants. Outside the Stanford lab, I lead community-based science efforts. I organized a two-day Foldscope workshop for high school students in Ayacucho, Peru, and created bilingual microscopy lessons tailored to local context. As Vice President of BioJam, I co-develop hands-on STEM workshops for migrant youth in the Salinas Valley. I also received training in Indigenous data sovereignty through the IndigiData Summer Institute and returned as a teaching assistant to support other Indigenous students in data science.

November 2025