Dr. Daniel Peña Oyarzún is a Biochemist (Universidad de Chile) and Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences (Universidad de Chile). Dr. Peña holds two postdocs: one at the Faculty of Odontology of Universidad de Chile, and another at the Faculty of Biological Sciences of Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. As independent researcher, he has studied the molecular mechanisms behind oral diseases, such as oral cancer and periodontitis.

Dr. Daniel Peña Oyarzún is a Researcher and Associate Professor at the Faculty of Odontology and Rehabilitation Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, where he teaches Biochemistry and Chemistry to undergraduate students of the Odontology career. Dr. Peña has also been invited to teach in undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the Faculty of Odontology, Universidad de Chile.

On his FONDECYT Iniciación en la Investigación 11240983, Dr. Peña studies how the protein homeostatic mechanisms are associated with oral cancer progression. His research is focused on: (I) the discovery of new cellular signaling pathways that regulate the proteostatic mechanisms during oral carcinogenesis and (II) the identification of novel biomarkers for oral cancer progression. The main aim of his research is to expand the knowledge of oral cancer biology to design effective and non-toxic pharmacologic treatments.