Our Research Team
Driven by curiosity, united by purpose
At the Mata-Garrido Lab, our strength lies in our people. We are a diverse and collaborative team of scientists, clinicians, and computational biologists united by a shared goal: to understand cancer at its roots and translate discoveries into better outcomes for patients.
Our members bring expertise in cell biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and molecular medicine; but also creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to impact. We believe that great science grows from teamwork, open discussion, and the joy of discovery.
We work closely with national and international collaborators, clinicians, and patient communities to ensure that our research remains connected to the human stories behind every sample and dataset. Together, we are building not just knowledge, but hope for the future of cancer care.
The Team
Small in size, strong in spirit
Jorge Mata Garrido, PhD
Head of the laboratory
I grew up in Cervillego de la Cruz, a small town in Valladolid (Spain) with fewer than 100 inhabitants. I graduated in Biology from the University of Salamanca and completed a Master’s in Cancer Biology and Clinical Oncology at the Cancer Research Center in Salamanca. I obtained my PhD from the University of Cantabria and later worked as a researcher at prestigious institutions such as the Institut Necker-Enfants Malades and the Institut Pasteur in Paris, specializing in the role of epigenetics in cell fate and gastrointestinal cancer. Since January 2026, I have been the head of Cellular plasticity and precision oncology in gastrointestinal cancer laboratory. In my free time, I enjoy reading, videogames, and motorcycles.
Christophe Desterke, PhD
Researcher
I obtained my engineering degree in Biology from the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers (CNAM), Paris. I then completed a PhD in Molecular Biology with a specialization in Cancerology at Paris‑Saclay University. In 2008, I was awarded the French National Prize in Hematology. From 2010 to now, I worked as a Research Engineer in Bioinformatics at the Faculty of Medicine, Paris‑Saclay University.
I am an expert in the analysis of multi‑omics data, including transcriptomics, single‑cell transcriptomics, and epigenomics, with a strong focus on clinical integration in cancer and leukemia research. I have extensive expertise in R programming and have designed several packages for omics investigations, which are available on my GitHub page: www.github.com/cdesterke.
Irene Paredero Pérez, MD, PhD
Specialist in Digestive Tumours
Graduated from the University of Murcia, I completed my specialist training at the Doctor Peset University Hospital in Valencia, where I currently carry out my clinical and research work. My focus lies in the treatment of digestive tumors and geriatric oncology, which is the main core of my research. I obtained my PhD from the University of Valencia in this field, and I actively participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as in academic activities organized by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology.
Graduated from the University of Murcia, I completed my specialist training at the Doctor Peset University Hospital in Valencia, where I currently carry out my clinical and research work. My focus lies in the treatment of digestive tumors and geriatric oncology, which is the main core of my research. I obtained my PhD from the University of Valencia in this field, and I actively participate in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, as well as in academic activities organized by the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology.
Lucía Sanús Crespo
Master student
Graduated in Biotechnology from the University of Rovira i Virgili, I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Biotechnology at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. As part of my master’s training, I am carrying out my final master’s thesis within the Digestive and Inflammatory Pharmacology Unit at the University of Valencia, where I am gaining experience in biomedical research. For my master’s thesis, I am investigating digestive and inflammatory diseases, with a particular focus on Crohn’s disease and colorectal cancer.
Rebeca Chulvi Veiga, MD
Specialist in Digestive Tumours
Agnés Alberola Sanchis
Undergraduate student
I am currently in my fourth year of a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology at the European University of Valencia. As part of my academic training, I am completing an internship at FISABIO within the Hepato-Digestive Pharmacology Department at the University of Valencia, where I am involved in research focused on fibrosis and colorectal cancer.
Join Our Research Team! We are looking for enthusiastic, curious, and committed scientists ready to push the boundaries of biomedical research. If you have passion, creativity, and the drive to make discoveries that matter, we want you in our laboratory. Apply now and grow with us!