2025 Rising Innovator

Michelle

Quiroz

Dr. Michelle Quiroz earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Texas Tech University, where she was the first in her family to attend college. While pursuing her degree, she faced a setback in her senior year when she was dismissed from a chemistry class, delaying her graduation. However, this challenge led her to join Dr. Dimitri Pappas's lab, where she developed a passion for research. This experience shifted her focus from medicine to bioanalytical chemistry and set the stage for her successful career in the field.

Quiroz’s career began at Roche Tissue Diagnostics in Tucson, AZ, as a scientist specializing in companion diagnostics. She played a key role in developing early lung cancer assays and later advanced to project management and leadership positions, overseeing the development of diagnostic solutions for multiple cancers. As Director, she led teams that brought new diagnostic tools to market, including partnerships with novel drugs for lung, bladder, breast, and endometrial cancers.

In 2020, Quiroz joined Johnson & Johnson as Scientific Director of Personalized Medicine and Diagnostics, where she led innovative diagnostic solutions for bladder cancer. Her team developed a groundbreaking non-invasive urine test, which received FDA Breakthrough Device Designation, and an AI algorithm to assist in patient tissue sample assessment. This AI deep learning tool, published in Nature Communications in 2024, helps assess biomarker positivity and accelerates the diagnostic process, marking a significant advancement in personalized medicine. These innovations earned two SPARK Innovation Awards.

In 2023, Quiroz returned to Roche, now part of Genentech, as Principal Companion Diagnostic Lead. She leads drug/diagnostic co-development in oncology and immunology, continuing her impactful work from where her journey began at Roche Tissue Diagnostics.

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