Dr. Diana Leyva del Rio

I was born and raised in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. It’s a beautiful city located in the center of the country, just a bit north of Mexico City. Growing up there was truly special, in part because all of my extended family lived nearby. We had a strong sense of community, and family gatherings were frequent and full of warmth, laughter, and amazing food. The culture, traditions, and pace of life gave me a strong foundation and a deep appreciation for where I come from.

As a kid, I absolutely loved being outdoors. Whether it was playing any sport, riding my bike, or just running around with my neighborhood friends, I was always moving. I enjoyed any type of physical activity, especially those that involved being out in nature. That time outside gave me a real sense of freedom and adventure.

That would definitely be my high school chemistry teacher. She had this incredible ability to make complicated concepts feel understandable and even fun. What really stood out about her was how passionate she was about science—she made us feel like we were capable of anything if we stayed curious and worked hard. Her influence played a big role in shaping my interest in science and research later on.

I always knew I wanted to be in the health sciences. I was drawn to a career that combined helping people, working with my hands, and having a real impact on someone’s quality of life. Dentistry checked all those boxes. Once I got into dental school, I realized just how multifaceted the field really is—there’s clinical care, of course, but also a strong scientific foundation that allows for innovation and exploration. In many ways, it exceeded my expectations.

I’ve always had a strong interest in research, and during dental school, that passion only grew. I became fascinated by the science behind the treatments we provide and wanted to understand more about the materials and mechanisms we use every day. Pursuing advanced degrees was a natural step for me. It allowed me to stay connected to dentistry while diving deeper into the science that supports it. It was less about following a traditional clinical path and more about contributing to the field through innovation and discovery.

The weather was the first big surprise—coming from California (and before that Mexico), where it’s mostly sunny and dry, to Ohio’s unpredictable seasons was a real adjustment! I had to quickly adapt to cold winters, sudden rain, and big temperature swings that can happen even in a single day. But one thing that truly amazed me was how beautiful Ohio becomes during the fall. The changing colors of the leaves are absolutely stunning—vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows everywhere you look. There’s something peaceful about walking outside on a crisp autumn day, with that cool, fresh air and the sound of leaves crunching under your feet. It’s a completely different experience from what I was used to, and one that I’ve come to really enjoy.

One breakthrough I dream about is developing resin composite materials with significantly higher long-term survival rates—something that would last even longer than amalgam. Improving the durability and longevity of these materials could make a huge difference in patient care and reduce the need for repeat treatments.

Years ago, I found a small, malnourished dog on the streets. I took her in, gave her care, and eventually adopted her. That experience opened my eyes to the struggles so many animals face, and it changed the way I think about pet ownership. I made a personal promise that I would never buy an animal—I would always adopt from shelters or rescues. It was a small act that led to a much bigger shift in my values and how I contribute to animal welfare.

The best gift I ever received was my first bicycle when I was a child. It wasn’t just a toy—it represented independence and exploration. I remember riding it everywhere, feeling like I could go anywhere and do anything. It’s a memory that’s stuck with me all these years.

One thing I’ve always dreamed of is traveling more, especially to places rich in history and art. At the top of my list is visiting Vienna. I’d love to explore its world-famous museums, experience its classical music scene, and walk through the historical streets that have inspired so many great thinkers and artists. It’s a place I feel would feed both my curiosity and creativity.