Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Jose Guillermo Lechuga

Jose Guillermo Lechuga, MS (He/Him/His) is the Facility Manager for the Biobehavioral Shared Resource (BBSR) and a Research Coordinator for the Behavioral Medicine Research Lab at the Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health. 

1. What are your career/research interests? 

My research journey is driven by a deep commitment to understanding and improving how individuals navigate the challenges of cancer. Through listening and in-depth interviews, I focus on uncovering the factors that impact the quality of life for those who have faced and endured cancer, with a particular emphasis on the Latinx/Hispanic community.

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

My early life experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the research process, and I was fascinated by the effort and dedication required to turn a simple question into a well-designed study, leading not just to answers but to new and even more questions. Alongside this, I've always felt a calling and a strong passion for helping and being a service to others, which made me eager to be part of meaningful and important research. During my undergrad, I had the opportunity to join research labs that provided me with exposure to the behind-the-scenes look at the research process and solidified my desire to continue contributing to this impactful work.

3. What brought you to UCI?

It felt like everything fell into place at just the right moment. After spending several years providing mental health support to vulnerable and at-risk populations, I began to feel the weight of the work and knew I needed to take a step back. Around that time, a colleague from graduate school reached out to let me know about a research lab at her alma mater, UCI, which was looking for a research coordinator with the exact skills and clinical training I had. It quickly became clear that this opportunity was the perfect fit and exactly where I needed to be, and I've been here since!

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

I approach work with the mindset that we’re all on the same team, united by our shared goal of conducting meaningful research and making a difference. I focus on how I can support my colleagues in their work while learning from those who have dedicated their lives to making an impact. I’m also eager and ready to share my own experiences and knowledge, which helps me build connections and contribute to a sense of community and belonging at work.

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission?

Having been born and spending much of my childhood in Orange County, I’ve always felt a deep connection to this area—it’s where my roots are. Now, I have the opportunity to give back and make an impact in a place that means so much to me and to others who share that sense of belonging.

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey? 

Entering a new specialized field with limited experience can be daunting, especially when there's so much to learn and it feels like you're starting ten steps behind. Navigating this steep learning curve has been challenging, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. Another challenge that has profoundly impacted my journey is listening to the unique experiences of our cancer patients. While it’s a privilege to hear their stories, there are times when I feel an internal frustration learning about systemic failures that made their already difficult situations even harder. These challenges motivate me to work harder, advocate for improvements, and ensure our participants' voices are heard through research.

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

One of my proudest accomplishments is actively contributing to the re-envisioning of the Biobehavioral Shared Resource (BBSR), which has allowed us to support and enhance numerous cancer-related research projects. It’s been incredibly rewarding to hit the ground running, learn new skills, and adapt to meet the diverse needs of our collaborators. Additionally, this position has given me exposure to research opportunities I might not have encountered otherwise. This experience has been a significant professional milestone and has deepened my commitment to advancing cancer research.

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

I love watching movies, whether it’s catching the latest A24 indie release in theaters or rewatching films that just make you “feel”. Whenever I can, I love escaping to national parks for camping trips and taking in the crisp, fresh air. But most of all, I’m thoroughly enjoying the incredible experience of becoming a dad to my first son, marveling with awe and wonder at every little thing he does!

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

A few random facts about me: I’ve been skydiving before, I love taking refreshing naps on the weekends, and I married my high school sweetheart!

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