A postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Medical School, Ester Calvo Fernández is focused on yet another major life challenge. In May 2025, Ester will compete in an Ironman triathlon. But for her, it’s about more than crossing the finish line. Every stroke, pedal, and step will be dedicated to raising awareness and funds for the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, a cause that has shaped her career and personal mission. Ester’s journey from pharmacy student to researcher in pediatric neuro-oncology is driven by her unwavering commitment to finding a cure for DIPG, the aggressive brain tumor that took the life of 5-year-old Chad Carr and that continues to devastate children and their families. Her Ironman race is just one part of a much larger battle she’s fighting — both in the lab and in life — to defeat this disease for good.
Growing up in Barcelona, Spain, Ester never imagined her life would take such a pivotal turn in a lab at the University of Michigan. Her journey began in pharmacy school at the University of Barcelona, where she pursued what she thought would be a lifelong career in clinical pharmacy. But life has a way of reshaping dreams. During her fifth year, Ester had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at the University of Arizona. That experience ignited a curiosity and passion for research she hadn’t anticipated. After completing her degree, she followed that passion to the United States, earning a St. Baldrick’s fellowship that brought her to the University of Michigan.
There, Ester found herself at a crossroads, torn between becoming a clinical pharmacist and pursuing a PhD in research. She spent her days in the lab studying medulloblastoma, breast cancer, and leukemia, while also shadowing physicians and pharmacists to get a firsthand understanding of the U.S. healthcare system. It was during one of these shadowing sessions that her life took a dramatic turn. Ester met Dr. Carl Koschmann in pediatric neuro-oncology and witnessed her first case of DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma). Learning that there were no viable treatments for this disease devastated her and shifted her perspective entirely.
“Ester joined me in clinic as a student and was very clued into my patients with DIPG,” said Dr. Koschmann. ” She saw that some of what we discussed was coming out of labs right now, and I think it lit a fire for her to be a part of the teams making progress. A lot of trainees come to clinic – but not many have taken that experience so far. Ester will undoubtably make a big impact on DIPG research and clinical care.”
From that moment on, Ester knew she needed to be part of finding a solution.
“Why would I work as a clinical pharmacist if I simply don’t have the tools to help these kids,” thought Ester.
This realization propelled her to New York City, where she began her PhD in pathobiology and molecular medicine at Columbia University. Under the mentorship of Dr. Andrea Califano, Ester dove into research focused on unraveling the mysteries of diffuse midline glioma (DMG), which includes DIPG. She discovered several combination therapies that target different aspects of the tumor, extending survival in preclinical models. Her work at Columbia was more than just science — it was a mission. Now, Ester works in Boston at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, continuing her research in the lab of Dr. Mario Suva.
Ester’s journey, however, has not been without challenges. She joined a computational lab with no coding experience and had to teach herself programming from scratch. The research she embarked on was ambitious — trying to find new treatments for a disease that has seen no advancements in over six decades was a daunting task. Skepticism from others was inevitable, but she was fortunate to have mentors like Dr. Jovana Pavisic and Dr. Califano, who believed in her and the project from the very start.
What keeps Ester going is the passion she has for making a difference. She believes these kids and their families deserve better than a six-decade-old standard of care. Every day, she wakes up with 
a purpose: to change the future of pediatric neuro-oncology. It’s a drive that shapes everything she does, from the lab to her personal life. Ester starts each day at 5 a.m. with exercise — currently training for an Ironman triathlon in 2025, which she’ll use to raise awareness and funds for DIPG research.
She wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her incredible husband, Warren, and her mentors. They’ve been with her through the highs and lows, reminding her to persevere even when the path seems insurmountable. And it’s this support, alongside her deep belief in the cause, that has led to achievements she is truly proud of.
Looking ahead, Ester’s goal is clear: to continue working in pediatric neuro-oncology, whether in academia or wherever she can make the most significant impact.
“For those considering this path, be brave,” said Ester. “Choose work that scares you, and pursue it even when you’re afraid. Passion is what will keep you moving forward when the road gets tough, and the right mentorship is essential.”
Since first encountering DIPG, Ester has been committed to raising awareness. Most people don’t know this disease exists until it strikes someone they love. That’s why she’s racing in the Ironman — to bring more attention to this monster we’re fighting. Together, through collaboration and determination, she believes we can make a difference.
Ester’s dedication to finding a cure for DIPG is unwavering, and her upcoming Ironman triathlon is just one more testament to her commitment. As she pushes herself to new limits in the race, she hopes to inspire others to join the fight against DIPG and support the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. Her journey, from pharmacy school in Barcelona to groundbreaking research in Boston, is marked by resilience, passion, and the belief that, together, we can change the future for children battling this devastating disease. Ester’s work is far from over, but with each step, both in and out of the lab, she moves closer to the ultimate goal — finding a cure.
