This month, we celebrate the exceptional work of Maria Jose (Majo) Arredondo, one of this year’s Emerging Researcher Award winners. Affectionately known as Majo, she is a clinician at Baylor College of Medicine’s Texas Children’s Hospital and the Project Coordinator for the TANGO2 Natural History Study. Her dedication to TANGO2 research goes beyond her role, as she often works evenings and weekends to advance our understanding of TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder.

After graduating from medical school in Mexico and spending a year at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Majo’s love for pediatrics and research led her to Baylor College of Medicine. Driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of children and their families, she chose to focus on TANGO2, combining her expertise in science with her heartfelt interactions with the TANGO2 community.

“The TANGO2 community is amazing, with families from all over the world coming together to support each other,” Majo shared. “The connections I’ve made here are incredible, and it feels so rewarding to know that my work can make a difference for them in any way.”

Majo’s accomplishments reflect her dedication. She has won the Young Investigator Award at Baylor College of Medicine and was nominated for the prestigious Young Investigator Award at the Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Sessions. As she prepares to begin her pediatric residency this year, Majo hopes to remain deeply involved in the TANGO2 community, continuing to contribute her passion and expertise to this important work.

We are honored to highlight Majo for her incredible contributions and her drive to improve the lives of children with TANGO2 Deficiency Disorder. Thank you, Majo, for your unwavering commitment to finding answers and supporting families around the world.