David P. Peñaloza Jr. is a Professor of Chemistry and the Assistant Dean of Research and Advanced Studies (ADRAS) for the College of Science at De La Salle University in Manila, Philippines. He previously worked in Kyushu University (Japan), Keimyung University (South Korea), Valdosta State University - part of the University of Georgia System (USA) and Central Luzon State University. 

He earned his Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Connecticut (Prof. Thomas AP Seery) in 2011 through the Ford Foundation International Fellowship Program. He did a postdoctoral fellowship at Kyushu University in applied chemistry with Prof. Keiji Tanaka. 

Dr. Penaloza's research interests center on two areas: dispersion technology innovation and polymer systems and functional materials. His laboratory focuses on understanding and controlling the fundamental mechanisms that govern particle behavior in dispersed systems, with particular emphasis on how polymer interfaces can be engineered to achieve unprecedented control over particle size distribution, surface properties, and functional performance. Additionally, he collaborates with industry partners to address formulation challenges in products such as paints, coatings, inks, emulsions, plastics, cosmetics, and personal home care products. 

His research has led to significant contributions in the field of polymeric materials, documented in more than 50 original scientific articles. He received notable recognitions including the 2021 Achievement Award for the NRCP Division of Chemical Sciences, and he was named to the Asian Scientist 100 list in 2023. His work had been featured as a cover article in Soft Matter (Royal Society of Chemistry, UK) in 2013. He also received the Editor of Distinction Award 2026 from Springer Nature and Scientific Reports.

He currently serves as the first vice president of the Kapisanang Kimika ng Pilipinas (The Chemical Society of the Philippines) and is an elected member of the Sigma Xi Scientific Research Honor Society, the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering and National Research Council of the Philippines. 

Additionally, Dr. Penaloza serves as a technical consultant for D&L Industries, Inc. since 2015 and is an editorial board member for scientific journals, including Nature Scientific Reports, PeerJ (Materials Science) and Engineering Chemistry Journal. He also serves as a reviewer for several international scientific journals.