Darryl Leja is a senior graphic designer, illustrator and visual information specialist within the National Human Genome Research Institute’s (NHGRI) Office of Communications. He joined NHGRI in May 1995. He provides both scientific and full illustrative and graphic support for NHGRI. By working closely with the institute's scientific staff, Darryl makes the unseen seen. His rich scientific illustrations and graphics appear in manuscripts, journal covers, genomics education materials and across genome.gov.

Darryl has supported countless landmark genome manuscripts and accompanying educational posters and journal covers. In genome education, he has illustrated and helped develop multiple iterations of NHGRI’s Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms. He has provided branding for intramural and extramural research. His illustrations can be found on a variety of NHGRI products, including a book entitled "Training in Basic Biomethodology for Laboratory Mice," DNA Day, the Genome Unlocking Life’s Code Exhibit on display at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and fact sheets.