What brought you to UC Merced?
As a Latino health equity and policy researcher, I became interested in the vast panorama that Merced, the San Joaquin Valley, and the broader state of California present in terms of diversity and its health system. UC Merced – the youngest UC campus and a Hispanic- and rural-serving institution with a majority first-generation student population – offers boundless opportunity for personal and professional growth while nurturing creativity for anyone who joins, including faculty. I am so excited to be part of this exponential growth, contribute my grain of sand, and learn as much as possible.
What are your current projects?
I am currently working on a few projects. The first project, based in Puerto Rico, aims to capture health system resilience following multiple public health emergencies. For the second project, we focus on understanding the effects of market changes (e.g., market consolidation) on Medicaid managed care in New York and Puerto Rico. Some of the other projects I am working on focus on Latino health care access and utilization and the impact of public health emergencies.
What classes will you be teaching this year?
This year, I am teaching Health Policy (PH 106) in the Fall and Introduction to Biostatistics (PH 010) in the Spring, both for undergraduates.
What are you excited to explore or learn more about this year?
I am eager to learn more about the culture and history of Merced and the San Joaquin Valley. I never visited California prior to this year, so I have tons to explore along the West coast! Open to recommendations.
Who is someone that inspires you?
My parents and grandparents are my biggest inspiration. Their hard work, and sacrifices paved the way, and I am forever grateful. My dad is a teacher and coach with a natural gift for inspiring and true love for his profession, and my mom, who is the bravest person I know, set the perfect example for my sisters and me of a strong, independent, and outspoken woman. Although I have a long way to go, I aspire to be like them both each day.
