I’ve always been drawn to the intersections of social justice and health, particularly the relationships between food and chronic diseases, such as obesity and diabetes, and how these issues disproportionately affect communities of color.
Prior to making my way to the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health, I thought sociology would be a fit, but I discovered the public health field and realized that was my calling.
Wen Public Health’s curriculum stood out for its balance of science and policy, allowing me to explore my interests in a practical context without the heavy emphasis on hard sciences typical of other health sciences’ degree programs.
After earning my bachelor’s degree at UC Irvine in Public Health Policy, I worked as a case manager for individuals experiencing homelessness and severe mental illness. As a provider and practitioner, this hands-on experience exposed me to the systemic gaps in health services, fueling my desire to make a broader impact. I returned to UC Irvine to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH), drawn by the program’s emphasis on acquiring hands-on skills through the practicum experience embedded in the curriculum and the Certified Public Health (CPH) credentialing program.
Finding a passion for research
It was during my journey in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program when I became interested in research in ways I never expected. I had never envisioned myself pursuing academia or stepping into a research-focused role, but as I progressed through my MPH degree, I discovered my genuine love for it. What began as a simple curiosity grew into a deep passion, ultimately inspiring me to pursue a PhD in Public Health with a concentration on disease prevention.
Staying at UC Irvine felt like a natural choice. I had already built strong connections with both faculty and peers and was excited to collaborate with the exceptional faculty at Wen Public Health.
Beginning my MPH program in 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, was especially nerve-wracking. Yet, this period allowed me, and the rest of the world, to see and understand the importance of public health in our society. It reshaped my entire perspective, showing me that public health goes far beyond disease prevention or emergency preparedness. It is deeply embedded in every aspect of our lives.
Gentrification, food security, and health equity
Through my studies, I’ve become increasingly focused on health equity and the public health framework of social determinants of health, which examines how systemic issues like racism, income inequality, and neighborhood disparities create health inequities.
It was only recently when I met Denise Payán, an associate professor of health, society, and behavior and a food insecurity expert, who introduced me to policy and food-related research. Her work influenced by PhD dissertation, which explores the impact of gentrification on food insecurity and diet-related diseases.
Growing up in Oakland, I witnessed firsthand the effects of gentrification such as rising homelessness, skyrocketing rents, and the displacement of longtime residents. This lived experience is a major driver for my research, which examines how neighborhood transformations influence access to healthy food and overall community well-being.
Focusing now on Orange County, I’m currently studying how gentrification in suburban areas – often overlooked in research – impacts food security and diet quality. By collaborating with community partners, I aim to elevate local voices and use scientific methods to validate the experiences of those affected.
Transformative academic journey
My time at UC Irvine and Wen Public Health has been both professionally and personally transformative. Not only have I published my first peer-reviewed article, but I have also won an award from the American Public Health Association (APHA) for my research during my undergraduate studies. Additionally, I’m also a part of the Health and Justice Advocates (HJA), a graduate student group under Wen Public Health. It’s an opportunity to connect with other students on public health issues outside of the classroom and provides a space where everyone is safe to share their thoughts and opinions. Beyond public health, I’ve taken classes in sociology and other disciplines, broadening my perspective (and my student colleagues) and enriching my research approach. These interdisciplinary experiences have pushed me to think more critically and creatively about health challenges affecting the community.
For undergraduates or MPH students considering a PhD degree, my advice is simple: take risks. Whether it’s pursuing research opportunities or stepping outside your comfort zone, these experiences can help you discover what truly excites you. For me, that was research, and it has shaped my academic and professional journey in profound ways.
As I advance in my career, my goal is to continue advocating for health equity and uplifting marginalized communities. By addressing the root causes of health disparities, I hope to contribute to a future where everyone can live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
