#WeAreEmoryEpi: Meet Diego Cruz!
Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI
Meet Diego Cruz! He is a second-year Epidemiology MPH Candidate that has an interest in disease prevention. Read more about him below!
Tell us a little bit about your academic history/where you went to school.
I attended the University of Texas at San Antonio, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Community Health with a concentration in prevention science. I also had the opportunity to attend the UT Health Science Center School of Public Health as an accelerated 4+1 undergraduate student.
What are your primary research interests?
I’m interested in PrEP uptake in Latinx and Black communities and examining the intersectionality between trauma-informed care and HIV care outcomes.
Are there any exciting projects that you are currently working on that you’d like to share with us?
I currently work as a graduate research assistant in Dr. Natalie Crawford’s PrEP UP Pharmacies study. I specifically help with the implementation of a culturally appropriate pharmacy PrEP delivery model and examine its feasibility and acceptability among Black MSM (men who have sex with men) living in high-poverty or racial minority neighborhoods. I am also a phlebotomist for the Hope2Action study with Drs. Ameeta Kalokhe and Jessica Sales, where we examine the effects of trauma/violence on HIV care engagement and viral suppression with the goal of developing a screening tool for Ryan White HIV clinics.
What is your favorite part about earning your MPH at Emory?
Having the opportunity to engage with the faculty and my cohort at Rollins has been my favorite part of earning my MPH at Emory. Learning from experts in the field of public health has been both a humbling and exciting experience to embark on.
When applying, what were you looking for in a public health school, and what factors drove you towards Rollins?
I chose Rollins because of the unwavering amount of support, career opportunities, and sense of connectedness between the students and faculty at Emory.
What are three fun facts that you want people to know about you?
- I know how to play the violin.
- My mom is deaf and taught me American Sign Language!
- I’m a certified phlebotomist!
It was great getting to know you, Diego! Don’t forget to join us next time as we introduce another member of Emory EPI!
