PhD Environmental Health Sciences
“I am grateful to be part of the MEZCOPH because it provides a perfect environment to learn more about public health issues. The professors have been really supportive, and I have gained valuable experience in the classroom and conducting research.”
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Email:
lopezgalvez@email.arizona.edu
Hometown:Los Angeles, California and Machala, Ecuador
Prior Degree(s):BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UCLA; Master in Public Health and Master in Arts - Latin American Studies, San Diego State University
Before entering the program:Finishing up with my masters degree and working as a research assistant in California.
Why did you choose public health?I chose public health because it allowed me to use my laboratory skills gained as a biology major to work in research that can help protect communities from the exposure to environmental contaminants.
Why did you choose MEZCOPH?MEZCOPH has a great and diverse faculty team conducting research in environmental health issues, and I knew that MEZCOPH was going to provided me with the tools and knowledge to research the issues experienced by migrant farm workers near the Arizona border.
Public health interests:Migrant farm workers health, pesticide exposure, environmental epidemiology, and occupational health.
Dissertation:Not determined yet, but it might be in migrant farm workers exposure to pesticides and heat.
Interests/hobbies outside of school:Working at community gardens, traveling, playing soccer and volleyball.
Tip for future students:Always network and collaborate with other fields within and outside health sciences because public health is about integrating other disciplines with the objective of improving people's health.