Diego Ruiz

Name/Pronouns: Diego Ruiz (He/Him/His)

Major: Population Health

Mentor(s): Dr. Jake Greenberg, University College & Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology

Current Research Title: Fostering Ambitions: Understanding Barriers and Motivating Factors for Healthcare Careers at an HSI

Description: This project explores the systemic, social, and personal factors that influence students’ decisions to pursue careers in healthcare, with a focus on those from historically marginalized communities. Through qualitative data collection and analysis, I aim to identify both the structural barriers students face and the motivating forces that keep their ambitions alive, with the ultimate goal of informing better institutional support for future healthcare professionals at UNM and beyond.

When, how, why you got involved in research: When I first entered college, I viewed research as something that would strengthen my resume, but I didn't really understand what it involved or why it mattered. During my first semester at UNM, I attended a URAD workshop that introduced me to the research process and made it feel much more accessible. That curiosity eventually led me to my first hands-on research experience with the NSF Center for Genetically Encoded Materials at the University of Minnesota. After returning to UNM, I joined Dr. Jake Greenberg's lab and participated in the El Puente Research Fellowship, where I worked on a public health project examining barriers and motivating factors for underrepresented students pursuing healthcare careers before transitioning to chemistry research on natural product extraction from native New Mexico plants. Through these experiences, I've come to see research less as just a resume builder and more as an outlet for curiosity and lifelong learning.

Piece of advice: Say yes to opportunities, even if you're not completely sure where they'll lead. Go to the workshop, join the club, send the cold email, introduce yourself after the presentation, and apply for the program you think you're underqualified for. Research is built on connections, but so is college. Every opportunity I've had started because I showed up somewhere or reached out to someone. It's easy to feel isolated during college, but there are so many faculty, mentors, and peers who genuinely want to help you succeed, you just have to give them the chance to know you. You don't have to say yes to everything or overcommit yourself, but don't let fear or self-doubt stop you from trying something new. The people you meet and the relationships you build will open doors you never knew existed.