Meet the students from the College of Public Health and Health Professions, a diverse group dedicated to improving health and well-being in communities around the world. These students come from various backgrounds, united by their passion for health and their commitment to making a positive impact. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to their studies, preparing to become the next generation of health professionals who will address pressing health challenges and advance their field.
Meet: Alejandro Mena Sánchez
Program: Public Health, Ph.D., One Health concentration
Educational Background: Veterinarian with a certification in basic epidemiology, zoonosis and One Health
What are your research interests?
- Public health
- Animal health
- Epidemiology
- Zoonosis
- Viral diseases
- Indigenous populations under ecological risks
- Applied One Health
- Environmental health
- Biodiversity loss and animal conservation
Why did you choose the University of Florida?
I choose the University of Florida because of its outstanding reputation and professional standards. It is recognized internationally and is an exceptionally captivating and beautiful university. Its Ph.D. program in Public Health, with a concentration in One Health, is uniquely designed. This concentration will allow me to develop the skills needed to address current environmental and health challenges from multiple perspectives, ensuring that the problem is completely solved in all areas.
What research experience do you have?
I have research experience related to public health, epidemiology, zoonosis, viral diseases, and One Health.
What philosophy guides you in your education?
As a veterinarian, I have always aimed to protect human health through animal health, recognizing the incomparable and extremely important bond we share. We depend on each other, and as human beings, we have the responsibility to ensure the health and well-being of animals and ecosystems. This is not only because it benefits us, but also because other species and forms of life have the right to coexist on this planet.
If you could solve one environmental or global health problem, what would it be?
Due to the significant threat posed by potential pandemic zoonotic diseases such as the SARS- COV 2 virus, I would aim to solve the gap that allows humans to be exposed to these pathogens. By doing so, other problems such as the loss of habitats, damage to the environment and preservation of species could be tackled. We do not want to face a future pandemic even more devastating than the one we are recovering from.
What are your career goals?
Learn, develop, and implement public health and One Health models to improve the relationship and interaction between human, animal, and environmental health- particularly in the areas of zoonosis, epidemiological models, viral and potentially pandemic diseases. I am looking forward to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and focuses.
Want to learn more?
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