Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you?
My research focuses on the right of migrant populations, specifically international migrants in transit through Mexico, to access health services. I have been involved in this topic since 2010, when I started as a research assistant at the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico, where I later did my master's. The idea behind my dissertation is to find a way to reduce the gap between what public policy in Mexico states and what happens in real life so migrants in transit can exercise their right to access health services when they need them, as stipulated by the Mexican Constitution and the general health and migration laws.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
While I have not yet published anything specifically about my dissertation project, I am continually publishing with a group of Mexican researchers on the topic of migration and health. Our most recent article was published in July 2022 in the journal Frontiers in Public Health and was entitled “Access to Health Care for Migrants Along the Mexico-United States Border: Applying a Framework to Access Barriers to Care in Mexico.” In addition, in August 2023 we had another article accepted for publication in the Revista de Salud Pública de México entitled “¿Cuál es el problema representado? Una problematización de la política de Covid-19 en migrantes.” Personally, the experience of doing research and publishing is always a bit ambivalent since, of course, I feel proud, but it bothers me to see that the situation for migrants not only does not improve but, on the contrary, worsens. It is frustrating to realize that this population is only relevant to the Mexican and U.S. governments as a political bargaining chip, and that they do not see migrants as human beings in a situation of extreme vulnerability but with undeniable rights.
What would you say is something interesting about your area of study that most people don't know?
I believe it is important to highlight that migrants are individuals with rights and agency who should not depend on humanitarian or charitable help. If there were mechanisms in place so that migrants could exercise their basic rights, such as access to justice, work, health, and housing, to give a few examples, their quality of life would improve significantly.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
I collaborate closely with organizations in Mexico. I belong to the Grupo Asesor en Migración y Salud (GAMyS) composed by an incredible group of researchers from institutions such as Mexico's Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública and El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, among others. We constantly share our experiences and knowledge and seek to learn from other people interested in improving the living conditions of migrants. In collaboration with experts in areas such as public policy, health systems, public spending, and finance, among others, we are organizing a seminar to develop in Mexico migration and health policies with clear operational mechanisms, which currently do not exist.
What attracted you to Texas and UTHealth Houston?
My arrival at UTHealth Houston was very fortuitous. When I was applying to doctoral programs, not only in the United States, but also in Mexico, Chile, and England, I had a great interview with Dr. Maria E. Fernandez, Director of the Prevention and Health Promotion Research Center and Co-Director of the Institute for Implementation Science at UTHealth Houston. Dr. Fernandez is a brilliant researcher who has supported me and from whom I have learned a great deal along the way.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UTHealth Houston?
What I like most about my time in Houston is the people I have met. I have made great friends with a wonderful diversity and cultural richness.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UTHealth Houston and living in the United States?
Regarding studying at UTHealth Houston, I couldn't really say that I have encountered any challenges. If anything, I would like courses to have a more social focus. About living in the United States, since I am a person who is affected by macro issues, such as public policies and government actions, the systematic attack by the Texas government on the migrant population, especially the most vulnerable, is something that disturbs me a lot.
How has the support of ConTex and Conahcyt impacted you?
The scholarship is a mechanism that allows fellows to have a stable life while doing their Ph.D., especially in a country as expensive as the United States. Without this scholarship, I would not be able to pay my tuition and buy food.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future, and how do you hope your research will benefit people in the U.S. and Mexico?
When I complete my program, I hope to return to Mexico and continue working to build bridges between academia, public policy, and practice regarding the right of international migrants to access health services. I hope to contribute to the urgent changes needed to improve the living conditions of international migrants, whether they choose to stay in Mexico or continue their journey to the United States.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
More than advice, I wish them the best of success!
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