Christian Perez, Ph.D. '23

Q&A

Tell us something about yourself. What is your current position, the nature of the job, key responsibilities, and anything you want to share about yourself.

Growing up in Miami, Florida, as the child of first-generation Cuban immigrants, I developed a deep passion for science and healthcare. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Florida State University (FSU) in 2014. I then pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) with a focus on Environmental Health at Florida International University (FIU), completing it in 2017. My studies culminated in a PhD in public health, specializing in environmental health sciences at FIU in 2023. My doctoral research focused on how NRF1 and ID3 modify transcriptomic signatures that influence vascular diseases like Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy.

Currently, I work as an analyst at the Government Accountability Office (GAO). In this role, I lead performance audits to improve public health emergency responses within key government institutions, including HHS, CDC, FDA, NIH, and ASPR. My responsibilities involve analyzing epidemiological data, reviewing documentary evidence related to public health emergencies, and conducting site visits with state and local health departments. I apply the skills I developed at FIU to identify analytical trends in infectious disease surveillance data and collaborate with public health organizations to discuss emerging trends in public health surveillance.

What helped you to find your first job after graduation? What are some of the memorable experiences that contributed to your career and professional growth?

My career has been significantly shaped by various fellowships and academic experiences. As a graduate assistant at FSU and FIU, I honed my skills in academic writing and feedback. A doctoral fellowship at the NSF Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology at FIU furthered my growth. The TechCongress Congressional Innovation Fellowship in Washington, D.C., provided valuable insights into public health surveillance modernization and privacy policies.

What attracted you to the EHS program at FIU. How did the MPH degree prepare you for the next steps in your career? Any words of wisdom for current and prospective students interested in MPH with EHS degree?

I was attracted to FIU's MPH-EHS program for its innovative work in the area of environmental health sciences. The program's coursework and practicum experiences, including tracking the Zika virus outbreak, prepared me well for my career. My advice to current and prospective students is to embrace the interdisciplinary nature of environmental health sciences, seek research opportunities, and engage deeply in their studies. Effective communication and continuous learning are essential for success in this dynamic field.