Class of '26: Trailblazing Imperial Valley undergraduate helps his community through public health

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Alvaro Medina initially thought earning his associate’s degree at Imperial Valley College would be the end of his higher education journey. Instead, it was just the beginning. When he chose to continue his education at SDSU Imperial Valley, he found a path that would reshape his future and open the door to serve his community.

Medina had not originally considered majoring in public health, but after learning more about the area of study, he realized it aligned with his lived experiences and desire to help others. He is one of seven students who will graduate from the first cohort of an SDSU Imperial Valley’s bachelor’s degree in public health, to be bestowed at commencement ceremonies on May 14. 

“The way that public health involves community engagement, to either increase awareness of resources or solve environmental health issues; it resonated with me,” said Medina. “It initiated a passion within me to pursue my degree, stay in academia and be able to help people.”

Medina is now preparing to begin SDSU’s master of public health program in fall 2026.

At first, he had viewed health care through a narrow lens, assuming it was limited to clinical roles like nursing. His personal experiences in dealing with a family member’s cancer diagnosis made his goal to major in public health even more meaningful. He saw firsthand how emotional support and access to care can change lives.

“When I first entered the program, it made me really excited to know that I was going to be able to help people that may be in similar situations as me,”  Medina said. “I wanted to test myself and push myself academically and personally.” 

Medina quickly found a sense of belonging on campus, as he had a close-knit support system within his cohort and professors, who created a welcoming space that allowed him to grow. 

His involvement in research further shaped his decision to enter the master’s program at SDSU. Through his participation in the Cucapá crossborder research project led by Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) and SDSU Imperial Valley public health researchers, he conducted surveys and interviews with participants seeking preventive health care resources. 

Through the Cancer Research and Education to Advance Health Excellence (CREATE) scholarship program in collaboration between SDSU and UCSD, he was involved in cancer research and worked with public health mentors at SDSU Imperial Valley’s Prevention Research Center. 

Beyond academics, he took on a leadership role with Aztecs in Research, an SDSU Imperial Valley student organization, to help fellow students navigate research opportunities and prepare for presentations. These experiences not only strengthened his skills, he says, but also deepened his sense of purpose.

Looking ahead, he remains open to where public health will take him. He envisions a future in research and is considering applying to medical school, combining his passion for science with his commitment to community impact. 

“My family, and my fiancée kept me on track and supported me every step of the way,” said Medina. “This is my way to pay it forward and continue pushing myself for me and my family.”

Read more on the Class of '26:

A returning student overcomes impostor syndrome to curate travel experiences for celebrities

A transfer student reinvents herself with a midcourse adjustment

Three biology students find pathways to their dreams

Graduating seniors develop app targeting food waste; students eat it up