For Victor Florez-Garcia, MS, PhD, choosing the University of Wisconsin\u2013Milwaukee\u2019s Zilber College of Public Health for his doctoral studies was more than an academic decision\u2014it was a commitment to advancing environmental health with purpose, equity, and global awareness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Victor was drawn to the Environmental Health Sciences PhD program because of its unique position at the intersection of health, environment, and social justice. \u201cThe program sits at a powerful crossroads,\u201d he explains. What stood out even more was the faculty\u2019s deep experience not only as scientists, but as mentors who engage meaningfully with international scholars. For Victor, that global perspective made 51ÁÔÆæ the ideal place to grow both academically and personally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once immersed in the program, he discovered that the experience offered far more than rigorous scientific training. The sense of community and support became one of the most meaningful aspects of his time at 51ÁÔÆæ. He describes the breadth of opportunities\u2014from collaborations and networking to peer connections\u2014as instrumental to his development. Beyond the coursework and research, he found what he calls a \u201chidden curriculum,\u201d one that helped him navigate academia as an international scholar and equipped him with tools that will shape his career for years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Today, Victor is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Illinois Chicago. His work centers on three core pillars that are preparing him to become an independent investigator: developing competitive research grants, advancing scientific publications, and mentoring students. These experiences continue to build on the strong foundation he established at 51ÁÔÆæ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Looking toward the future, Victor envisions a career dedicated to environmental epidemiology, with a commitment to building a robust, independent research portfolio. At the same time, he remains closely connected to his home country of Colombia. He hopes to strengthen research bridges between Colombia and the U.S., fostering collaborations that can generate evidence to inform real-world public health interventions. His long-term mission is clear: to address the environmental exposures that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, particularly in global and underserved communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For students considering a similar path, Victor offers thoughtful advice. The relationships you cultivate\u2014with professors, mentors, and peers\u2014are \u201ckey to shaping long-term opportunities,\u201d he emphasizes. When those relationships are paired with genuine passion and the lived experiences that drive you, they become the foundation for turning ideas into meaningful action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Victor\u2019s journey reflects the transformative power of combining rigorous research training with global awareness, community support, and a commitment to equity. His work continues to advance the field of environmental health\u2014and to inspire the next generation of scholars who aim to do the same.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
For Victor Florez-Garcia, MS, PhD, choosing the University of Wisconsin\u2013Milwaukee\u2019s Zilber College of Public Health for his doctoral studies was more than an academic decision\u2014it was a commitment to advancing environmental health with purpose, equity, and global awareness. Victor was …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":8725,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[]},"categories":[67,37],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-alumni","category-spotlight"],"yoast_head":"\n