As a physician-researcher and academic leader at the University of Texas at El Paso, my work focuses on occupational health disparities, environmental exposures, and musculoskeletal injury prevention in vulnerable populations. With dual expertise as an MD and PhD in Ergonomics, I bridge clinical practice with industrial engineering principles to address critical public health challenges along the U.S.-Mexico border. My research program investigates: 1) Occupational ergonomic risks in construction and manufacturing workforces, 2) Environmental health impacts of air pollution (particularly PM2.5 and BTEX compounds) in border communities, and 3) Respiratory/cardiovascular outcomes associated with dust events and climate variables.I lead interdisciplinary teams through NIH-, CDC-, and EPA-funded projects such as the $200K environmental health impact assessment of communities near the Bridge of the Americas and a $142K study on PM2.5 exposure at international border crossings. My work employs mixed methods – from biomechanical modeling and biomarker analysis to community-engaged participatory research – to develop culturally appropriate interventions. Recent collaborations with Texas Tech and UC Berkeley have expanded my focus on climate-related health disparities, including valley fever trends and heat stress in outdoor workers.Passionate about health equity, I prioritize research that empowers Hispanic/Latino populations and migrant workers through bilingual health literacy initiatives and ergonomic training programs. My 85+ peer-reviewed publications and leadership roles in ASTM International and the Human Factors Society reflect a career dedicated to translating scientific evidence into practical workplace safety solutions and environmental justice advocacy.