Dr. Lucia Juarez | Social Determinants of Health | Best Researcher Award
Assistant Professor at University of Alabama at Birmingham | United States
Dr. Lucia Juarez is an accomplished academic and researcher dedicated to advancing public health through statistical innovation and applied epidemiology. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Division of Preventive Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she brings decades of expertise in biostatistics, chronic disease prevention, and health disparities. Her professional journey spans from statistical roles in finance and international organizations to influential positions in leading U.S. universities. Dr. Lucia Juarez has contributed to shaping health research at the intersection of social determinants, chronic disease, and patient-centered outcomes, positioning her as a leader in preventive medicine.
Profile:
Education:
Dr. Lucia Juarez pursued a rigorous academic path that reflects her multidisciplinary expertise and global perspective. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the Technological Institute of Mexico, where she developed strong analytical skills. She then completed a Master of Arts degree at the University of Michigan, focusing on quantitative methods and social research. Her commitment to public health advanced further through a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, with specialization in epidemiology and preventive medicine. This academic foundation has empowered her to integrate statistical methodologies with real-world health applications.
Experience:
Dr. Lucia Juarez has cultivated extensive experience across academia, government, and international organizations. Her early career included statistical appointments at the National Bank of Mexico, the Institute of Social Research at the University of Michigan, and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission. She later contributed as a Research Associate at the University of Michigan Institute of Gerontology, where she advanced studies on aging and health. At the University of Alabama at Birmingham, she held research scientist roles, directed statistical computing, and currently serves as Assistant Professor and Scientist. Her trajectory reflects a strong blend of technical and leadership capacities.
Research Interest:
Dr. Lucia Juarez has established a research portfolio deeply focused on improving population health through data-driven approaches. Her primary interests include the social determinants of health and their role in chronic disease disparities, particularly in vulnerable populations. She specializes in risk score development, intersectionality research, patient-centered outcomes, and adherence to self-management in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and respiratory disease. Her work frequently bridges epidemiology with biostatistics, aiming to create practical tools that inform clinical decision-making and public health policy. She is committed to advancing equity by integrating diverse community contexts into preventive health strategies.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Lucia Juarez has been recognized for her commitment to equity and leadership in public health research. She was selected as a cohort scholar in a prominent program advancing diversity and health equity, reflecting her impact on addressing health disparities. Her editorial service includes associate editorships and reviewer roles for leading journals in preventive medicine and health education, highlighting her contributions to knowledge dissemination. She is also a member of respected professional societies, where she has supported committees and research initiatives. These honors and roles emphasize her standing as both a scientific leader and a mentor to future scholars.
Publications:
Title: Association of Neighborhood Social Determinants of Health with Acute Kidney Injury during Hospitalization
Citation: 5
Year of Publication: 2024
Title: Conservative Control, Scientific Suppression: Hope and the Fight for Public Health
Year of Publication: 2025
Title: Associations Between Suboptimal Social Determinants of Health and Diabetes Distress in Low-Income Patients on Medicaid
Year of Publication: 2025
Conclusion:
Dr. Lucia Juarez exemplifies a scholar who integrates statistical expertise with a strong commitment to advancing equity in health research. Her career demonstrates a balance of methodological rigor, impactful publications, and leadership in interdisciplinary teams. By focusing on the social determinants of health, she has generated knowledge that informs both clinical practice and public policy, with applications in diabetes, cancer, respiratory disease, and aging. Her contributions have been cited across diverse disciplines, reinforcing the influence of her work. Dr. Lucia Juarez stands as an outstanding nominee for recognition, embodying excellence in preventive medicine and public health innovation.