Carlos Penilla

Carlos Penilla is an Assistant Professor in Adolescent and Young Medicine at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and a public health researcher focused on improving preventive healthcare for underserved Latine families. His work integrates mixed methods intervention research, program development, and evaluation with community health organizations.

• Education: Postdoctoral Fellow in Pediatrics (UCSF, 2021), DrPH in Public Health (UC Berkeley, 2018), Graduate Fellow in Social Change Research (UC Berkeley, 2017), MS in Clinical Psychology (San Francisco State University, 2000)

Penilla's research examines obesity prevention in Mexican American families, emphasizing fathers' roles and game-based interventions to reduce risk behaviors among Latine youth. His work addresses cultural representation, behavioral health outcomes, and social determinants of health. Recent publications highlight digital health technologies, including AI-driven tools and narrative-centered systems, for enhancing adolescent preventive care and health science career engagement during the pandemic.

His scientific awards include the Society of Hellman Fellows (UCSF, 2024), Population Health and Health Equity Scholars Program (UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence, 2024), and Health Disparities Loan Repayment Program (NIH, 2019). Penilla also advocates for mentoring underrepresented minority students and advancing STEM education initiatives.