Oralia Loza

Dr. Oralia Loza is a Professor of Public Health Sciences at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), specializing in interdisciplinary health sciences. Her work focuses on marginalized populations, particularly sexual and gender minorities, transgender individuals, migrants, and Hispanic communities along the U.S.-Mexico border. She leads UTEP's Master of Public Health Program (MPH) and co-founded The Purple Pages of El Paso, a directory of LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers. Currently, she serves on the TransFORWARD Research Council, advocating for transgender health equity in Texas.

Dr. Loza's research integrates epidemiology, biostatistics, and public health interventions to address substance abuse, HIV/STI risks, and structural barriers to healthcare. She collaborates with Mexican institutions like Cd. Juarez's academic partners to conduct transnational studies. Her training emphasizes quantitative methods and qualitative community engagement.

Key research themes include:

• Cross-border health disparities
• LGBTQ+ mental and physical health during crises (e.g., pandemic responses)
• Gendered patterns of methamphetamine use
• Impact of legal identity documentation on transgender individuals

Her recent work highlights innovative interventions like digital health tools for risk mitigation and community-driven service mapping. Awards include recognition as a 'Pillar of Public Health' for her advocacy efforts. Current projects address post-pandemic recovery strategies for vulnerable populations and policy reforms to reduce health inequities.

Dr. Loza's career reflects a commitment to bridging academic research with grassroots activism, particularly through student-led initiatives in the MPH program. She has secured funding from NSF grants (DUE-0963648, HRD-1242122) for interdisciplinary training programs and community health projects.