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Tell us about your research project and why it is important to you.
My research project aims to contribute to addressing one of the greatest challenges that our societies will face in the coming decades at the global level: population aging. We know that this process will bring with it an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases, which will translate into greater pressure on health systems and increased household spending in this area.
In this context, my research analyzes two key aspects of the three main chronic diseases (diabetes, cancer, and heart disease) among the Mexican elderly population living in Mexico and the United States. On the one hand, it evaluates how socioeconomic characteristics differentially affect the risk of developing chronic diseases and, on the other, it estimates the risk of catastrophic health expenditure for the population with these conditions. In other words, my work seeks to identify which population groups are at greater risk of developing chronic diseases in the coming years and to estimate the economic impact of these diseases on Mexican families living on both sides of the border.
This project is important to me because it relates to my own experience. I witnessed firsthand the processes of chronic illness in family members, not only the emotional and financial implications, but also the challenges in accessing health services. With this research, I am interested in contributing knowledge that contributes to the development of binational preventive policies and strategies capable of identifying the subpopulations that will require priority care in both countries in order to better prepare ourselves.
Have you presented or published your research anywhere? Tell us about the experience.
My research is still in its early stages, but I had the opportunity to present a project focused on developing projections of the population with disabilities in Mexico, at the national and state levels. These types of projections do not currently exist officially; however, they are necessary to understand how this population will evolve in the coming decades. In 2025, I presented this research at two conferences: one organized by the Mexican Demographic Society (SOMEDE), in Aguascalientes, Mexico, and the other by the Southern Demographic Association, in Kentucky. These experiences were very positive, and I received valuable feedback.
Share with us something interesting about your research that most people don't know.
In my opinion, most people consider population aging to be something that will happen in the distant future or that is not particularly relevant when compared to current challenges. However, in countries such as Mexico, we are experiencing a very rapid aging process that will completely change the population age structure. This will have an enormous economic, cultural, and social impact. To put it in perspective, it is projected that in just three decades, the population aged 60 and over will double in Mexico. In other words, it will go from representing 12% of the total population in 2020 to about 25% in 2050. However, our institutions are not sufficiently prepared to respond to this change, which makes research essential for guiding the design of preventive strategies that can mitigate potential risks.
Tell us about your academic or professional collaborations with Mexico.
In 2025, I participated in SOMEDE's XV National Demographic Research Meeting, where I had the opportunity to present my research and learn about the issues being studied in Mexico. I also participated in working groups to improve the conceptual framework of the National Care System Survey to be conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) in 2026.
In addition, between 2024 and 2025, I collaborated on a research project for the Institute for People with Disabilities in Mexico City (INDISCAPACIDAD). The objective of the project was to analyze key statistics on the population with disabilities in areas such as education, health, work, equality, and non-discrimination, among other topics.
What attracted you to Texas and The University of Texas at San Antonio?
There are very few universities in the United States that offer a doctoral program in demography. Within the University of Texas System, only UT San Antonio offers the Applied Demography Ph.D. program, which, in addition to having outstanding faculty members, collaborates closely with the Texas Demographic Center, located on the university's Main Campus. UT San Antonio also stood out to me for its strong focus on teaching and applied research in demography. Beyond academics, San Antonio is a city with strong Hispanic roots located close to the Mexican border, which facilitates integration for Mexicans and Latinos, not only regarding language, but also in terms of culture and cuisine.
What have been some good things you didn't expect from Texas or UT San Antonio?
There are many positive things that I did not expect. For example, the kindness and warmth of the people in San Antonio, being able to meet students from other parts of the world who are interested in the same topics as me, and the opportunity to work on collaborative research projects with professors. As for the city and surrounding areas, I enjoy having access to natural spaces where you can walk outdoors as well as having the opportunity to do activities such as kayaking on rivers and lakes.
What have been the biggest challenges of studying at UT San Antonio and living in the United States?
Arriving in this country and completing all the paperwork required by the university, by the government, and to rent an apartment was a big challenge. However, I was able to meet these demands in a timely manner thanks to the support of the university.
Another significant challenge has been communicating in English in an academic setting, particularly when it comes to presenting complex topics in a short amount of time. It is something I am still working on and hope to improve during the remainder of the program.
Finally, the extreme weather has also been a challenge, both the heat and the cold. Although almost all buildings have air conditioning or heating, adapting is a challenge for those of us who come from more temperate climates, such as that of Guadalajara.
How has the support of ConTex and Secihti impacted you?
The support of ConTex-Secihti has been essential to my academic training because, amid changes and budget cuts, it has allowed me to feel secure in knowing that I have sufficient resources to cover tuition, rent, food, and transportation expenses throughout my doctoral program. Similarly, the ConTex office has provided me with exceptional support, and we have developed a very close relationship. Furthermore, being part of the ConTex community in San Antonio has allowed me to meet other students from Mexico, share experiences, and receive and provide assistance.
What kind of work do you hope to do in the future, and how do you hope your research will benefit people in the U.S. and Mexico?
In the future, I hope to work on applied research projects that use statistical and demographic analytical tools to solve specific problems and improve the design of public policies on public health issues in Mexico and the United States. I am also interested in working on the design of instruments for collecting information through probabilistic sociodemographic surveys that will expand or update knowledge on binational issues that are priorities for development. My research will provide relevant knowledge to assess the effects of major chronic diseases and their associated costs in the coming decades, and it will help strengthen preventive strategies that support healthy aging for the Mexican population on both sides of the border.
What advice would you give to other Mexican students considering studying in Texas?
I would tell them that if they are interested in any program offered at a UT system institution, I highly recommend that they apply, as the experience is truly enriching. Regarding language, although Texas has a large Spanish-speaking population, my advice is for them to practice English as much as possible and take advantage of their stay to improve their language skills. As for the city, San Antonio is a great place to live; it offers a rich cultural and culinary landscape, along with a deep sense of pride and love for Mexican and Latin American roots and traditions.
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