About Me

My name is Jordan Sitea, and I am an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz, studying to earn a B.S. in Global and Community Health with a concentration in the biomedical sciences. My education allows me to explore the complex factors influencing health, including the biological, social, economic, and political elements. Additionally, I'm involved in research at the Lee Lab, where we investigate the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease using Drosophila models. 

As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), I've learned first-hand that to be a more compassionate, culturally sensitive health worker, it is imperative to view the patient as a whole in the environment they live in. Furthermore, my exposure to high-intensity environments has enhanced my ability to work well under pressure and communicate effectively. 

In 2023 with UC Education Abroad, I researched Chagas Disease and Dengue Fever in Cuajiniquil, Costa Rica, focusing on disease vector prevalence and susceptibility in this rural community. This experience has furthered my passion for promoting equitable healthcare access and addressing health disparities. 

After returning from my study abroad, I found a deep passion for scientific communication and making public health information more accessible. That is why I am the founder/editor-in-chief of the UCSC Journal of Social Medicine, a peer-reviewed, undergraduate research journal on campus. 

I will be continuing my education at Johns Hopkins University, where I will be studying to earn a Masters in Health Administration (MHA) at the Bloomberg School of Public Health. I hope to continue to work with underserved communities by working in primary care, where I can improve both the delivery and effectiveness of essential health services.