Judith Arroyo
Power Words
Where were you born?
El Paso, Texas
What school did you attend?
University of California at Los Angeles UCLA
What gained you interest in the NIH?
When I came to NIH in 2002, there were almost no researchers conducting investigations of Hispanic alcohol use or treatment. I was working in an academic research setting at that time and publishing in this area. I thought that I could enhance the research by coming to NIH and working at the NIAAA - National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
What kind of work do you do at the NIH?
I coordinate all the Minority Health and Health Disparities activities for the NIAAA. I identify young investigators interested in alcohol research and help them develop as researchers. I oversee some programs to fund training. I provide enhance technical assistance and advocate for minority focused research to be funded, often seeking out co funding to insure critical research is adequately supported.
What message would you like to send to young Hispanics who are considering going to college?
Even when it seems like you will never be able to complete you education, KEEP ON TAKING COURSES and making the best grades you can. I often worked two jobs and went to school at night during my undergraduate years. I thought attending 7 colleges would look "sketchy" on my record; I had to take courses from wherever I could and still support myself. But the grad schools saw this as being dedicated and working hard to overcome obstacles.