Gabriel Diaz

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart 

Hometown: Miami, Florida  

School: University of Florida  

Major: Anthropology  

Placement: Office of Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez  

Born to a Peruvian mother of Quechua and Aymara descent and a Puerto Rican father, Gabriel Diaz was raised with a deep appreciation for cultural identity and community-driven values. Strongly connected to his Indigenous heritage, he draws inspiration from the histories and the strengths of those who came before him.  

Gabriel is a student at the University of Florida (UF), majoring in Anthropology with a minor in Health Disparities in Society. His academic and research experiences reflect a strong interdisciplinary commitment to health and social equity. At UF’s Cancer and Genetics Research Complex, he investigated cardiac tissue regeneration in spiny mice, contributing to innovative approaches to heart disease treatment. He also conducts research in a primate biology lab, using CT scanning and 3D modeling to study craniofacial development, which sharpens his technical skills and deepens his understanding of comparative anatomy and human evolution.  

In the future, Gabriel aims to lead research labs that not only push scientific boundaries but also shape and support equitable healthcare and research policy. He is particularly interested in the intersection of science and public policy, including the potential to influence national health outcomes through work on Capitol Hill, where decisions made directly affect the labs, hospitals, and communities he serves.   

Through the CHCI Congressional Internship Program, Gabriel hopes to explore the intersection of healthcare and policy. By gaining a critical understanding of how legislation influences medical research and shapes infrastructure, he aims to strengthen his own advocacy for science and health equity.