Luis M. Caceres

CHCI Health Postgraduate Fellow Presented by DaVita
Hometown: Bronx, New York
School: Lehigh University
Degree: Master of Public Health
Placement: Office of Representative Maxwell Frost

Luis Caceres (he/him) is a proud Dominican American born, and raised in the Bronx, New York. As the youngest child of working-class immigrant parents, Luis grew up witnessing the challenges many Latino families face in accessing quality healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. These experiences, along with his own commitment to pursuing a healthier lifestyle, shaped his passion for understanding how public policy influences health outcomes. Inspired by the resilience of his family and community, he has dedicated himself to advancing health equity by addressing the systemic barriers affecting underserved populations.

Luis earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Biology and Sociology and Anthropology, and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Lehigh University. Throughout his academic career, he frequently pursued opportunities to bridge scientific research with community impact. As a research trainee with the University of Puerto Rico Cancer Prevention and Control Program, he examined the impacts of extreme weather events on the cancer care continuum in the Caribbean. Through this experience, he learned how climate-related disasters exacerbate health disparities and identified policy recommendations to improve healthcare access for vulnerable communities.

Beyond research, Luis has focused on building healthier and more inclusive communities through leadership and service. As a Graduate Assistant at Lehigh University’s Center for Cultural Engagement, he developed heritage month programming, facilitated workshops on cultural competency and trauma-informed practice, and partnered with dozens of student organizations to promote belonging and equity across campus. He also completed his MPH capstone with the Institute for Indigenous Studies, developing a culturally informed public health intervention plan addressing problem gambling and tobacco use in Native American communities. A first-generation college graduate, co-founder of Lehigh’s Dominican Culture Club, and recipient of multiple student leadership awards, Luis remains committed to using research and advocacy to improve the health and well-being of historically marginalized communities.

As the CHCI Health Postgraduate Fellow, Luis looks forward to gaining firsthand experience in the federal policymaking process while contributing to legislation that advances health equity for Latino communities and other underserved populations. He hopes to bridge his understanding of the intersection between public health and public policy to create lasting change. He also looks forward to building strong connections through the CHCI alumni network. His long-term goal is to translate research into meaningful policy that improves health outcomes and expands quality of life for communities across the nation.