Among a distinguished panel of speakers—comprised of M.D.s, Ph.D.s, and professors from across the country—Jahn Jaramillo, M.P.H., a Ph.D. candidate in the Division of Prevention Science and Community Health made a unique impression as the only student presenter. 

Described by NIMH Acting Director Shelli Avenevoli, Ph.D., as an "inspirational change maker," Jaramillo has already made a significant impact on mental health research. His work centers on reducing HIV disparities among Latinx sexual minority men in South Florida by developing culturally grounded interventions that address both sexual and mental health disparities. 

A Journey of Impact and Advocacy 

During his presentation, Advancing Mental Health for All: Future Research Directions for a Healthier Tomorrow in LGBTQ+ and Latino/x/e Communities, Jaramillo captivated the audience by sharing his personal and professional journey. 

As an immigrant from Colombia and a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jaramillo spoke passionately about how his intersecting identities shaped his vision for the future of public health advocacy. 

Jaramillo’s novel research has already garnered national attention and funding, including an F31 grant to culturally adapt an employment-based HIV prevention intervention specifically for immigrant Latino men in South Florida. He also recently received a $5,000 scholarship for the Latinos Salud Health & Support Services scholarship program, which supports rising leaders committed to the next generation of LGBTQ+ community members. 

The scholarship’s mentorship component was just as crucial as the financial support for Jaramillo, "As someone with limited social support, the opportunity to forge meaningful connections, receive personalized mentorship, and collaborate with Latinos Salud is invaluable." 

Expanding Research Horizons

Reflecting on his experiences in the Summer Intensive Program in Intersectional HIV Science at Northwestern University, Jaramillo recalled how being in a space that celebrated his queer identity helped him envision a more inclusive future for public health. “For the first time, I was in a space where the queer nerd in me was fully accepted,” he said. 

Jaramillo outlined three critical areas essential for the future of mental health research: 

1. Expanding health research priorities to include underserved LGBTQ+ and Latinx subgroups, such as bisexual individuals, transgender people, and immigrants.
2. Developing robust support systems for minoritized scholars, including peer mentorship and leadership training, to strengthen the pipeline of researchers dedicated to advancing public health.
3. Prioritizing community involvement in the research process, ensuring that marginalized communities participate in studies and take ownership of the research that impacts their lives.

He also stressed the importance of culturally responsive research, calling for a move beyond broad generalizations to address the specific needs of diverse communities. “We must truly listen to these communities, prioritize their stories, and allow their voices to shape the research agenda in ways that directly reflect their unique experiences and needs.”

Building Inclusive Communities in Academia

Scholars from marginalized backgrounds often face unique challenges in academia, including feelings of isolation and the difficulty of balancing personal identity with professional roles. “Navigating academia as both a scholar and your authentic self—whether LGBTQ+, a person of color, or living with HIV—can feel like walking a fine line between pride in your identity and the fear of rejection,” Jaramillo reflected.

Creating additional resources and spaces for such scholars is not just beneficial but necessary, according to Jaramillo. These environments allow researchers to share their work, affirm their identities, and form connections that make them more resilient and capable of creating lasting impact.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on October 21, 2024.