Eliel Chárriez Meléndez

Eliel O. Chárriez Meléndez

I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo, entering my senior year this August. I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Microbiology with a minor in Biomedical Sciences. Throughout my academic journey, I have had the opportunity to develop my interests in both human health and the environment, which have guided me to opportuniJes like MSDT One Health. I currently work with Dr. Gualberto Rosado invesJgaJng fungal biodiversity and the presence of environmentally relevant pathogens in Puerto Rico’s karst cave ecosystems through environmental DNA and molecular analyses. This project has allowed me to explore the intersecJon of environmental health, public health, and scienJfic research; and as an aspiring physician-scienJst, I am eager to conJnue exploring these interconnected disciplines through a One Health perspecJve. I hope the MSDT One Health program will help me deepen my understanding of toxicology and environmental health while building the skills, mentorship, and network necessary to make a meaningful impact as a future doctor and researcher. 

Mentors:
Shakil Saghir
Sam Cochran