The STAR Program is proud to spotlight José E. Diaz, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine and the STAR Program at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. A first-generation college graduate who began his academic journey at community college, Dr. Diaz has forged an inspiring and unconventional path to his current role as an emerging HIV and public health researcher.

Dr. Diaz recently received his second NIH R21 award as a multiple principal investigator for the study “Influence of social networks on HIV testing and PrEP care among young Latin American gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men.” This project will explore how local and transnational networks help shape HIV prevention behaviors among young immigrant Latino sexual minority men in New York City—a population historically underrepresented in HIV research.

His ongoing work, featured on the STAR website in “Impact of geographic mobility on PrEP and HIV care outcomes among Latino gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men,” will illuminate how migration and mobility patterns affect engagement in HIV prevention and care. Together, these projects demonstrate Dr. Diaz’s commitment to addressing structural and behavioral barriers to health equity among Latino and LGBTQ+ communities.

In recognition of his growing impact, Dr. Diaz has been invited to serve as a panelist for SUNY Downstate’s Hispanic Heritage Month discussion, “Latino & Underserved Community Leadership in Public Service, Health Equity, and Access,” on October 15, 2025 (11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., PHAB Hall). The event, hosted by the Office of the President and the Office of Communications & Marketing, will highlight how Latino leaders advance health equity and access for underserved populations.

Dr. Diaz is currently developing his first NIH R01 proposal as a principal investigator—expanding his research on innovative, community-informed approaches to reduce substance use and the often-overlooked cardiovascular disease burden among men living with HIV who use methamphetamine. Importantly, Dr. Diaz continues to mentor students and trainees within the STAR Program, the Department of Medicine, and the School of Public Health. His research and mentoring achievements exemplify STAR’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scholars dedicated to health equity and public service.