Shifting STEM’s focus toward marginalized communities
Christian is from Brooklyn, New York, and is deeply committed to improving health outcomes in underserved communities through science, innovation, and connection. Through conversations with people across New York City, he recognized how often health—especially diabetes and its complications—limits happiness and opportunity in his community, particularly in areas with poor food access like Flatbush. This awareness shaped his drive to use STEM to directly serve marginalized populations rather than only advancing existing systems. At the center of Christian’s work is a passion for medical innovation and equity. He developed a CNN model capable of detecting diabetic retinopathy with high accuracy and is currently working on making retinal imaging more affordable and accessible for early diagnosis. He hopes to continue this work by pursuing research that bridges cutting-edge technology with real-world community needs, especially in global and under-resourced settings like Cameroon and Brooklyn. Christian’s vision for impact is grounded in education, research, and advocacy. He aims to challenge the direction of STEM by pushing it toward communities that are often overlooked, building awareness of inequities, and expanding access to scientific tools and opportunities. He hopes his legacy will be that of someone who used science not just to innovate, but to serve—helping shift STEM’s focus toward marginalized communities and ensuring that underserved populations are not left behind.
Leadership:
- Regis Student Government- President
- Holy Cross R.C. Church-Sacristan
- Catholic Worker- Volunteer
