Pronouns: he/him/his

Undergraduate Institution: Rice University

Advisor: Peter Lillehoj

Department: Bioengineering

Bio: 

Diego Gonzalez, originally from Boulder, CO, is currently a second-year PhD student in Bioengineering (BIOE) in the Lillehoj Lab. He completed his undergraduate studies at Rice University, where he was actively involved in various organizations such as HACER - the Hispanic Association for Cultural Enrichment at Rice, Society of Women Engineers, the Bioengineering Student Advisory Board, and Maestro. After earning his B.S. in Bioengineering in 2021, he initially pursued his PhD at Duke University before returning to Rice. His current research revolves around developing a CRISPR-Cas13-based point-of-care diagnostic lateral flow strip test for HIV. His professional goal is to leverage his skills to improve healthcare accessibility through diagnostic approaches. Additionally, he is dedicated to creating opportunities for underrepresented minorities and often overlooked groups in research and technology. Diego is an active member of LatinGrads, QGSA, and holds the titles of NSF GRFP Fellow and GEM Fellow. During his free time, he enjoys working out, reading, spending time outdoors, cooking, and going dancing.

Affinity group affiliations: LatinGrads@Rice, QGSA

Fun fact:

I love learning languages!

Favorite thing about Rice:

The community within and beyond the hedges

Favorite thing about Houston:

The diversity of people and food

Why did you decide to go to grad school? 

I made the decision to go to graduate school with the aim of investigating and discovering methods to establish a medical care system that is more inclusive.