Rising Scholar with a Mission to Transform Healthcare Access
January 30th, 2025
Written by Gwendolynn Kenny, M.Ed.
Jair Lopez-Rodriguez began his academic journey at the College of San Mateo (CSM) in Fall 2022 and is set to transfer to UC Santa Cruz or Stanford University in Fall 2025 to pursue a degree in Biology. A first-generation college student and the son of immigrants from Zaragoza, Chiapas, Mexico, Jair has overcome significant financial and personal challenges to excel in his studies. He will graduate from CSM with dual Associate Degrees in Biology and Chemistry, laying the foundation for his dream of becoming a physician.
Jair’s passion for medicine was sparked in childhood when he helped a classmate receive first aid—an experience that set him on a path of service. Since then, he has sought every opportunity to deepen his knowledge and expand his impact. Through internships at Stanford University’s Quiñonez Lab and programs like the Stanford Summer Community College Premedical Program and UC Davis Health’s Prep Médico, Jair has gained critical research experience and insight into the healthcare challenges facing underserved communities. The MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement) Program at CSM has also played a key role in his success, helping him strengthen his academic foundation, navigate the STEM transfer process, and connect with mentors and research opportunities.
Motivated by his family’s struggles navigating the U.S. healthcare system, Jair is deeply committed to improving health literacy among Latino/a populations in San Mateo and Palo Alto counties. He envisions a future as a bilingual physician working to reduce healthcare disparities and as a mentor to aspiring students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Beyond the classroom, Jair has made a meaningful impact on the CSM community, working as a student assistant in the Financial Aid office, where he purposefully uses his role to connect peers to critical financial resources. His intentional outreach to EOPS peers, has directly supported the mission of the EOPS/CARE programs, which provide educational and financial support to help students overcome barriers and succeed academically. Whether sharing his journey at events like CSM’s Day of Science, inspiring others to explore STEM careers, or giving back to the programs that have helped shape his path– EOPS & MESA, Jair’s resilience, empathy, and dedication shine through, making him not only an outstanding scholar and community member but also a future leader in medicine.
With a clear vision and unwavering determination, Jair is poised to make a profound impact on his community and the field of healthcare.