Dr. Karen Agosto-Valentín is a public health leader whose interdisciplinary expertise bridges health systems, law, education, and environmental stewardship. She holds a BA in Special Education, a Juris Doctor focused on International Environmental Law, an MPH in Epidemiology, a Graduate Certificate in Gerontology, and a DrPH in Health Systems Analysis and Management—all from the University of Puerto Rico. This diverse training enables her to approach complex societal challenges using systems thinking, integrating health equity, human rights, policy development, and sustainable development principles.
Dr. Agosto-Valentín has extensive experience in evidence-based research, policy analysis, and designing public health programs that address community needs while upholding ethical and social justice principles. She mentors graduate students, helping them translate scientific evidence into actionable policy and civic engagement. Her research and teaching focus on sustainable development, adaptive leadership in health systems, corporate social responsibility in healthcare, disaster planning, and public health ethics. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she effectively engages diverse stakeholders, contributing to culturally informed and equitable policy solutions.
Her professional vision centers on advancing evidence-based health policy at the intersection of science, technology, and equity. She aspires to collaborate with federal agencies, international organizations, and academic institutions to design and implement innovative policies that reduce health disparities, enhance disaster resilience, and protect human rights. Through her work, Dr. Agosto-Valentín seeks to translate rigorous research into transformative public health action that benefits communities locally, nationally, and globally.