Juan Delgado is in his first year at UCLA, the next step on a journey that has seen him excel at Pasadena City College, and in a research program at Stanford, impressing his mentors as he moves towards his goal of obtaining a Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology.

Delgado said his desire is to “build a career focused on improving health outcomes for immigrant and marginalized communities.” He has been laser-focused on that target, with stellar grades and a work ethic that helped him get into UCLA, as well as receive scholarship funds from the Gregson Foundation.

At Pasadena City College, Delgado was “one of the most promising students I have had the pleasure of teaching,” Jessica Rusk, an adjunct professor of psychology, wrote in support of Delgado’s scholarship application.

“In my class, I assign a research paper which involves reading, conducting academic research, summarizing three peer-reviewed journal articles, and arguing one’s opinion on a premise,” Rusk wrote. “Juan’s term paper was excellent and received a perfect score.”

In his summers at Stanford, Delgado’s “enthusiasm for academic research was immediately noticeable, as was his ability to quickly integrate and contribute to our lab’s ongoing work,” wrote Dr. Marvin Langston, an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at the Stanford University School of Medicine, where Delgado worked on a project involving prostate cancer. “Juan displayed an exceptional aptitude for epidemiology and a voracious appetite for learning that was truly inspiring.

“The quality of his work, his attention to detail, and his ability to effectively collaborate with others were commendable traits that set him apart.”

Those were among the reasons Delgado received scholarship support from the Gregson Foundation, which he called “unequivocally impactful.”

“As a first-generation college student, financing my education is the most pertinent and stressful aspect of pursuing a degree,” he said. “However, the Gregson Foundation’s generosity has alleviated this burden and has allowed me to fully focus on my studies and research in public health without constant financial stress.

“Beyond the financial aspect, knowing that an organization believes in my potential and invests in my future has been deeply motivating. This scholarship has allowed me to immerse myself in my coursework, gain research experience, and work toward my goal of improving health outcomes for immigrant and marginalized communities.”

Delgado said he wants to “work in public health research, policy, or community health initiatives that address health disparities, particularly in access to medical care, mental health services, and disease prevention.”

“I have worked for the Stanford School of Medicine's Urologic Cancer Epidemiology Lab for nearly two years, and that experience has further emboldened my passion to study public health and it is my first-choice graduate program. I want to use data-driven approaches to advocate for policies that improve health equity and ensure that underserved populations receive the care and resources they need.”

At UCLA, Delgado said he’s found a “supportive environment within the Fielding School of Public Health.”

“The professors are not only knowledgeable, but also incredibly welcoming and passionate about mentoring students. They genuinely want undergraduates to succeed, especially considering that this is the second year the public health major has existed.

“I also appreciate that the program requires both a capstone and an internship to graduate,” he said. “These experiences ensure that students gain hands-on skills and real-world exposure to public health challenges, which is crucial for my goal of working in immigrant and marginalized health. Having the opportunity to engage in research and fieldwork has helped me apply what I learn in class to real public health issues, further solidifying my passion for epidemiology and health equity.”

Delgado’s family has been involved in racing on the Southern California circuit for three decades. His father, Juan, is a groom currently employed by trainer Doug O’Neill. The senior Delgado previously worked for trainer Julio Canani, for whom he was the groom of the mare Shining Energy, a multiple graded stakes winner who captured the Grade 1 Gamely at Hollywood Park in 2006. Two uncles, Jose and Miguel, also worked as grooms.

“My dad is my hero, a true family man,” Delgado said.

Sounds like his father’s compassion has translated to his son. And with his own drive, and a boost from the Gregson Foundation, Juan Delgado is ready to pay it forward.

Contributions to the Gregson Foundation, which provides scholarships to children of backstretch workers like Delgado and are tax-deductible, can be made via this link:

https://gregsonfoundation.com/donation/