Johan Valbuena

Public Health, Class of 2025

• Minor: Psychology
• Hometown: Bergenfield, NJ
• Activities at Rutgers: Treasurer, Eta Sigma Gamma National Health Education Honorary; Research Assistant, Cognition and Learning Center (CALC) Lab; Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, Psychology Department; Rutgers Scarlet Ambassador; Student Administrative Assistant, SAS Transfer Center; Member, Colombian American Student Association; Member, Tri Alpha First-Generation Honor Society; Cohort Member, Advancing Community Development Program (Spring 2024)

Growing up in a Latino, immigrant household, Johan Valbuena saw how difficult it could be for families like his to access healthcare.

“I witnessed my parents put their health on hold out of fear they couldn’t afford care. Doctor’s visits were seen as a last resort, not because they didn’t value their health, but because they felt they had no choice,” he said. “The fear of financial strain was greater than the fear of what might be happening inside their bodies.”

Those early experiences left a lasting mark. For Johan, healthcare was never just about hospitals or medications—it was about justice, access, and dignity. “The systemic gaps in our healthcare system sparked a desire to be part of the change. Public health felt like the right path,” he explained. “It’s a field where I can address not just individual health needs, but also the larger structures that create barriers to care for families like mine.”

Now finishing up a major in public health with a minor in psychology, Johan has made the most of his time at Rutgers and the Bloustein School. “I was looking for a place where I could grow, find community, and create a future that my family and I had always dreamed about,” he said. “Choosing Rutgers was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

With guidance from an academic advisor, he discovered that the Bloustein School was a place that aligned perfectly with his goals. “I realized that Bloustein wasn’t just a school—it was a community full of students and faculty who cared deeply about making real, lasting change,” he said.

One of the biggest influences on his path has been Professor Alexandra Lopez. “She left a lasting impression on me—not just because of her knowledge and experience in the field, but because of how deeply she cares for her students,” Johan said. “Seeing someone with a similar background to mine in a leadership role within public health has been incredibly motivating. It reminded me that someone like me can make a difference in this field.”

Johan’s resume reflects a passion for service, leadership, and advocacy. He’s served as Treasurer of Eta Sigma Gamma, worked as a Research Assistant in the CALC Lab, interned in multiple public health settings, and presented stress and anxiety workshops through Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. “These experiences have influenced my career aspirations by showing me the many ways public health can make an impact—from policy to education to leadership.”

After graduation, Johan will begin his Master of Health Administration at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. “My goal is to become a healthcare consultant, working with hospitals and health systems to improve operations, increase access, and ensure quality care for all—especially for underrepresented communities,” he said.

He encourages other Bloustein students to explore, take chances, and be patient with themselves. “College is a journey, not a race—and it’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out right away.”

“And don’t be afraid of change or to try new things. Some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had came from stepping outside of my comfort zone—whether it was joining a new organization, taking on an internship, or exploring a subject I hadn’t considered before.”

Outside of his academic pursuits, Johan finds joy in conversation, community, and culture. He enjoys walks, music, time with family, and trying new foods. “As a first-generation Latino student, my journey has been guided by my family’s strength, my community’s resilience, and a deep desire to create change,” he said.

“Every experience—from watching my parents navigate a healthcare system that wasn’t built for them to leading workshops in my community—has helped shape the path I’m on now. I carry those stories and lessons with me, and they continue to drive my passion for equity, empathy, and leadership in healthcare,” he said. “I want to use my education to help humanize healthcare and advocate for communities that are often overlooked or underserved.”