Ángel R. Ocasio Gracia

Ángel is an MD-JD dual degree student at the University of Puerto Rico pursuing his passion for biomedical sciences, human rights, and law. He is inclined in following a career in Forensic Psychiatry and Criminal Law serving vulnerable and marginalized communities. He is currently interested in studying the rehabilitation and social reintegration process of confined people and the different methodologies to achieve this. Additionally, He is interested in the formulation of public policies based on a restorative, rather than punitive, justice system.

Ángel is the founder and current president of a student organization called El Círculo de la Mariposa, which is composed of over 80 students from different health disciplines that seek to support the rehabilitation and reintegration process of people deprived of liberty. Ángel is also interested in the perception of human connection and the sense of wholeness. He is particularly driven to the neuroplasticity dimension and now seeks to understand how sleep contributes to a state of happiness and wellness.

Ángel has gained valuable research experience with world-renowned researchers such as Dr. Carmen D. Zorrilla, at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, and Dr. Trace Kershaw, from Yale University, where he collaborated as Clinical Research Coordinator for two clinical studies related to HIV. Additionally, he has participated in diverse research settings ranging from basic science to translational and clinical studies.

On a personal level, Ángel is passionate about art (paint and sculpture), exercise, nature and swimming. His dream is to formally study art, history, and philosophy.

Education

  • B. S. in Biomedical Sciences | 2022 | University of Puerto Rico, Ponce Campus, Ponce, PR

  • M. D. | 2023-Present | University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan, PR

  • J. D. | 2023-Present | University of Puerto Rico School of Law, San Juan, PR

Affilitations and Credentials (select)

  • 2023-Present | Founder and President, El Círculo de la Mariposa, San Juan, PR

  • 2023-Present | Academic Senator, Council of Students of the School of Medicine, UPR-MSC, PR

  • 2023-Present | Student Representative before the Disciplinary Board, UPR-MSC, PR

  • 2020-Present | Building the Next Generation of American Physicians (BNGAP)

  • 2024 | Fundamentals of Clinical and Translational Science, Mayo Clinic

  • 2023 | Certified Citizen Legislator, Office of Citizen Participation, Capitol of Puerto Rico, PR

  • 2023 | Certification in Citizen Skills, National Training Program for Leaders, Agenda Ciudadana Foundation, PR Awards and Honors

  • 2022 | Highest GPA in Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, PR

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