Santiago Builds Bridges Through Health Care, Community

Riley Santiago sees a future where science and Spanish can transform health care.

"I'm hoping to pursue medicine, and I think being a bilingual physician opens a lot of doors for patients," said Santiago, who graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in biological sciences with minors in biomedical engineering and Hispanic studies.

"I was part of Hispanic Studies because I wanted to continue to practice my Spanish and have a working vocabulary so I'm able to communicate in whatever situation I find myself in," said Santiago, who also participated in Carnegie Mellon's Health Professions Program.

As a first-year student, Santiago joined the lab of En Cai, assistant professor of biological sciences. His parents both had medical backgrounds, and from them he learned the power of human connection and medicine. When his father underwent a heart and double-lung transplant after struggling with truncus arteriosus type four, and later passed away from a pulmonary embolism, it shaped his understanding of the value of medical care.

"I've always been interested in immunology — and particularly in using the immune system against cancer — because of my brother," Santiago said. His brother has chronic immunological deficiencies, which affect daily life. "The lab felt like the perfect place to be."

In the Cai lab, Santiago studied T cells, a type of white blood cell capable of killing cancer cells and recruiting other cells for a larger immune response. Santiago investigated receptors on the T cells to see how they activate during an immune response. By understanding how these receptors work, researchers are laying groundwork to be able to fight viruses and cancer cells in the future.

"Riley's work has had a significant impact on the progress of our research," Cai said. "He has not only contributed to multiple high-level projects but also led several of them through technically challenging phases with initiative, creativity and persistence."

Community Connections

Santiago not only found a place at Carnegie Mellon — he helped shape the environment for others. Through Tartan Scholars, he helped fellow students build their identities and a broader community. He also deepened his connection to his own identity by meeting other students with similar experiences.

"I wanted to cultivate an environment where students feel like they can belong and succeed," Santiago said.

And he worked with the Eberley Center for Teaching Excellence and Educational Innovation as an Eberly Student Partner, where he has consulted with faculty to help redesign coursework to better reach and educate students.

Santiago said his most meaningful experience was with Juntos: Creating Ties, a student organization in partnership with Bridges to Community that traveled to under-resourced communities in Central America and the Caribbean. He served as co-president and education and outreach chair his senior year.

"A lot of what we focus on is cultural competency, social awareness and understanding," Santiago said. "All of our projects are informed by the needs of the community."

As part of Juntos, Santiago connected with organizations that could provide expanded health care, housing and education. And, he helped continue a Juntos tradition called Kitchen Conversations, an event during travel experiences where members learn about cuisine, culture and heritage through cooking traditional meals with community members.

"Riley has done an outstanding job to lead the group," said Therese Tardio, teaching professor of Hispanic studies and Juntos faculty advisor. "He approaches each task, no matter how humble, with integrity and enthusiasm. His leadership really is an inspiration, and in my long time as faculty advisor, he stands out as one of our most exceptional leaders."

For his dedication, Santiago was named a Hispanic Scholarship Fund scholar, which recognizes outstanding academic performance and leadership potential. He also was recognized as an honorable mention for the Mellon College of Science Gilman Award, which honors a graduating senior who has demonstrated exceptional commitment and growth as a scholar, a person, a professional and a citizen.

Santiago plans to work as a research technician in an immunology lab while applying for M.D.-Ph.D. He said he hopes to pursue a career in medical research with a focus on immunology.

"Immunology is one of the systems of the body that is connected to every aspect of health, so one little change can make a really huge impact," Santiago said.