Victor Mendoza

I come from the small indigenous Ben Zaa community of Teotitlán del Valle in the Central Valley of Oaxaca, Mexico, where Zapotec is our primary language. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the significant health and educational disparities my family and community faced. These experiences ignited my passion to address these challenges, with a focus on obesity and related health problems, which disproportionately affect minority populations, including my own.

This drive led me to pursue a B.S. in Chemistry & Biochemistry at California State University, Long Beach, followed by a Ph.D. in Molecular Metabolism & Nutrition from The University of Chicago. As the first in my family to graduate from high school and college, I feel privileged to break new ground for future generations. My research in the Reue lab focuses on understanding sex differences in lipid metabolism. Using the Four Core Genotypes model, we aim to unravel the metabolic mechanisms behind sex-biased obesity co-morbidities.

My goal is to secure a faculty position where I can contribute meaningfully to the field of metabolism and mentor the next generation of scientists, particularly those from underrepresented, first-generation, and/or low-income backgrounds.

Beyond my scientific work, I remain deeply connected to my cultural heritage, dedicating my free time to preserving the art of Zapotec rug weaving—a tradition that reflects the resilience and creativity of my people.