Joseph Aaron Joe is currently pursuing an M.A. in Critical Approaches in Science, Technology, and Medicine (CAST-M), an interdisciplinary program of Johns Hopkins University’s History of Medicine Department that supports students critically engaging with the social dimensions of STEM as it intersects with questions of race, gender, and colonialism. Having completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and some coursework towards a master’s degree in anthropology, he has a strong social sciences background which I apply as an analytical and reflexive lens in qualitative health research. Since 2018, he has been passionate and involved in public and global health research as evidenced by my work as a Research Assistant/Associate in academic institutions committed to improving the health outcomes of underserved Filipinos challenged by neglected tropical diseases as well as weak and climate-vulnerable health systems. Beyond infectious diseases and health systems strengthening, he is interested in the impact of histories of colonialism and gender inequities on health, especially coming from the perspective of a queer Filipino researcher. He is currently on medical leave of absence until the end of the school year, which means I have ample time to commit and contribute to the Fellowship.