CALEXICO — Linda Lara-Jacobo, SDSU Imperial Valley assistant professor in public health, has been named one of Latino Leaders magazine’s 101 Most Influential Latinos of 2026. She was selected among five honorees recognized in the science category, a distinction that highlights both her research in environmental health and toxicology, and her passion to strengthen binational collaboration in Imperial Valley–Mexicali borderlands.
“Through her research and advocacy, she is expanding scientific knowledge while inspiring greater Latino representation in STEM and public health leadership,” the magazine said in its profile.
“For me, this recognition doesn’t only bring honor to me, but also pride to the region I represent and serve, which is Imperial Valley and Mexicali,” said Lara. “I am very happy to be selected and I’m grateful to highlight my work and my binational community.”
Lara has some prominent company on the list, appearing alongside honorees that include new San Diego Padres co-owner José E. Feliciano, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, playwright/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, actor Pedro Pascal, soccer star Lionel Messi and several nationally prominent political figures.
Born and raised in Tijuana, Lara has built her career and research in epidemiological surveillance along the border, examining how communities can better protect one another when environmental and public health challenges affect national boundaries.
As co-founder of SDSU’s Binational Border Research Lab for Environmental Health, she collaborates with researchers from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) to study air and water quality, agricultural impacts and health inequities.
Most recently, she received the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s 2026 Early Career Award for Public Engagement with Science, a recognition that awards scientists who make community engagement a central part of their work and foster dialogue between researchers and the public.
Her contributions also include participation in the U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission’s Leaders Across Borders program, which supports scholars and leaders to develop the diplomatic skills needed to address public health issues through coordinated binational solutions.
Her environmental justice work has even taken her to Antarctica through the Homeward Bound Project, where she joined women scientists from around the world studying climate change, leadership and equity in STEM.
This summer, Lara collaborated with a student from UABC, Ensenada to study fish eggs exposed to water from the Tijuana River and the New River in Mexicali, examining differences in malformations and growth. The project contributes to broader toxicology research focused on rivers in Baja California and the environmental conditions affecting communities in the border.
“I hope my students understand that you can make meaningful change to humanity through science, while proudly serving your community,” said Lara. “I dedicate this honor to them and I want to demonstrate that, with purpose and persistence, it is possible to create change and have your work recognized.”
The original story was published at https://www.sdsu.edu/news/2026/10/sdsu-imperial-valley-professor-recognized-among-latino-leaders-most-influential-latinos.
