Meet Alexander Testa, Phd, a San Antonio faculty member and violence prevention researcher

Alexander Testa, PhD, is an associate professor at the San Antonio location of the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in the department of Management, Policy and Community Health since he joined the school in 2022. 

Testa's research focuses on violence interventions and prevention.

Can you tell us about yourself?

AT: I grew up in the small Hudson Valley town of Hopewell Junction, New York. My academic journey started off a bit unconventional—I finished high school with a C average and faced rejection from all eight colleges I applied to. I enrolled in community college with the goal of earning an associate degree in criminal justice and becoming a police officer. It was there that I found my footing, and turned my grades around. I graduated from the University at Albany as valedictorian of the School of Criminal Justice, despite having been rejected from the same university just four years earlier.

After completing my doctorate, I took a leap of faith and accepted a job at the University of Texas at San Antonio, despite never having set foot in Texas before. That decision turned out to be one of the best I've made, as it eventually led me to meet my wife, Ana. The next few years were busy for me – in 2022 I took a position as faculty member at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in San Antonio, in 2023 I got married, and in 2024 our son Arlo was born.

In my free time, I indulge my passion for food and coffee. I’m particularly obsessed with brewing specialty coffee, and seeking out unique, high-quality beans from roasters around the world. I also love cooking, which is deeply rooted in my upbringing. My mom and grandmother were both professional cooks, so I grew up in a kitchen full of delicious meals and family recipes.

I’ve been learning Spanish for more than three years and my favorite trip was my honeymoon to Argentina. Ana and I had an incredible time exploring Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Patagonia, and immersing ourselves in the local culture and cuisine.

Why do you work at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health? 

AT: I chose to work at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health because I am deeply committed to making a meaningful impact on the health of the San Antonio community and the broader Texas region. The school offered me a unique opportunity to be part of an exceptionally well-rounded and accomplished group of public health scholars, allowing me to explore and contribute to a wide range of public health initiatives. The San Antonio location has provided an ideal environment for collaboration and innovation.

What do you enjoy about working in public health?

AT: Working in public health is deeply fulfilling because it allows me to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing our communities. I am passionate about creating tangible, positive change in people’s lives, especially those who are most vulnerable or marginalized. Public health combines research, policy, and community engagement to help faculty understand health disparities and develop strategies to eliminate them.

What I love most about public health is the interdisciplinary nature of the field. It brings together different perspectives – from epidemiology to behavioral science, policy to environmental health – and even has room for someone like myself, who was trained in criminal justice. I believe this breadth of knowledge and interdisciplinary training is crucial for finding creative solutions to complex problems.

What do you enjoy about living in San Antonio?:

AT: San Antonio holds a special place in my heart because it’s where I met my wife, Ana. One of the things I love most about living here is the ever-evolving food scene. I’m always excited to explore new restaurants that open up, and some of my favorites include Leche de Tigre, the Magpie, Mixtli, and Con Huevos for their breakfast tacos.

San Antonio also offers amazing outdoor experiences. I love hiking on weekends at our favorite spots, such as Enchanted Rock, Big Bend National Park, and Friedrich Wilderness Park.

Can you tell us about your current and long-term research plans: 

AT: I am currently establishing a hospital-based violence intervention program at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. This program is designed to support victims of firearm violence, providing them with the necessary resources and care to recover and avoid further harm. I am also researching patterns of firearm thefts from vehicles in San Antonio and working with local law enforcement and public health authorities on public awareness messaging about the risks of leaving firearms unattended in vehicles.

I am deeply committed to expanding my work on gun safety, reducing firearm violence and supporting those who have been affected by it.