Raul Enrique Dena Medecigo

Profile

I am a PhD researcher in Medicine at the University of Leeds, where my work focuses on the role of generative artificial intelligence in supporting community-driven digital health interventions for obesity management in Mexico. My research aims to improve health literacy and strengthen decision-making in primary care and community settings.

I completed a Bachelor’s degree in Human Nutrition from the Universidad del Estado de Sonora (UES), Mexico. During this period, I volunteered to coordinate a Nutritional intervention in the “EnCausa” and ”Adopt a School” community programmes, linking universities with low-income communities.

I later obtained a Master’s degree in Health Sciences from the Universidad de Sonora (UNISON), Mexico. My thesis explored the relationship between childhood obesity and socioeconomic status through a multilevel analysis. After completing my Master’s, I was appointed as a member of the Research Committee and the National Committee of Simulation and Structure and Function at the Universidad del Valle de México. I also served as a thesis committee member, evaluating a physical wellness programme for individuals with overweight and obesity, contributed to students' research poster awards, and participated in a binational service-learning project with the Sonora-Arizona Network for Border Health.

Before starting my PhD, I was immersed in academic activities working as a lecturer and staff at several universities in Mexico, including the Universidad del Valle de México, Universidad Vizcaya de las Américas, and Universidad Durango Santander. Alongside teaching, I co-founded a nutrition consultancy to design and implement workplace health programmes addressing non-communicable diseases such as obesity.

I am a scholar of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONAHCYT, Mexico) and a member of the College of Public Health Professionals from Sonora, Mexico. I am committed to bridging digital innovation, research, and community engagement for public health.

Research interests

My research interests combine public health, digital technologies, and community engagement, with a particular focus on obesity management. I am especially interested in how generative artificial intelligence can support the development of personalised, community-driven digital health interventions, enhancing the decision-making process to achieve better health outcomes.

Additionally, I’m looking forward to exploring the integration of other technologies with generative artificial intelligence, such as immersive reality (XR), including augmented reality (AR) applications, to design more engaging and accessible public health programmes.

Qualifications

• BA in Human Nutrition
• MA in Health Sciences

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Health Sciences
• Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development