Hans Carlo Rivera, MPH

Carlo (he/they) joined the Hokie Wellness team in October 2023 as the Mental Health Specialist. They received a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Leadership in Practice at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Also a Virginia Tech alum, he graduated with dual BS degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology and worked in pharmaceutical quality assurance in the Greater Chicago Area before pivoting to global mental health research and advocacy.

At Virginia Tech, Carlo’s work focuses on strengthening cross-campus partnerships, developing a range of health programming, and providing consultations and referrals to support mental health for employees through his role and other service contributions to the University. He coordinates training sessions for Mental Health First Aid and is certified in Suicide First Aid and the Community Resiliency Model. Their work highlights sustainable and equitable community-based solutions to mental health issues and stigma.

Immediately prior to returning to Blacksburg, he was based in the Philippines working on several projects including the development of psychiatric biobanking infrastructure and health policy, digital health interventions for dementia patients and caregivers, and delivery of telehealth services to Indigenous communities. Carlo loves to travel, collecting souvenir pins and public transit system cards from around the world. He also enjoys music and has a growing collection of vinyl records and Spotify playlists.