Dr. Ruiz’ current research focuses on examining the epidemic impact of policy change on HIV infection and linkage to care outcomes among injection drug using populations in Washington, DC. In addition to expertise in clinical research, Dr. Ruiz also has experience in public policy, and actively worked with other advocates for the removal of the language in the Federal legislation that prohibited the District of Columbia from using city-generated revenue for syringe exchange programs. She continues to be actively involved in efforts to expand harm reduction services for drug users in the District of Columbia.