Cruz, a 2015 UOG graduate with bachelor's degrees in psychology and English literature, earned his doctorate in behavior analysis with an emphasis in organizational behavior management from Florida Tech in spring 2026.

He also earned his master's degree in applied behavior analysis and organizational behavior management from Florida Tech before pursuing his doctorate. He successfully defended his dissertation, titled "A Behavior Analytic Blueprint for Rapport-Building: Investigating the Key Elements for Success," in January.

His doctoral work focuses on organizational behavior management, which applies behavioral principles to improve workplace culture, safety, and performance. Cruz first became a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2019 and earned the doctoral-level designation (BCBA-D) in June 2026.

He currently serves as a business operations specialist at ABA Technologies, where he supports strategic initiatives and organizational improvement. He also teaches part-time in Florida Tech's online behavior analysis master's program.

'Why not make it a better place?'
"I help leaders understand what it takes to turn their goals into results. A big part of that is looking at how people work, what influences their performance, and what organizations can do to better support them," Cruz explained.

Cruz helps organizations address challenges involving business performance, employee engagement, and organizational change. Rather than focusing solely on an organization's desired outcomes, he emphasizes understanding what people need to do differently to achieve lasting results.

Cruz's interest in organizational behavior management was largely shaped by his parents, who immigrated to Guam from the Philippines. Growing up, he witnessed how tirelessly they worked to provide for their family. His parents' background, combined with his own experiences working in different settings, motivated Cruz to figure out how workplaces could better support their employees.

"You spend so much time at work, why not make it a better place?" Cruz said

From 'directionless undergrad' to a career with purpose
When Cruz first entered UOG, he considered himself a "fairly directionless undergrad," but in time, he found his footing in the psychology program. He became a teaching and behavior lab assistant, as well as a counselor for Isa Psychological Services.

After moving to Florida to pursue his postgraduate studies, he broadened his professional experience by working as a registered behavior technician at a children's autism center before transitioning into roles spanning human resources, organizational capability, project management, and consulting.

Cruz's experiences have ultimately led him to a career that combines his interest in understanding human behavior with his desire to help make workplaces better.

"I want to help organizations and their leaders create the conditions that allow both their business and their people to thrive," he said.