This area focuses on improving population health by addressing diet-related diseases and social determinants of health through community-engaged, evidence-based initiatives.
Faculty researching in this area
Saima Hasnin
Assistant Professor
Improving early childhood nutrition by evaluating diet quality and mealtime environments within childcare settings. Investigate how evidence‑based professional development for early childhood educators can enhance nutrition practices and support the prevention of childhood obesity. Effectiveness of federal child nutrition programs and study how policy implementation shapes nutrition equity and health outcomes for young children.
Krystal L. Hodge
Assistant Professor
Impact of the food environment and food access on food choice, dietary quality, and health. Developing and evaluating nutrition education programs for obesity prevention. Evaluation of community nutrition programs.
Manabu T. Nakamura
Associate Professor
Dietary intervention for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. Developing and implementing a dietary/lifestyle weight management program coached by registered dietitians. For patients who lost their weight with medication, dietary weight management is also essential to maintain healthy weight for life.
Sharon M. Nickols
Professor
Promotion of dietary guidelines through community-based interventions and exploration of consumer behaviors regarding food choices and preparation, consumption, and conservation practices. Chronic disease prevention in individuals and groups is promoted through intersection with food production systems in rural and urban areas.
Pablo Torres Aguilar
Assistant Professor
Measure nutritional adequacy using survey tools, nutritional assessments, and biochemical indicators. Create targeted public health interventions at the local, national, and international level to reduce the burden of food insecurity.