About Me
My research examines how nutrition and other modifiable factors contribute to chronic disease in women and children. I use observational and intervention methods to identify and test health behavior prevention strategies with potential for widespread implementation. I partner with researchers, staff members, clinical providers, and community representatives to identify health-related needs in under-resourced communities. Our shared vision is to develop, test, and disseminate efficacious and sustainable programs that meet people where they are at and help them move closer to healthy living.
On-going projects span the intergenerational cycle, including pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and child-bearing years. The Kids PowerUP pilot study is testing educational kits and health coaching to improve diet and activity behaviors among 7-10 year old children living in rural Colorado and North Carolina. The NextGen clinical trial is testing a weight loss program before pregnancy to improve maternal and newborn health. The ENRICH consortium is testing educational material delivered prenatally and postpartum by nurse home visitors to improve maternal and child cardiovascular health. The Tribal Turning Point trial is testing a community-based group program to improve diabetes risk factors among American Indian children. Prior collaborative work includes the Healthy Start Study, the ECHO consortium and the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study.