UH Researcher to Produce Next Generation of Hispanic Obesity Educators

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded UH health education professor Norma Olvera $297,385 to train the next generation of Hispanic obesity educators. It’s a good pick. Olvera has spent decades working to reduce obesity-related diseases among underserved communities in Houston.

“An increased prevalence of childhood obesity in the Hispanic population has resulted in a critical need for nutrition and health educators serving this population,” said Olvera. “The focus of the project is consistent with the USDA’s food safety, nutrition and health priority area to increase mentoring, recruitment and retention of undergraduate students into educational and experiential learning programs that promote proper nutrition.”