The UNC Children’s Healthy Weight Research Group is dedicated to creating, testing and disseminating programs and policies that improve the health and well-being of children and their families through healthy nutrition and physical activity.   Our work uses an ecological framework and relevant behavioral theories to develop effective interventions to increase engagement with regular physical activity and healthy eating, and that inform state and national policies.    Additionally, our group creates environmental assessments of micro-environments, including home and child care settings that advance our knowledge of the factors that support positive nutrition habits and healthy weight in young children. 

Honors and Awards

Recognition of Service, Children and Family Health

2014, The Society for Behavioral Medicine

Fellow

2014, The Obesity Society

Montoye Scholar

2013, American College of Sports Medicine

Faculty Innovation + Inspiration Award for Research

2012, UNC-CH

Board of Trustees Member

2008--2011, American College of Sports Medicine

Research Interests

• Behavior Science
• Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Obesity

Service Activities

Section Editor, BMC Public Health, 2014-Present
Early Care and Education Special Interest Group, ISBNPA, Co-Chair, 2014-present
Early Care and Education Work Group, co-lead, 2013-present
Healthy Kids, Healthy Future Steering Committee, Research Co-Chair, 2012-present
Healthy Way to Grow, Advisory Committee, 2013-present

Education

EdD, Physical Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1979

MS, Physical Education, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, 1971

BS, Physical Education, Coker College, 1968