Professor of Nutrition
Institution: University of Guam, College of Natural & Applied Sciences
Education:
BA, Biology, University of Guam
MS, Nutritional Sciences, University of Hawaii
PhD, Food Science and Nutrition, Colorado State University
What early experiences influenced you to work in childhood obesity prevention?
My doctoral research project involved a nutrition and fitness program for overweight adolescents. I realized during that time that it’s almost too late to work with kids once they are teenagers, you really need to catch them at a younger age to have a real impact. Moving back to Guam after I had completed graduate school drove that point home even more when I started working for the University of Guam Cooperative Extension Service. Obesity is rampant among children and adolescents here on Guam. So here I am, trying to make some impact.
What advice would you give high school or undergraduate students that want to get into your professional field?
Dive into those science classes! I talk to so many young people who express an interest in becoming a dietitian or nutritionist. They don’t realize that they need a good background in biology, chemistry and math. Also, I would recommend that they start getting in the habit of ‘living the talk’ now, while they are young. I think it is important for professionals who are working in the field of obesity prevention and healthy lifestyle promotion to actually exhibit those attributes. People won’t listen to you if you don’t follow your own advise.
What do you think the Pacific Islands will gain from the CHL program?
Besides the raising up new and young professionals to help continue the work of child obesity prevention, I think that this whole process of engaging the community and getting them involved in tackling the issues in their own community is very valuable. Once they own it, I think we will start to see communities transform themselves.
What does an average day at the University of Guam look like for you?
The only consistent ‘daily routine’ that I have is my morning cup of coffee. Everything else is variable. I teach several undergraduate classes, I am the Guam EFNEP coordinator, I am the PI of a cancer grant, and then I am involved in the CHL Project. I am so busy, and sometimes I feel like I am at a track-meet running from one event to the next; but I love my job! It’s never dull and there’s always something interesting going on.
What advice would you give caregivers of young children about best lifelong health practices related to CHL-connected efforts?
Lead by example. If we want our children to develop lifelong healthy habits, WE have to display those habits. Regular physical activity, healthy eating, water as the drink of choice and regular sleep patterns, just to name a few. Young children copy the adults in their life; so, let’s set a good example so they can copy our good habits.
What do you love about Guam?
Okay, maybe I am biased, but I just think Guam is the best place in the whole world. I love the island itself, the culture, and especially its people. I love the fact complete strangers can walk past each other, make eye contact, and either smile or say ‘hello’ to each other. That open and welcoming attitude is so great.