Research Focus

In order to improve health in diverse underserved populations, the need to have a better understanding of the factors that influence their health status is essential. This is especially important as these populations consistently display poorer health profiles in comparison to other populations such as non-Hispanic Whites. The contribution that Dr. Revilla has made to the evaluation of nutrition and health data in underserved minority populations can be used to inform future health promotion programs in these populations. Dr. Revilla has effectively worked with a group of researchers and stakeholders from across the Pacific region to develop and implement a multi-level community-based intervention to prevent childhood obesity. She is also making strides to foster workforce diversity. Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders are historically underrepresented in health degree fields. Nutrition education resources and training programs need to be developed and implemented that are culturally and regionally specific (place-based) for the Pacific region to increase the appeal of health degree fields to Native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders. Through the development of Pacific nutrition education materials and training programs, Dr. Revilla has enhanced the Pacific’s workforce health capacity.