Research

Research in the Department of Nutrition Sciences and Health Behavior (NSHB) is multidisciplinary and examines methods of prevention, lifestyle intervention, and recovery associated with chronic disease throughout the lifespan. Junior faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students have an opportunity to work with nationally recognized faculty across departments, schools, and research areas at UTMB, participating in a variety of research and training experiences.

Our research programs are focused in four primary areas:

  • Behavioral Health
  • Innovative Educational Activities
  • Metabolic Health
  • Specialized Areas

Behavior Health

Faculty are advancing the understanding of how specific behaviors are associated with diseases or conditions. They are also at the forefront of developing and testing behavioral or exercise-based rehabilitation interventions. Our faculty employ community-based participatory research (CBPR) methodologies as well as cutting-edge digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven approaches.

Details related to these research activities can be found under each lead faculty member’s profile, where you can find links to their latest research outputs and scholarly work.

Innovative Educational Activities

Faculty are leading the way in transforming nutrition and health behavior education through creative and impactful initiatives. Some examples include:

  1. Integrating Memes into Nutrition Education - Faculty are harnessing the power of digital culture by integrating memes into educational materials to enhance engagement and retention of complex nutrition and health behavior concepts. 
  2. Escape Rooms and Interactive Learning - Interactive learning comes alive through Escape Room nutrition education. Students learn the value of teamwork while testing their nutrition-related knowledge and critical thinking skills in a fun and engaging way.
  3. Community Garden - Creating hands-on learning opportunities to understand the food source is central to our community garden project. Students and community members collaborate to cultivate fresh produce, gaining practical skills in nutrition, sustainability, and teamwork. Students also learn how to foster community engagement and develop wellness education skills. 
  4. Development of Nutrition Education Curriculum for Under-Resourced Countries - Our faculty are dedicated to global impact, creating culturally relevant nutrition education curriculum tailored for under-resourced countries. Students get hands-on experience in assisting the development of nutrition education curriculum to address local needs, empower communities, and promote sustainable health behaviors.
    For in-depth research details, please visit the profiles of our lead faculty members. Each profile includes links to their latest research outputs and associated scholarly work.

Metabolic Health

Faculty are leading the way of research exploring how various conditions impact metabolic health, as well as the crucial roles that behaviors—such as physical activity and sleep—are affecting metabolic function and gut microbiome health across the lifespan and in diverse disease conditions.
Research-related details can be found on individual faculty members’ profiles. Please visit their profiles for links to recent research outputs and scholarly contributions.

Specialized Research Areas

Faculty contribute to a wide range of innovative and interdisciplinary research. Our work addresses complex health challenges across individual, community, and global levels. Through these diverse efforts, NSHB faculty advance evidence-based solutions that promote health and well-being across populations and settings. Visit faculty profiles for more details on these specialized research areas.


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Research Programs

Site managed by the School of Health Professions • Last Updated: 25-JULY-2025