Laureen Smith, Ph.D.
Primary Food Innovation Center Area: Foods for Health, Obesity
Areas of Expertise: child health, Appalachia, obesity prevention interventions, teen mentoring, childhood obesity
My research expertise aligns with the Food Innovation Center's goal to focus on foods for health. I have conducted research focusing on promoting healthy dietary and physical activity behaviors to teens and children in Appalachia- a region of Ohio with the largest prevalence rates of childhood obesity. I have established networks with local Appalachian communities and schools. I embrace interdisciplinary team efforts to impact the dietary and activity levels of children to improve health outcomes. Being a nurse scientist, my perspective of health is holistic.