Elena Serrano, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Extension Specialist, Nutrition
201 Wallace Annex
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: (540) 231-3464
Fax: (540) 231-7576
Email: serrano@vt.edu

Research Interests: School-based approaches to improving dietary and physical activity habits of youth; Development and evaluation of community-based childhood overweight prevention programs; Impact of acculturation on diet and health habits among Latinos living in the U.S.

Education

BA Development Studies (1989), University of California, Berkeley

MS Food Science and Human Nutrition (1997), Colorado State University

Thesis: Evaluation of a Training Program Preparing Abuelas as Nutrition Educators

PhD Food Science and Human Nutrition (2001), Colorado State University

Dissertation: Development and Evaluation of a Bilingual Computer Nutrition Education Program for Latino Children

Professional Appointments

Project Coordinator

Land Tenure Center

University of Wisconsin-Madison

 

1991 - 1995

Associate Extension Specialist

Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition

 

Colorado State University

1997 - 2002

Extension Specialist, Assistant Professor

Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise

Virginia Tech

2002 - Present

Research Interests

Determination of social or community contributors to childhood overweight
Evaluation of the effectiveness of educational programs and policies to address childhood overweight

Awards and Honors

Ford Foundation Pre-Doctoral Award, Honorable Mention, 1997
Colorado State University Diversity Award, 1998
3-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) Pre-Doctoral Fellowship Award, 1998
Colorado State University Dorothy Hurley Travel Award, 2000
Colorado State University Graduate Research Symposium Award, 2001
Virginia Tech Outstanding Service-Learner Educator (Awarded in 2004)
Faculty Award for Excellence in Extension, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech, 2006
Healthy School Hero Award, Action for Healthy Kids, 2006
Serrano E and K Jamison, Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids, VCE Annual Conference 2 nd Place Poster Award, 2007
Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids, National Extension Association for Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) Award for Excellence in Research, 2007
Virginia State Early Career Award, Epsilon Sigma Phi (The Extension Professional Organization), 2007

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Serrano, E , T Taylor, J Anderson. A Training Program Using Abuelas (Hispanic Grandmothers) as Nutrition Educators. Journal of Nutrition Education 2000; 32: 225-232.

Taylor, T, E Serrano, J Anderson, P Kendall. Knowledge, skills, and behavior improvements on peer educators and low-income Hispanic participants after a stage of change-based bilingual nutrition education program. Journal of Community Health 2000; 25: 241-262.

Taylor T, E Serrano, J Anderson. Management issues related to effectively implementing a nutrition education program using peer educators. Journal of Nutrition Education 2001; 33: 284-292.

Serrano, E and J Anderson. Assessment of a Refined Short Acculturation Scale for Latino Preteens in Rural Colorado. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences 2003; 25: 240-253.

Serrano, E and J Anderson. The Evaluation of Food Pyramid Games, a Bilingual Computer Nutrition Education Program for Latino Youth. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences Education 2004; 22: 1-16.

Papillon, C, E Serrano , S Nickols-Richardson. Service learning is a vital part of the community nutrition course at Virginia Tech. DEP-Line. Fall 2004.

Serrano, E . Cultural Balance among Latinos in the United States: Opportunities for Educators, Researchers, and Advocates. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences 2004; 96: 32–34.

Serrano, E and R Cox. Preventing Childhood Obesity. Southern Rural Development Center Policy Series 2005; 10. Available at: http://srdc.msstate.edu/focusareas/health/fa/fa_10_serrano.pdf

Serrano, E and R Cox. Practices and Attitudes of Virginia EFNEP and FSNE Educators toward Teaching about Childhood Overweight. Journal of Extension 2005; 43: Article No. 6RIB9. Available at: http://www.joe.org/joe/2005december/index.shtml (lead author is first)

Serrano, E , E Gresock, D Suttle, A Keller, E McGarvey. Fit WIC: Perceptions and Practices of WIC Staff Toward Addressing Childhood Obesity with Clients, Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2006; 38:151-156.

Serrano, E , A Kowalewska, K Hosig, C Fuller, L Fellin, V Wigand. Status and Goals of Local School Wellness Policies in Virginia: A Response to the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2007; 39:95-100.

Rose, N, K Hosig, B Davy, E Serrano, L Davis. Whole-Grain Intake is Associated with Body Mass Index in College Students. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2007; 39:90-94.

Serrano E , J Anderson, K Chapman-Novakofski. Not Lost in Translation: Nutrition Education, a Critical Component of Translational Research. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2007; 39:164-170.

Serrano, E , J Leiferman, S Dauber. Relationship between Risk Factors and Health Behaviors and Self- Efficacy toward the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes among Individuals Living in Appalachia. Journal of Community Health 2007; 32. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/20l3v1q755313274/fulltext.pdf

Reviews

Serrano, E . Fed Up! Winning the War Against Childhood Obesity. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2006; 38: 65-66. Description: Fed Up! is a comprehensive book that reviews the contributors, consequences, and solutions of childhood obesity.

Serrano E. Obesity. World Encyclopedia (2006). Available at: http://www.worldbook.com/wb/Home.

Peer-Reviewed Extension Publications

Serrano, E , K Branstad. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids: What is a Healthy Weight? Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-270, 2003.

Serrano, E , K Branstad. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids: What Should I Do if My Child is Underweight? Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-271, 2003.

Serrano, E, K Branstad. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids: What Should I Do if My Child Has a Poor Body Image? Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-272, 2003.

Serrano, E , K Branstad. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids: What Should I Do if My Child Is Overweight? Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-273, 2003.

Serrano, E . Educator’s Introduction to the Curriculum. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-229, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Marketing Flyer. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-228, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E . Smart Foods. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-233, 2003. (Revised 2004, 2006.)

Serrano, E. Smart Choices. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-231, 2003. (Revised 2004, 2006.)

Serrano, E. Smart Drinks. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-232, 2003. (Revised 2004, 2006.)

Serrano, E. Smart Snacks. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-235, 2003. (Revised 2004, 2006.)

Serrano, E. Smart Activities. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-230, 2003. (Revised 2004, 2006.)

Serrano, E. Smart Image. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-234, 2003. (Revised 2004, 2006.)

Serrano, E , C Barden. Trans Fats and the Food Label. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-350, 2004.

Coleman, MD, and E Serrano. Low Carbohydrate Craze. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-351, 2004.

Serrano, E . Add It Up. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-240, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E . Calorie Chemistry. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-241, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E . Be a Drink Detective. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-242, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E . Nutrient Scavenger Hunt. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-243, 2004.

Serrano, E . Food Guide Pyramid. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-244, 2004. (Revised and Renamed to “MyPyramid” in 2006.)

Serrano, E . Looking at Looks. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-245, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E . Who am I? Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-246, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E . Label Literacy. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-247, 2004. (Revised 2006.)

Serrano, E. Rate Your Plate. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-846, 2004.

Serrano, E. What Do You Think Questionnaire, Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-262, 2005.

Serrano, E. Instructions for Administering the "What Do You Think?" Questionnaire. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-263, 2005.

Serrano, E. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Lesson Log . Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-260, 2005.

Serrano, E. Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Lesson Log Instructions. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-261, 2005.

Serrano, E, J Mullins, N Rose. Go Local! Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-127, 2006.

Serrano, E , D Parra, S Nickols-Richardson. Healthy Eating for Children 2 through 5 years. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-150, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. A Family-Centered Nutrition Education Program (for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-556, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Background and Planning (for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-557, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Kitchen Safety Rules (for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-558, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Cleanup Team Assignments (for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-559, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Over the Rainbow (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-560, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Southern Supper (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-561, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. South of the Border (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-562, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. A Taste of Italy (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-563, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Soup’s On (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-564, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Bon Appétit (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-565, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Pizza Bonanza (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-566, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Sandwich Buffet (Lesson and Recipe for Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-567, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Broccoli, Broccoli, Carrot (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-320, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Hot Potato (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-321, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. People Pretzels (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-322, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Great Grain Relay Race (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-323, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Milk Jug Volleyball (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-324, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Hide and Seek (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-326, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Freeze Tag (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-325, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Kick the Can (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-327, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Sour Grapes (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-328, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Upset the Fruit Basket (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-329, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. MyPyramid Hopskotch (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-330, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. MyPyramid Relay Game (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-331, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. To Wah or Not to Wash (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-332, 2006.

Wages, J, E Serrano, J Hodgson. Soapy Solutions Hand-Washing Game (Physical Activity Handout of Suppers Made Simple Curriculum). Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-333, 2006.

Serrano, E , A Holsinger. Iron: Build Strong Blood. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-371, 2003. Original Author: A. Hertzler.

Serrano, E , A Sablik. Calcium: Build Strong Bones. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-019, 2004. Original Author: A. Hertzler.

Serrano, E , C Barden. Food and Media. Virginia Cooperative Extension Publication 348-008, 2004. Original Authors: A. Hertzler, M. Coleman, E. Scott.

Competitive Grants

R Cox (PI), E Serrano , KS Stadler, and J Elledge. Virginia Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program. Virginia Department of Social Services (through USDA Food, Nutrition, Services), 2002-2003, $2,899,219.

R Cox (PI), E Serrano, KS Stadler. Virginia Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program. Virginia Department of Social Services (through USDA Food, Nutrition, Services), 2002-2003, $3,313,856.

Serrano E , and R Cox. Assessing the Prevalence of Childhood Obesity among Limited Resource Latino and non-Latino Families in Virginia. Southern Rural Development Center, 2002 – 2003, $29,996.

R Cox, E Serrano, S Dwyer, and J Leiferman. Implementing a Diabetes Prevention Project in Rural Virginia. Virginia Tech (ASPIRES), 2002-2003, $31,597.

Serrano E , K Stadler. Fit for Life Kids. General Mills Foundation. 2003-2004. $10,000.

Nickols-Richardson, S , E Serrano. Girl Scouts Empower Other Girl Scouts and Virginia Action for Healthy Kids Participants to Consume 3-A-Day of Dairy. National Dairy Council, 2004 - 2005. $5,000.

R Cox (PI), E Serrano, M McFerren. Virginia Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program. Virginia Department of Social Services (through USDA Food, Nutrition, Services), 2004-2005, $3,012,922.

Serrano, E (PI) . Food Friends and Fun Moves. USDA Cooperative Research Extension and Education Service (sub-contract through Colorado State University), 2005 - 2008. $59,890.

McFerren, M, and E Serrano. Virginia Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program, 2005 -2006. $3,401,017.

McFerren, M, and E Serrano. Virginia Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program, 2005 -2006. $3,401,017.

Serrano, E (PI), and K Hosig. Virginia Parents Action for Healthy Kids. Kellogg Foundation (through Action for Healthy Kids), 2006-2007, $25,000.

Jeremiah, M, M Sweet, R Seidel, E Serrano, M Speaker, S Best. Developing a Model of Targeted Group Care to Enhance Outcomes for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Carilion, 2007-2008, $15,038.

Courses Taught at Virginia Tech

HNFE 4624 (Community Nutrition): Fall 2003 – Present
HNFE 6104 (Journal Club: Childhood Overweight): Spring 2004
HNFE 6104 (Journal Club: Sustainable Foods): Spring 2006

Invited Presentations/Workshops

 

Invited Training/

Workshop Title

 

Host/

Location

 

Date

Number of Partici-

pants

Number of Contact Hours

Overview of Childhood Obesity

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Southeast District Smart Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)/ Virginia Smart Choices Nutrition Education Program (SCNEP) Program Assistant (PA) Training

Williamsburg , Virginia

June 2002

20

2

Overview of Childhood Obesity

VCE Northern District EFNEP/SCNEP PA Training

Arlington , Virginia

March 2003

22

2

Overview of Childhood Obesity

VCE Southwest District EFNEP/SCNEP PA Training

Abingdon , Virginia

March 2003

11

2

Overview of Childhood Obesity

VCE 4-H and Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agent Training

Blacksburg , Virginia

March 2003

12

2

Food, Fitness, & Fun Childcare Provider Curriculum Training

Conference Call

May 2003

10

2

High Protein Diets

VCE Central and Northern EFNEP/SCNEP PA Training

Charlottesville , Virginia

March

2004

45

2

Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Curriculum Training

VCE FCS Annual Conference Charlottesville, Virginia

April 2004

12

3

Emerging Demographic Trends

VCE FCS Annual Conference

Charlottesville , Virginia

April

2004

43

2

Low Carbohydrate Craze (2 sessions)

VCE FCS Annual Conference

Charlottesville , Virginia

April 2004

30

1.5

Food, Fitness, and Fun for School-Aged Children

Virginia Department of Social Services Childcare Provider Trainings

Manassas , Virginia

May 2004

30

4

Food, Fitness, and Fun

4-H State Congress, Blacksburg, Virginia

June 2004

22

4

Making Healthy Changes in Schools

Health for Success (Training Sessions for School Personnel, Coordinated by Virginia Department of Education)

Farmville , Virginia

July 2004

25

4

Trans Fats, Revisions of the Food Guide Pyramid

VCE Central and Lower Northwest EFNEP/SCNEP PA Training

Roanoke , Virginia

Nov

2004

25

2

A Family Approach to Childhood Overweight

VCE FCS Annual Conference

Charlottesville , Virginia

March 2005

40

2

Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Curriculum Training (Instructed with Mary Ann McFarland, EFNEP/SCNEP District Coordinator)

VCE Southwest District EFNEP/SCNEP PA Training

Abingdon , Virginia

June 2005

13

4

Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Curriculum Training (Instructed with Judy Midkiff, EFNEP/SCNEP District Coordinator)

VCE Northeast District EFNEP/SCNEP Program Assistant and 4-H Agent Training

Richmond , Virginia

June 2005

10

4

Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Curriculum Training (Instructed with Nancy Stegon, Extension Agent)

Northern District EFNEP/SCNEP Program Assistant and 4-H Agent Training

Prince William, Virginia

June 2005

15

4

Nutrition 101

Health for Success (Training Sessions for School Personnel, Coordinated by Virginia Department of Education)

Farmville , Virginia

July 2005

50

4

How to Conduct and Moderate a Focus Group Discussion

Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Tech

Blacksburg , Virginia

Oct

2005

11

3

Community and
School-based Strategies to Address Childhood Overweight (Instructed with Lynne Fellin, Virginia Department of Education School Nutrition Services, Jeremy Akers, Virginia Department of Health, and Barbara Yager/Peggy Paviour-Brown, Charlottesville Childhood Obesity Task Force)

VCE Annual Conference

Charlottesville , Virginia

Jan

2006

30

2

Virginia Parents Action for Healthy Kids Mini-Grant Training (Instructed with Kathy Hosig, Associate Professor in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise)

Spotsylvania Public Schools

Spotsylvania , Virginia

April 2006

3

3

Virginia Parents Action for Healthy Kids Mini-Grant Training (Instructed with Kathy Hosig)

Orange Action for Healthy Kids

Orange , Virginia

April 2006

2

3

Virginia Parents Action for Healthy Kids Mini-Grant Training (Instructed with Kathy Hosig)

Montgomery County Action for Healthy Kids

Blacksburg

April 2006

1

2

Virginia Parents Action for Healthy Kids Mini-Grant Training (Instructed with Kathy Hosig)

Waynesboro Public Schools

Waynesboro , Virginia

April 2006

1

3

Cultural Competency Training (Instructed with Joe Hunnings, Former 4-H Specialist)

VCE FCS Agent Training

Richmond , Virginia

May 2006

30

3

Suppers Made Simple Curriculum Training (Instructed with Joan Wages, Extension Agent)

VCE FCS Agent Training

Richmond , Virginia

May 2006

22

4

Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds: Good Nutrition and Physical Activity Help Kids Learn Better (Instructed with Susan Prillaman, Extension Agent)

Bedford County Physical Education Instructors In-Service Training

Bedford , Virginia

June 2006

25

2

Childcare Provider Trainings - Building Blocks for Healthy Active Kids (Workshops Conducted by Sarah Burkett, Latoya Jones, Kim Edmonds, Nancy Stegon, Mena Forrester, Heather Greenwood, Alinda Uzel, Annette Jewell, Marilyn Morris, Bonnie Tazewell; Structure and Content Coordinated by Elena Serrano and Sarah Burkett)

Virginia Department of Social Services

Various Sites, Virginia

June – Sept 2006

320

4

Healthy Weights for
Healthy Kids Curriculum Training (Instructed with Susan Prillaman)

VCE Training for Bedford Community Educators

Bedford , Virginia

Aug

2006

30

4

Overview of Childhood Obesity Issues

VCE EFNEP/SCNEP Annual Conference

Blacksburg , Virginia

Sept 2006

45

1

Food Friends Train-the-Trainer Curriculum Training (Instructed with Laura Bellows, Colorado State Univ.)

VCE FCS Agent Training

Charlottesville , Virginia

Nov

2006

12

4

Cultural Competency Training (Instructed with Joe Hunnings, Former 4-H Specialist)

VCE FCS Agent Training

Richmond , Virginia

May 2006

30

3

Suppers Made Simple Curriculum Training (Instructed with Joan Wages, Extension Agent)

VCE FCS Agent Training

Richmond , Virginia

May 2006

22

4

Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds: Good Nutrition and Physical Activity Help Kids Learn Better (Instructed with Susan Prillaman, Extension Agent)

Bedford County Physical Education Instructors In-Service Training

Bedford , Virginia

June 2006

25

2

Childcare Provider Trainings - Building Blocks for Healthy Active Kids (Workshops Conducted by Sarah Burkett, Latoya Jones, Kim Edmonds, Nancy Stegon, Mena Forrester, Heather Greenwood, Alinda Uzel, Annette Jewell, Marilyn Morris, Bonnie Tazewell; Structure and Content Coordinated by Elena Serrano and Sarah Burkett)

Virginia Department of Social Services

Various Sites, Virginia

June – Sept 2006

320

4

Healthy Weights for
Healthy Kids Curriculum Training (Instructed with Susan Prillaman)

VCE Training for Bedford Community Educators

Bedford , Virginia

Aug

2006

30

4

Overview of Childhood Obesity Issues

VCE EFNEP/SCNEP Annual Conference

Blacksburg , Virginia

Sept 2006

45

1

Food Friends Train-the-Trainer Curriculum Training (Instructed with Laura Bellows, Colorado State Univ.)

VCE FCS Agent Training

Charlottesville , Virginia

Nov

2006

12

4

Food Friends Train-the-Trainer Curriculum Training (Instructed with

VCE FCS Agent Training

Roanoke , Virginia

Jan 2007

3

3

Childhood Overweight – New and Emerging Information and Initiatives

VCE Annual Conference

Charlottesville , Virginia

Jan

2007

15

30

Nutrition and Dealing with Eating Disorders

Joint Health for Success (for School Personnel) and Health Services Institute (for School Nurses) Conference

Farmville , Virginia

July 2007

50

3

Graduate Students

 

Student Name

 

Research Topic

 

Role

Degree or Project

 

Date of Completion

Margarethe Goetz

Dietary Acculturation, Physical Activity and Body Image in Limited-Resource Latino Women in Northern Virginia

 

Committee Chair

 

MS

 

May 2003

Kathryn Branstad

Development of a Body Figure Scale and Assessment of Overweight in a Multi-Ethnic Pre-Adolescent Population

Committee Chair

 

MS

 

May 2003

Melanie Cutlip

 

No Thesis Required (Department of Curriculum and Instruction)

Committee Member

MS

May 2004

Amanda Willig

Evaluation of Current Decision Rules and Healthcare Professional Practices for Detecting Osteoporosis Risk in the Young Adult Population

Committee Member

MS

May 2004

Nicholas Rose

Whole Grain Intake in College Students and its Association with Body Mass Index

Committee Member

MS

May 2005

Erin Grap

Reported Use of Foods as Rewards in Elementary School Classrooms in Montgomery County.

Chair

Honor’s Project

May 2006

Danielle Parra

Girl Scouts Empower other Girl Scouts to Consume 3-1-Day of Dairy

Committee Member

MS

May 2006

Kelleigh Murphy

Assessment of Physical Activity in Latina Mothers in the WIC Population

Committee Chair

MS

May 2006

Jennifer LaBarge Spangler

Beverage Vending Purchasing Patterns and Attitudes in Southwest Virginia High School Students

Committee Chair

MS

May 2006

Traliece Bradford

Development and Testing of a Food and Nutrition Practice Checklist (FNPC) for Use with Basic Nutrition and Disease Prevention Education Programs.

Committee Chair

MS

August 2006

Teena Felton

Understanding Facilitators and Barriers to the Selection of Dietetics as a Major by African American students

Committee Chair

MS

May 2006

Hannah McKnight

Demographic Information on Consumers of Organic Milk

(Department of Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management)

Committee Member

MS

August 2007

 Papers in Refereed Conference Proceedings

Serrano, E and R Cox. Practices and Attitudes of EFNEP and FSNEP Educators toward Teaching about Childhood Overweight, Society for Nutrition Education 36 th Annual Conference Proceedings, 2003.

Serrano, E and J Anderson. Food Preference and Acculturation among Mexican American Children, Society for Nutrition Education 36 th Annual Conference Proceedings, 2003.

Serrano, E and T Henderson. Food Security and Health of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Society for Nutrition Education 37 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2004; 36:S35.

Serrano, E, D Seward, D Suttle, A Keller, E McGarvey. Fit WIC: Perceptions and Practices of WIC Staff Toward Addressing Childhood Obesity with Clients, Society for Nutrition Education 37 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2004; 36: S43.

Branstad, K, E Serrano, R Cox. Development and Evaluation of a Body Figure Scale for Latino Youth, Society for Nutrition Education 37 th Annual Conference, Society for Nutrition Education 37th Annual Conference Proceedings 2004; 36: S43.

Serrano, E, J Spangler, K Hosig. Changes in Teen Beverage Consumption as a Result of School Policy Change. Society for Nutrition Education 38 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2005; 37:S45.

Serrano, E, D Parra, SM Nickols-Richardson. Parents Report Increased Knowledge of Dairy Nutrition in their Daughters after a 3-A-Day Dairy Girl Scouts Program. Society for Nutrition Education 38 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2005; 37:S51.

Rose, N, E Serrano. Do Fruits and Vegetables Cost Less at the Farmers’ Market or at the Supermarket? Society for Nutrition Education 38 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2005; 37:S71.

Rose, N, B Davy, E Serrano, L. Davis, K Hosig. Whole-Grain Intake in College Students and its Association with Body Mass Index. Society for Nutrition Education 38 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2005; 37:S54.

Serrano, E , SE Dauber, JA Leiferman. Self-Efficacy and Health Behaviors toward the Prevention of Diabetes among High Risk Individuals Living in Appalachia. American Public Health Association 134 th Annual Conference Proceedings 2006; 5045.0, p 193.

Rose, N, E Serrano. K Hosig, C Haas, D Reaves, S Nickols-Richardson. Does Eating Local Food Improve Dietary Quality? (011) Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2007; 39: S94.

Serrano, E , VB Jedda. Comparison of Fast Food and Non-Fast Food Children’s Menu Items in a Large Town. (P18) Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2007; 39: S111.

Imbur, G, E Serrano. Evaluation of the Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Curriculum for Youth. (P77) Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 2007; 39: S134.

Press Releases

Use Power of Fruit for Healthy Diet, 2002. [Written with HNFE 4624 Student.]
One Slice of Pizza Has More than Enough Fat, 2002. (Revised 2007)
Consumers Need to be Aware of How Herbal Products Are Regulated, 2002. (Revised 2007)
Diet Drugs Are not an Easy Way to Lose Weight; Diet and Exercise Are, 2002. (Revised 2007)
New College Students Settling into Cooking for Themselves, 2003. (Revised by K Hosig, 2007)
Education Program Teaches Healthy Eating to Youth, 2003. (Revised 2007)
Teach Children Nutrition’s Role in Learning to Live Healthy Lifestyle, 2003. (Revised 2007)
Healthy, Active Kids for the Holidays, 2003.
Here is an Easy Tip to Keep Food Safe, 2003. (Revised by R Boyer, 2007)
Virginia Cooperative Extension is Helping Establish a Statewide Task Force to Improve Children 's Health (Virginia Action for Healthy Kids), 2003. (Revised 2007)
Nutrition Standards Sent to State Superintendents, 2004. (Deleted in 2007)
Fat a Big Problem for Kids, Virginia Tech Research Magazine, 2005.
Smart Foods, Smart Grades (Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids), Innovations ( College of Agriculture and Life Sciences newsletter), 2006.
Blacksburg Residents Abstain from Eating Abroad in a 100-Mile Diet Study, 2006.

Radio Releases

Childhood Obesity, Virginia Tech Radio, 2002.
Throwing Vending Machines Out, Virginia Tech, 2002.
Fitness, not Thinness, Virginia Tech, 2002.
Health Benefits Instead of a Goal Weight, Virginia Tech, 2002.
McDonald’s is Lowering the Fat – More or Less, Virginia Tech, 2002.
Your Body is a System, Virginia Tech, 2002.
Eating Right at Parties, Virginia Tech, 2003.
Less Excess at the Holiday Table, Virginia Tech, 2003.
Staying Active during the Holidays, Virginia Tech, 2003.
Choose a New Physical Activity, Virginia Tech, 2003.
Keep Moving during the Holidays, Virginia Tech, 2003.
Giving Healthy Gifts, Virginia Tech, 2003.
Trans Fats and the Food Label. 107 News & Talk Radio Station. 2003.
Back to School Snacks. 107 News & Talk Radio Station. 2003.
Trans Fats and the Food Label. 107 News & Talk Radio Station. 2003.
Back to School Snacks. 107 News & Talk Radio Station. 2003.
A Coalition for Healthy Kids ( Virginia Action for Healthy Kids), Virginia Tech, 2004.
Promoting Healthy kids through Schools, Virginia Tech, 2004.
Nutrition and Physical Activity in Schools, Virginia Tech, 2004.
Helping Teachers Teach Good Health (Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids0, Virginia Tech, 2004.
Changing Vending Machines in Schools, Virginia Tech, 2004.
After School Programs to Keep Kids Active, Virginia Tech, 2004.
The Importance of Snacks for Children, Virginia Tech, 2004.
Planning Healthful Snacks for Kids, Virginia Tech, 2004.
Healthy Snacks, Virginia Tech Radio Release, 2007.
Healthy Bag Lunches, Virginia Tech Radio Release, 2007.
Healthy Rewards for Children, Virginia Tech Radio Release, 2007.

T.V. Spots

Eating Sensibly During the Holiday Season, Virginia Tech, 2002.

Multi-Media Items

Author, Stepping Up to the Plate online game module, 2007.

Professional Service

Member, Society for Nutrition Education (1996-Present)
Representative, Virginia State Fair for VCE Food, Nutrition, and Health Booth (2002).
Member, American Dietetic Association (2002-Present)
Reviewer, Journal of the American Dietetic Association (2002-Present)
Member, Virginia Extension Service Association (VESA) (2002-Present)
Northeast Representative for the USDA Leadership Team on Childhood Obesity. (2002-Present)
Chair/Co-Chair, Virginia Action for Healthy Kids (Chair: 2002-2005; Co-Chair: 2005-2007)
Reviewer, USDA CSREES National Research Initiative Human Nutrition and Obesity Grants (2004).
Reviewer, The Right Weight for You and Your Child: the Family Nutrition Funbook, by Joanne P. Ikeda (2004)
Member, Planning Committee, Society for Nutrition Education 2005 Annual Conference (2005)
Member, Abstract Review Committee, Society for Nutrition Education 2005 Annual Conference (2005)
Member, Exhibits and Sponsors Committee, Society for Nutrition Education 2005 Annual Conference (2005)
Reviewer, USDA consumer brochure, Get moving…For the Health and Fun of It! (2006)
Reviewer, Journal of Ethnicity & Behavior (2004-Present)
Reviewer, Family & Consumer Sciences Research Journal (2004-Present)
Advisor, Hatch Project for Dr. Bradford Mills, Toward More Effective Policies to Alleviate Transient and Chronic Poverty (2006-Present)
Reviewer, National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (NEAFCS) (newsletter section) (2006)
Member, Montgomery County Coalition for Healthy Schools (2006- Present)
Member, Virginia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (2006-Present)
Member, American Public Health Association (2006-Present)