Virginia Chaidez

Virginia Chaidez photo portrait

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Virginia Chaidez

Associate Professor

BS, Foods and Nutrition, San Diego State University, 1999
PhD, Nutrition, Designated Emphasis in International and Community Nutrition, University of California, Davis, 2009

Dr. Chaidez is a registered dietitian with expertise in public health, nutrition and health disparities. She collaborates across disciplines to conduct qualitative and quantitative research to enhance understanding of health disparities affecting the Latino population in the US, including obesity, diabetes, and developmental disabilities.

Her current research focuses on use of Community Health Workers (CHW) to inform best practices for their role in promoting community health and wellness and informing how best to support, evaluate, and grow a sustainable CHW workforce. This work will tie into future research projects that will address health disparities including obesity, diabetes, cervical cancer, and mental health among marginalized populations.

Professional Highlights

Honors and Recognition
Autism Speaks Top Ten Research Advances of 2013
Experience
January 2015-present, Assistant Professor, Nutrition and Health Sciences Department, University of Nebraska-LincolnApril 2012-December 2014, Evaluation Analyst, University of California CalFresh Nutrition Education Program, State Office (CalFresh is the brand name for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program aka SNAP)August 2011-June 2012, Nutrition Consultant, Sacramento Employee Training Agency (SETA) –Head StartNov 2009-April 2012, Postdoctoral scholar, Public Health Sciences Department, University of California, Davis, & the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (M.I.N.D) InstituteApril 2008-June 2012, Health Education Instructor for Worksite Wellness, Kaiser Permanente, Sacramento, CaliforniaApril 2001-2003, Clinical Dietitian, Tri-City Medical Center, Oceanside, California,
Memberships
Society for Nutrition Education & Behavior (SNEB)American Society for Nutrition (ASN)Public Health Association of Nebraska (PHAN)Community Health Worker Association of Nebraska (CHWA)