MARIELLA RODRIGUEZ

University of Arizona

Mrr22@arizona.edu

Mariella R. Rodriguez is a first-generation Latina student set to graduate in Fall 2023 with a B.A. in Spanish with an emphasis in Interpretation and Translation, and a B.S. in Public health with an emphasis in quantitative methods. Mariella strives to bring representation for Latina women in public health and higher education and plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Epidemiology at the University of Arizona. She has an interest in chronic disease epidemiology, Latino health disparities, and border health having grown up in a border community herself in Yuma. She has had the opportunity of working with Amistades, a local nonprofit working with various Latino health issues including substance use, sexual health, and cultural awareness. By merging her backgrounds in math, Spanish, and public health, Mariella hopes to continue building upon strengths within the Latino community and raise awareness on Latino health disparities. In her spare time, she enjoys reading fiction, learning new recipes, and cuddling with her 14-year-old chihuahua.

⊲ PROJECT

Cosechando la Salud: Understanding the Root Causes of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Migrant/Seasonal Farmworkers

This project aims to fill a gap in research regarding NAFLD among Mexican origin migrant/seasonal farmworkers in the Yuma County area. Data collection included a physical report, medical history, and liver scans to provide access to a first screening process for many individuals who are unaware of the severity of NAFLD or how to approach it. The second phase of this project consists of a photovoice project that allows participants within this target group to voice their perspectives on their environment and health through photos and narratives. This work will prompt future investigations and provide guidance for medical professionals and policymakers to make decisions regarding allocation of resources.

DAVID GARCIA PhD, FACSM Associate Professor, Public Health Davidogarcia@arizona.edu

David Garcia is an Assistant Professor in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. He has extensive experience in short and long-term intervention trials in the areas of physical activity, diet, and weight management. He received his training from leading institutions and mentors in the field. Since 2006, Dr. Garcia has worked on numerous funded research projects, including research funded by industry, National Institutes of Health (NIH) and foundations. This includes working as a lifestyle interventionist/exercise physiologist in several clinical trials with overweight and obese adults, morbidly obese adults (Class II and III obesity), and individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Dr. Garcia’s current research focuses on the development of gender and culturallysensitive weight loss interventions for Hispanic males. To support this effort, Dr. Garcia recently established “Nosotros Comprometidos a Su Salud -Committed to Your Health”, a program developed to support research through community service and partnering with underserved Tucson residents. Evidence from his preliminary research with this population group suggests that targeted, tailored behavioral programs are acceptable, sustainable and potentially efficacious. He is currently testing these approaches through on-going mixed method research among Hispanic males. The long-term vision of his research is to implement and evaluate large, multi-site trials to systematically influence community environments and eventually, policies in order to improve health among underserved populations.