My research focus is on improving clinical care related to nutritional status of children and health behaviors, particularly dietary, physical activity. I am also interested in prevention of chronic conditions from infancy onward. I have first-hand experience in the bi-directional processes of integrating research knowledge into clinical care and developing research questions based on clinical experience. I have past experience mentoring research of students and young investigators. I have participated in pediatric practice-based research through the Pediatric Practice Research Group (PPRG), and in clinical research through the Center of Obesity Management and Prevention (COMP). As principal investigator and co-investigator for research projects funded by federal and private agencies. I have completed a wide range of studies through the PPRG and COMP, including studies of prevalence, natural history, perceptions, screening, and interventions evaluating changes to practice operations that foster clinical care improvements. I am particularly interested in identifying ways for effective preventive care delivery in primary care settings, with special emphasis on identifying clinical care concerns among Hispanic families and identifying ways to address their needs.