Dr. Susana Ramirez, an Assistant Professor of Public Health at UC Merced, presented her research on nutrition communication among bicultural Latinas at the inaugural conference on Advancing the Science of Cancer in Latinos in San Antonio, Texas, last week. The presentation focused on an empowerment and skills-based approach to improve The work is part of Dr. Ramirez’ career development award funded by the National Cancer Institute, which aims to improve dietary behaviors as a strategy for the prevention of breast cancer.
The conference was organized by Dr. Amelie Ramirez (no relation to UC Merced’s Ramirez) of the University of Texas Health Sciences in San Antonio. Other noteworthy presenters included the director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the director of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences of the National Cancer Institute, and Representative Joaquin Castro, who represents the San Antonio region in Congress. Professor Susana Ramirez remarked, “The conference was a terrific and rare opportunity to network with people who understand the need for cancer research among Latinos. One theme underlying all presentations was how to establish trusting relationships with diverse Latino communities to improve engagement and representation of Latinos in research.” Students and community members interested in participating in message development and additional research should contact Dr. Ramirez via email.
