Monica K Esquivel, PhD, MS, RDN, CSSD

Monica K Esquivel, PhD, MS, RDN, CSSD

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Associate Member, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program (Cancer Epidemiology), University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center

Academic Appointment(s):
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Degree(s):
PhD, Nutritional Sciences, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
MS, Nutrition, California State University, Northridge

Certification(s)

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics

Research Focus

Multi-level and community-based approaches to addressing child health through food and nutrition interventions, with a focus on Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino populations.

Selected Publications

Aflague TF, Hammond K, Delos Reyes B, et al. (2023). Barriers, Facilitators, and Strategies for Developing a Culturally Informed Lifestyle Intervention for Native Hawaiian, CHamoru, and Filipino Breast Cancer Survivors: Mixed-Methods Findings from Focus Group Participants. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 20(12):6075. doi:10.3390/ijerph20126075

Esquivel MK, Aflague TF, Yamanaka AB, et al. (2023). Children’s Dietary Intake by Early Care and Education Setting in the US Affiliated Pacific. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2023.03.002

Aflague TF, Esquivel MK, Hammond K, Delos Reyes B, Kaholokula JK. (2023).Traditional and new lifestyle interventions to prevent breast cancer recurrence (TANICA): a qualitative study. Support Care Cancer. 31(4):218. doi:10.1007/s00520-023-07663-0

Esquivel M, Higa A, Guidry A, Shelton C, Okihiro M. (2022). A Qualitative Study on the Motivators, Barriers and Supports to Participation in a Pediatric Produce Prescription Program in Hawai‘i. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19(24):16682. doi:10.3390/ijerph192416682

Esquivel MK. (2021). Nutrition for Pregnant and Lactating Women: The Latest Recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025 and Practice Implications. Am J Lifestyle Med;March 26;15(4);392-396. doi: 10.117/15589827621104082. eCollection 2021. Jul-Aug.

Publication list via PubMed

Active Grants

M. Esquivel, Co-Is with L. Shallcross, P. Coleman, M. Loke, K. Franck, T. Aflague, T. Fleming, M. Revilla, C.J. Boushey, P. Hovmand, C. Ing, Y. Shvetsov; R. Novotny, PI
USDA NIFA AFRI
2021-68012-35899
“Children’s Healthy Living Program Food Systems for Resiliency“
09/01/2021 – 08/31/2025

M. Esquivel, T. Aflague, Co-PIs; N. Palafox, R. Holcombe, B. Hernandez, R. Leon Guerrero, MPIs
NCI, Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
U54CA143727 and U54CA143728
Pilot Award: “Traditional And New Lifestyle Interventions for Breast CAncer Prevention (TANICA) Individual plus Policy Systems and Environment (I+PSE) approach:  A Pilot Study"
Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity
08/01/2023 – 07/31/2026

M. Esquivel Research Project Leader; M. Berry PI
National Institute of General Medical Sciences- Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) P20, Integrative Center for Precision Nutrition and Human Health
1P20GM139753-01A1
Research Project: "Research project leader/Junior investigator for community clinical trial testing keiki produce prescriptions and developing a validated dietary assessment tool for children in Hawaii."
03/2022 – 02/2026