Monica K Esquivel, PhD, MS, RDN, CSSD
Associate Member, Population Sciences in the Pacific Program (Cancer Epidemiology), University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center
Academic Appointment(s):
Assistant 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
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. PMID 34366735.
Esquivel MK, Higa A, Hitchens M, Shelton C, Okihiro M. (2020). Keiki produce prescription (KPRx) program feasibility study to reduce food insecurity and obesity risk. Hawaii J Health Soc Welf;May 1:79(5: Suppl 1):44-49. PMID 32490385.
Esquivel M. (2017). Nutritional Assessment and Intervention to Prevent and Treat Malnutrition for Fall Risk Reduction in Elderly Populations. Am J Lifestyle Med;Nov 28;12(2;107-112. doi: 10.1177/15598276177422847. eCollection 2018 Mar-Apr. PMID: 30283246.
Esquivel MK, Nigg C, Fialkowski MK, Braun K, Li F, Novotny R. (2016). Head Start Wellness Policy Intervention in Hawai‘i: A project of the Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL). Child Obes;Feb;12(1);26-32. Doi: 10.1089/chi.2015.0071, Epub 2016 Jan. 15. PMID 26771119..
Esquivel MK, Nigg C, Fialkowski JK, Braun K, Li F, Novotny R. (2016). Influence of teachers’ personal health behaviors on operationalizing obesity prevention policy in Head Start preschools: A project of the Children’s Healthy Living Program (CHL). J Nutr Educ Behav;May 48(5).;318-325.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.02.007. PMID: 27169640.
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, B. Hernandez, R. Leon Guerrero, M. Hattori-Uchima, MPIs
NCI, Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities
U54CA143727 and U54CA143728
Pre-Pilot Award: “Traditional and New Lifestyle Interventions for Breast Cancer Prevention (TANICA). Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity”
08/01/2021 - 07/31/2022
M. Esquivel, PI; J. Hedges, N. Mokuau, PIs
Ola HAWAII infrastructure (NIH NIMHD), Career Development Project
U54MD007601
“Farmacy Pediatric Produce Prescription for Food Insecurity and Health Disparities”
01/01/2021 - 06/30/2022
