Dr. Norma Olvera, Professor in Psychological, Health, & Learning Sciences, University of Houston, is the 2017 E. Kika de la Garza Fellow, The 2012 Obesity Society Fellow, & director of the Latino Health Disparities Lab. Dr. Olvera received her doctoral degree in Developmental Psychology at the University of Houston, focused on maternal & child health. Her research on maternal, cultural, & environmental influences on pediatric obesity, body image, disordered eating, anxiety, & physical activity in Latino & African American families has led to multiple innovative communities, family-based obesity interventions. 

Dr. Olvera has published in high impact factor journals in health (Appetite, American Journal of Preventive Medicine, Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Health and Place, and Obesity, and Journal of Research on Adolescence) & has over 2,500 citations. As principal investigator, co-investigator or consultant, she has secured over $7,000,000 in federal funding, including the National Institute of Health as well as from multiple foundations.