Dena Herman-Mendes

Dr. Herman’s research has focused on improving dietary quality and food security among low-income, ethnically diverse populations. Her earlier projects focused on the assessment of dietary quality of mothers and families participating in the WIC program. Her site-randomized trial of an economic intervention to increase fruit and vegetable intake, demonstrated the efficacy of adding fruits and vegetables to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food package became national policy and was initiated in California in October 2009. Her current research endeavors focus on childhood obesity prevention and its relationship to the microbiome. As a registered dietitian, she has worked with children with special needs, women getting ready to get pregnant (preconception care), and is now working with patients and their families in UCLA’s FIT for Healthy Weight Program.

She has had experience in service to the University, the College and the Department as Area Coordinator for Nutrition and Dietetics in the Department of FCS, Chair of the Graduate Committee for FCS, member and Chair of the University Research Committee, and member of the Academic Senate.

Ph.D. 2002, University of California Los Angeles
Registered Dietitian Pediatric Nutrition 1998, USC/UCEDD, Children's Hospital Los Angeles
M.P.H 1997, University of California Los Angeles
B.S.c. 1993, Fredrich-Wilhelms University