My research examines the behavioral, cultural, and environmental factors that support access to healthy food and safe environments for physical activity for youth, young adults, and families. Recent projects have included working with low-income mothers passionate about creating neighborhoods that foster health; first-generation college students mobilized to address food insecurity, and community residents dedicated to reducing health inequities within chronic diseases. I regularly collaborate with local government, community stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations to develop health promotion programs and policies that improve nutrition outcomes, food security, and physical activity.

Selected Publications:

1. Haynes-Maslow L, Hardison-Moody A, Patton-Lopez MM, Prewitt T, Shanks C, Andress L, Osborne I, Pitts S. (2020) Examining Rural Food-Insecure Families’ Perceptions of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(17), 6390.
2. Patton-Lopez MM, Manore MM, Branscum A, *Meng Y, Wong SS (2018). Changes in Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes/Beliefs, and Behaviors following a Two-Year Sports Nutrition Education and Life-Skills Intervention among High School Soccer Players.  Nutrients, 10, 1636; doi:10.3390/nu10111636
3. Manore MM, Patton-López MM, *Meng Y, & Wong SS. (2017) Sports Nutrition Knowledge, Behaviors, Attitudes, and Beliefs among High School Soccer Players. Nutrients. 9(4), 350 doi:10.3390/nu9040350
4. Patton-López MM, Munoz R, Polanco K, ^Olson B, ^Brown G, and ^DeGhetto S. (2015). Redesigning a Neighborhood Park to Increase Physical Activity: A Community Based Participatory Approach. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice. 21: S101-S105
5. Patton-López MM, López-Cevallos DF, Cancel-Tirado, D., and *Vazquez L. (2014). Prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among students attending a midsize rural university in Oregon. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 46(3): 209-214.