Kim M. Gans

Kim M. Gans is a Professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut. Her work focuses on social-ecological systems, built environments, and healthy cities, with a particular emphasis on childhood obesity prevention and community-based interventions. She leads projects targeting nutrition and physical activity environments in home-based childcare settings, Latino communities, and low-income neighborhoods.

Her research employs randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate interventions such as the Live Well, Viva Bien program improving fruit/vegetable access in subsidized housing, and the Seamos Saludables Trial promoting physical activity among Latinas. Collaborations with organizations like Ready to Learn Providence highlight her community-engaged approach to health equity.

Key research areas include:

• Food environment audits (e.g., FS-EAT tool development)
• Cultural competence in intervention design
• Health literacy impact on behavior change
• Multi-level interventions in childcare and housing sectors

Her publications emphasize innovative methods such as video tailoring and internet-delivered interventions, demonstrating expertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Current work explores neighborhood food environments' influence on dietary quality in family childcare homes.