Gabriel Shaibi

Gabriel Shaibi is a Professor and Southwest Borderlands Scholar at Arizona State University's Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, where he serves as Director of the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. He also holds affiliations with the College of Health Solutions and serves as Principal Investigator for the Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center (SIRC).

Dr. Shaibi earned his Ph.D. in Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy from the University of Southern California in 2006 and a B.A. Cum Laude from Occidental College in 1998. His research examines obesity-related health in high-risk and vulnerable populations with an emphasis on understanding and preventing cardiometabolic diseases in children, families, and communities.

Research Focus: Dr. Shaibi's work centers on cardiovascular and metabolic disease risk (insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes) in overweight and obese populations. A major emphasis examines the associations between fitness and disease risk and the impact of exercise and physical activity on the health status of high-risk youth. He applies a translational approach spanning basic, clinical, and community research collaborations.

Recent Publications Trends: His 2025 publications demonstrate a strong focus on Type 2 diabetes disparities, obesity treatment in youth, and metabolic risk factors among Latino populations. His work frequently employs longitudinal study designs and examines the intersection of genetic, physiological, and social determinants of health. Key themes include health equity frameworks, organ-specific fat distribution in youth, weight management experiences, rare endocrine disorders, and physical activity impacts on cognitive function in diverse populations.

• Adapting the NIMHD Research Framework for Type 2 Diabetes-Related Disparities
• Association between total, regional and organ fat and type 2 diabetes risk factors among Latino youth
• Evaluating and Understanding Weight Management Experiences Among Adolescent Girls During and After Residential Treatment for Obesity
• Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency in Twins: A Novel Mutation and Impact on Social Determinants of Health Outcome
• Relationships of Physical Activity and Type 2 Diabetes With Cognition in Mexican Americans and Non-Hispanic Whites

Research Funding: Dr. Shaibi has secured significant research funding as Principal Investigator, including NIH grants such as 'Understanding and Targeting the Pathophysiology of Youth onset Type 2 Diabetes' (2023-2029), 'Extracellular Cargo and Risk of NAFLD and NASH in Latino Youth' (2022-2027), and 'Preventing Diabetes in Latino Youth' (2015-2026). He also leads collaborative projects with Mayo Clinic and Mountain Park Health Center focused on precision medicine development.

Leadership: As Director of the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Dr. Shaibi leads a multidisciplinary research team implementing community-based interventions, including the '!Viva! – A Family Centered Obesity and Diabetes Prevention Program' funded by Dignity Health. His center maintains strong partnerships with the Valley of the Sun YMCA and St. Vincent de Paul Center for Family Wellness to address health disparities in border communities.