Sheryl O Hughes

Sheryl O. Hughes, Ph.D., M.A., M.S.W. is a Professor at Baylor College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics-Nutrition. She is also a Member of the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Her research focuses on parental socialization of children’s eating behaviors, particularly in low-income Hispanic families, emphasizing obesity prevention and appetite regulation. Dr. Hughes holds a Ph.D. from the University of Houston (1986) and degrees in Social Work and Psychology from the same institution, alongside a B.A. from Texas Christian University (1969).

Her work combines observational and questionnaire-based methods to study feeding styles and child eating behaviors. Key projects include the Nurturing Needs study (NIH NIDDK-funded) examining food parenting approaches, the Technology Effects on Child Health (TECH) study exploring screen time and executive function, and the Baylor EFNEP Study integrating food Rx with feeding practices. She has led federally funded projects since the early 2000s, including the Strategies for Effective Eating Development (SEEDS) program.

Dr. Hughes’ research highlights the interplay between parenting practices, child self-regulation, and obesity risk. Her grants include USDA and NIH funding, totaling over $20 million. The Hughes Lab collaborates with institutions like Washington State University and Temple University, and offers training for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.