Trina Aguirre

Trina Aguirre is an Associate Professor and Nurse Researcher at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing. She holds a BSN and PhD in Nursing from UNMC. Her research focuses on obesity interventions in rural Hispanic and Native American populations, bioimpedance analysis for body composition, and food addiction treatment strategies. Dr. Aguirre has led multiple grants, including a $75,000 project assessing food addiction treatments and a $19,900 initiative using network science to measure social determinants of health. She has published extensively in nursing and public health journals, with over 30 peer-reviewed articles since 2012. Notable recognitions include the 2017 Pennie Z. Davis Faculty Research Award and the Ada M. Lindsey Professional Service Award. Her work emphasizes culturally tailored interventions, such as the 'Abuela to Mother' motivational interviewing program for Mexican-American families and the iCook 4-H childhood obesity prevention initiative. Dr. Aguirre also serves as a consultant for community health projects, including the Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska.

• Education: BSN (2005), PhD in Nursing (2010) – both from UNMC.
• Key Research Areas: Obesity epidemiology, food addiction, maternal-child nutrition, rural health equity.
• Grants: P.I. on obesity intervention grants totaling over $75,000; Co-P.I. on social determinants of health projects.
• Community Service: Partnerships with tribal communities, rural health fairs, and Promotora health workers.

Her publications highlight innovative methods like bioimpedance analysis and YFAS 2.0 symptom assessment, while her teaching spans both clinical and research mentorship in the College of Nursing's West Nebraska Division.