Vanessa da Silva

Vanessa da Silva, PhD, RDN, CDCES, is a Research Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Arizona's School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness. She directs the UA Cooperative Extension Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), focusing on community-based interventions to reduce type 2 diabetes prevalence. Her work emphasizes culturally adapted programs like the National DPP and Dining with Diabetes, accessible via in-person or virtual formats in multiple languages.

Education & Training:

• PhD in Nutritional Sciences, University of Florida
• BS in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Florida
• Postdoctoral Research in Obesity and Folate Metabolism, University of Georgia

Research Interests:

• Diabetes prevention and management through lifestyle interventions
• Public health outreach and community engagement
• Nutrient metabolism, particularly folate and vitamin B6
• Obesity's impact on nutritional status and chronic disease risk
• Technology-enhanced educational programs (e.g., telehealth, social media)

Program Impact: Her programs have achieved CDC Full PLUS recognition, reaching diverse populations across Arizona. The National DPP has helped thousands delay or prevent diabetes progression, while Dining with Diabetes empowers individuals to manage their condition through culinary education.

Grants & Partnerships: Her work is supported by state and federal grants, emphasizing community partnerships to address health disparities in underserved regions.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams in Cooperative Extension, clinical nutrition, and public health to design scalable interventions.