Her research centers on the health and nutrition status of Latinos and other underrepresented groups, particularly that of children and families. Dr. Chávez’s research projects focus on Latino child health, including studying maternal environmental and dietary influences on subsequent development of asthma in children, dietary acculturation, ces use, family health and nutrition attitudes, and behaviors in Latino families with young children. Dr. Chávez has served as a proposal reviewer for the USDA NIFA Childhood Obesity Research panel, and is a member of the editorial board for the Maternal and Child Health Journal and the American Journal of Health Promotion. She is an active member of the Food and Nutrition Section, and the Latino Caucus of the American Public Health Association. She is also a Nutrition Services Advisory Committee member for the Illinois Department of Human Services.