Michele Polfuss, PhD, RN, APNP-AC/PC, is an Associate Professor and Joint Research Chair in the Nursing of Children at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, College of Nursing and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (USA).
The focus of her research is on advancing the science of pediatric weight management through leveraging the role of individual and familial behaviors, genetics, and environment with a specific inclusion of youth with special needs. Her research has examined 1) accurate assessment of energy intake and expenditure and identification of weight status for this unique population, and 2) the influence of the family in the child’s weight-related behaviors of nutrition, activity and weight-management strategies.
These efforts seek to contribute to our understanding of the multi-factorial nature of overweight and obesity, and the identification of what the child and family have control over and their perceptions of their roles. The larger aim is to contribute to the development of interventions with the highest likelihood of success, marked by improvement of weight-related behaviors (e.g., healthy and balanced nutritional intake, engagement in physical activity, and decreased sedentary activity).
In 2018, Dr. Polfuss was recognized for her outstanding scholarly achievements by receiving the New Investigator Award from the Family Section of the Midwest Nursing Research Society and the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin Julie Lathrop Nursing Research Award. In July 2019, she was awarded a five year $3.6 million dollar grant through NIH NICHD for a R01 multisite study titled, “Body Composition and Energy Expenditure in Youth with Spina Bifida” to support her research trajectory. The study includes four pediatric spina bifida programs (Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Birmingham) across the United States.
Learn more about IFNA member, Dr. Polfuss: Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-polfuss-7b421432/
