Returning to the United States in 1969, I joined the University of Michigan as Program Director of Nutrition at the Institute for the Study of Mental Retardation and Related Disabilities (ISMRRD) where I developed and directed training, research and clinical programs in nutrition. I moved to the School of Nursing in 1982 after federal support for the institute was terminated. From both these positions, I honed my skills in collaborating with professionals from as many as fifteen disciplines. After retiring from teaching in 1982, I redirected my creative activities on the continuing development/authoring of a computer instructional program on nutrition therapy. With my husband Robert, as webmaster, we completed a web version called VCON or Virtual Class on Nutrition. In 2003, VCON won the prestigious 2003 Computerworld Honors Program; it is not only available within the University of Michigan, but also throughout the United States and globally. A copy of the program has been donated to the College of Home Economics, University of the Philippines. and the Nutrition/Dietitics Association of the Philippines. My research endeavors focused on the nutritional status of pregnant women, infants and children. I have authored >50 journal manuscripts, books, chapters, and audio-visual and computer units. One of my books was adopted by the Nurses Book Society and the Special Education Library. Collaborations with many disciplinary professionals resulted in publications with co-authors from the fields of biochemistry, information technology, nursing, pharmacology, psychology, social work, and special education. In addition to academic and research responsibilities, I have served as consultant for institutions here and abroad, such as day care and school lunch programs, food and nutrition research and training agencies, hospitals, intermediate school districts, legal firms, mental health agencies, nursing homes and the United Nations Development Program. I have been privileged to receive several awards during many years of my career. For my distinguished contributions to the University of Michigan, I was named Professor Emeritus by the Board of Regents and inducted to the Emeritus Club of the UM Alumni Association. Immediately after retirement, I was appointed Visiting Professor at the University of the Philippines and also a Balik (returning) Scientist by the Department of Science and Technology. I was also honored by the University of the Philippines Alumni Association, receiving a Professional Award in Diliman, Philippines, a Lifetime Distinguished Achievement Award from the UPAA in America, and a Professional Achievement Award and Presidential Award for Service from the UPAA of Michigan. I was also honored by the American Dietetic Association receiving the Guggenheim-Wimpfheimer Award for an essay on distance learning and an Excellence in Education Award from the Nutrition Educators of Health Professionals practice group of the American Dietetic Association. |
| Receiving award at the Univ. of the Philippines, 1997 | Induction into the Emeritus Club, UM 1997 |
Receiving award at ADA convention, Boston 1997 | |
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| (l. to r.) College of Home Ec. Dean Lydia Arribas, husband Bob, UP Pres. Emil Javier, me, Regent Ernesto Tabujara | With, Calvin Jay Tobin ,President of UMAA. UM Pres. Emeritus Robin Fleming at center | With Tina Remig, Professional Nutrition Educators Practice Group, American Dietetic Association. |
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With award at the annual meeting of the UPAAA in Atlantic City, NJ, 1997 |
At the Negros Occidental High School reunion. |
Receiving the Distinguished NOHS Alumni Award. |
| (OK - fourth from the left, front row.) |
