Healthy children
in a healthy world
We advance health and healthy living for children and families through cutting-edge research, innovative community-based programs, and dissemination of evidence-based practices.
Upcoming Events
The Latest
‘Food is joy’: Dr. Kofi Essel’s innovative approach to family wellness
UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin holds grand opening
UTHealth Houston Opens New Austin Campus
What Is 'Dense Bean Salad'? 5 Things RDs Want You to Know About the Viral TikTok Recipe
Q&A: Former Dean and longtime Austin employees reflect on the location’s journey
Resource Guide: Child Obesity Research
As food insecurity rises in Texas, a Houston Dollar General will now offer a produce section
Q&A: Regional Dean Deanna Hoelscher details the Austin location’s new space!
Adding a Spoonful of Honey to Yogurt Might Give Probiotics a Boost
Despite record heat-related deaths, experts say there's likely even more
Is yogurt healthy? Why you need to add this breakfast staple to your routine.
Vaping among students a top concern in Cy-Fair ISD
Meet Dr. Michael Mrazek, our Newest Center Faculty Member!
Inside vs. Outside: Which Workout Is Best?
Inside vs. Outside: Which Workout Is Best?
Understanding Preeclampsia: A Guide for Preeclampsia Awareness Month
Student Spotlight: Emily Torres, MPH
Resource Guide: Mental Health Research
Resource Guide: Physical Fitness and Activity Research
Celebrating the 10-Year Anniversary of CATCH Global Foundation: A Research & Resource Round-Up
In memoriam: Harold W. (Bill) Kohl III, PhD
Harold W. (Bill) Kohl III, Professor of Epidemiology at the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin and Research Professor of Kinesiology and Health Education at the University of Texas at Austin, died on January 7, 2024. He was regarded as a luminary in public health, epidemiology, and physical activity research. Continue reading
Looking for research resources?
The Texas of Today is The United States of Tomorrow
Texas’ growing and diverse population, geography, and array of cultures are only a few of the benefits that make the Lone Star State an ideal place to perform public health research. See our latest resource to learn more about how the Texas of Today is the United States of Tomorrow.
About the Center
Our Center
The Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living was founded in 2006 with a vision of healthy children in a healthy world and a mission to advance health and healthy living for children and families through cutting-edge research, innovative community programs, and dissemination of data-driven practices.
Our Work
We seek new discoveries in child and family health through research-focused programs related to obesity prevention, nutrition, physical activity, tobacco use, and health policy. Our annual key events and webinar series offer trainings to students, partners, and the community.
Our Goals
Our intentions are threefold: create new research ideas and trainings for public health students; communicate evidence-based products and outcomes to researchers and legislators; and connect with communities and other public health organizations.
Between July 2021-June 2022, Center faculty research and initiatives have impacted nearly 10 million lives
The Center played a critical role in assisting the City of Austin with placement of emergency food distribution during COVID using innovative geospatial analytical techniques
Center research led to the placement of refrigerators in Early Childcare and Education Centers to keep foods at a safe temperature.
The Center was among the first to raise the alarm for vaping as a public health problem in children and adolescents.
Center work on our flagship program CATCH led to extensive dissemination of the program and development of the CATCH Global Foundation.
Center Initiatives
COVID-19 Resources
COVID-19 Resources from the Michael & Susan Dell Center for Healthy Living