Public Health
Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia
What we choose to eat plays a large role in determining our risk of gaining too much weight. But our choices are shaped by the foods available where we live, work, go to school and play and these environments can be either supportive or unsupportive of healthy eating.
Bridging the disciplines of nutrition, geography and urban planning, Dr Trapp’s research is examining WA suburb, diet and weight gain data to reveal whether the number or proximity of healthy and unhealthy food outlets around homes, schools and workplaces influences the types of foods people eat and their body weight. This knowledge will be a powerful tool for policy makers and advocates in planning and urban design decisions in to the future.
Gina delivers professional presentations to audiences including local government, health professionals, academics, community organisations and industry partners. She has also spoken about her work to over 5000 students, teachers and Principals across 30 Perth primary schools. Her research is regularly communicated to the public via media releases and community group newsletter articles.
Gina was a Tutor, Mentor and Ambassador for the ECU “STEP UP!” Peer Tutoring Program, running work experience programs for school and university students.