- May 25, 2021

Armando Peña, MS has been selected by the ASU Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) to receive their Outstanding Research Award. Peña is a PhD student in Exercise and Nutritional Science and trainee in the ASU Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
Peña's NIH-funded research aims to understand and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) among high-risk Latino youth. T2D develops when the body does not produce enough insulin to keep glucose levels in balance. His research, titled “Inflammatory mediators and beta-cell function among obese Latino youth with prediabetes,” explores the impact of a lifestyle intervention on markers of inflammation which are thought to contribute to T2D risk.

"This award reflects the work of a large team committed to addressing health disparities that exist among Latina/o populations,” stated Peña. “I am grateful to the center's faculty who are intentional in their mentorship of young investigators like me."

The GPSA Outstanding Research Award recognizes graduate students with a commitment to excellence in research at ASU and the long-lasting implications of their work. 

“Armando is a rising star and represents the future of health equity scholars who place equal importance on advancing the science and making a positive impact in the communities he works closely with,” stated CHPDP director Dr. Gabriel Shaibi who is also Armando’s mentor.

Congratulations to Armando for this well-deserved award! For more information about GPSA Awards, visit their website