Ghaffar Ali Hurtado

Dr. Ghaffar Ali Hurtado Choque is an Assistant Professor at the School of Public Health and an Extension Specialist at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland. With a profound dedication to public health, Dr. Hurtado Choque focuses his research, scholarship, and outreach on the development, implementation, and evaluation of health promotion interventions at both the family and community levels. His work is driven by a commitment to fostering environments that support positive youth development and family health. Dr. Hurtado Choque's research interests are diverse yet interconnected, centering around strengthening family skills to promote positive youth development, translating research processes into practical applications, and engaging in community-based participatory action research. His approach is holistic, recognizing the intricate dynamics within families and communities that influence health outcomes. By integrating these elements, he aims to create sustainable health promotion strategies that are culturally relevant and effective. In his role at the University of Maryland, Dr. Hurtado Choque is actively involved in several research projects. One of his notable studies addresses youth mental health within Latinx families, a critical area of concern given the unique challenges faced by this demographic. This research seeks to identify effective interventions that can be implemented at the community level to support mental health and well-being. Additionally, Dr. Hurtado Choque leads a community-based participatory research program focused on Latinx parent education. This program emphasizes collaboration with community members to co-create educational initiatives that are responsive to the needs and strengths of Latinx families. Through this work, he aims to empower parents with the skills and knowledge necessary to support their children's development and well-being. Dr. Hurtado Choque's contributions to the field of public health are marked by his commitment to bridging the gap between research and practice. By translating research findings into actionable strategies, he strives to make a tangible impact on the health of families and communities. His work not only advances academic knowledge but also fosters real-world change, reflecting his dedication to improving public health outcomes for diverse populations.