“The work from Dr. Murimi’s career uniquely positions as a leader in nutrition education and behavior. Her prior endeavors have been more than imparting knowledge but creating local solutions that address local problems by building capacity. Dr. Murimi conducts her research under the lens that the solutions to problems are rooted in the current knowledge and behaviors of the communities from which targeted solutions may be born. These efforts have been employed within US borders, but also abroad where solutions must be anchored within cultural, political, and economic contexts. Her prior work on a series of systematic reviews served as a solid primer to disentangle the consistent elements across successful interventions to promote behavior change through nutrition education interventions.”

“At the 22nd International Union of Nutritional Science (IUNS)-International Congress of Nutrition (ICN) in Tokyo in December 2022, Dr. Murimi gave a talk on nutrition literacy at a symposium on health literacy. Her depth and breadth of knowledge and easy-to-understand explanations were well received by the participants. During her stay in Japan, we spent time together and talked a lot. The story that left the biggest impression on us was her dream of establishing a school for girls including dietitians in Kenya. We are convinced that she has a deep and sincere passion for nutrition education. As a trusted, well-liked leader, we have no doubt that she will achieve her dream.”

“Dr. Murimi has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in nutrition teaching, curriculum development, and material innovation. I had the opportunity to work together with Dr. Murimi in developing graduate-level nutrition courses on Maternal and Child Nutrition; Human Health Challenges Related to Nutrition; and Advanced Community Nutrition for both nutrition and non-nutrition major students. Her ability to engage students with dynamic and informative educational resources has not only enriched the learning experience but also fostered a deep understanding and appreciation for the complexities of nutrition education and behavior. Dr. Murimi’s influence extends beyond academia, as her groundbreaking work has not only garnered significant attention within the scientific community but has also influenced policy-making in the field of nutrition education. Her dedication to securing resources and implementing effective interventions underscores her profound impact on the broader community. In addition to the professional accomplishments, Dr. Murimi embodies the qualities of integrity, passion, and dedication that are exemplary of a true leader in the field. Her mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my own career trajectory, and I am eternally grateful for her guidance and support.”

Dr. Murimi has been nominated to receive the Hellen Denning Ullrich award, in July 2024. “Mary is gifted at connecting with people across cultures, and of varied ages and stations in life and cares deeply about improving lives, especially those in difficult circumstances. She is a highly respected educator and researcher in the US and internationally and has been recognized with numerous international awards.”