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Jian Han

About Scholar

Nankai University, P. R. China, B. S in Ecology and Environmental Biology

University of Hawaii at Manoa, M.S in Nutritional Science

The Pennsylvania State University, Ph.D. in Nutritional Science


Postdoc 

Wake Forest Health Sciences, Cancer biology

NINDS, Neuropharmacology


Certificate

Online teaching certificate from the American Colleges and Universities for Education


Past Research: I have conducted nutritional neuroscience research for the past 25 years, focusing on brain signaling pathways related to iron and neurotransmitters influenced by diet, using mouse models. My research also explores the relationship between dietary impacts on brain biology and cognitive behaviors. I am skilled in biomedical, physiological, and behavioral research techniques.

Current Research: Starting in 2024, my research focus shifted to community outreach in nutrition and brain health. I am passionate about training undergraduate students to conduct research and equipping them with knowledge in nutrition and brain health to support older adults in senior living communities. Additionally, I start pilot research with GRAD4C and train students to identify miRNA in bacteria from triple-negative breast cancer patients, utilizing bioinformatics tools.


Grants

  • NSF 08/01/2020-07/31/2024, Role: Co-PI, Total award: $759,956.89  
  • Title: Collaborative Research: Excellence in Research: Interactive Effects of Dietary Fat and Gut Microbiota on Neurobehavioral Development in Gallus Gallus
  • NSF 9/1/2022-8/31/2027, Role: Co-I, Total award: $26,000,000   
  • Title: NSF Engineering Research Center for Precision Microbiome Engineering (PreMiEr) 
  • NIH/NIDDK  07/15/22-05/31/27, Role: Participating Faculty, Total award: $4,147,798  
  • Title: North Carolina Consortium for Diversity Career Development in Nutrition, Obesity, and Diabetes Research 
  • NIH /NIGMS 08/01/2018 -07/31/2024, Role: Participating Faculty, Total award: $7,500,000 
  • Title:  Bridges to Doctorate – Bioinformatics and Biomedical Bridges Between NCA&T and UNC-CH 
  • NIH/NIGMS 04/01/2024-03/31/2029, Role: Co-I, Total award: $7,500,000  
  • Title: U-RISE at NC A&T 

 

Peer-reviewed journal articles

 

  • Jadhav, V. V., Fasina, Y., Omaliko, P. C., Han, J., & Harrison, S. H. (2024). Effect of dietary fat source on the composition of the cecal microbiome in maturing broiler chicken. Frontiers in Microbiology, 15, 1462757. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2024.1462757 
  • Omaliko PC, Ferket PR, Ogundare TE, Apalowo OO, Enenya IG, Iwuozo OC, Han J, Fasina YO. (2024) Impact of Dietary Fat Types on expression levels of Dopamine and Serotonin transporters in the Ileum of broiler chickens. Poultry Science,104114, ISSN 0032-5791, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.104114.   
  • Maldonado-Devincci, A. M., Odelade, A. E., Irby-Shabazz, A., Jadhav, V., Nepal, P., Chang, E. M., Chang, A. Y., and Han, J*. (2024) Longitudinal sex-specific impacts of high-fat diet on dopaminergic dysregulation and behavior from periadolescence to late adulthood. Nutritional Neuroscience, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2024.2377471 
  • Wang B, Jadhav V, Odelade A, Chang EM, Chang AY, Harrison SH, Maldonado-Devincci AM, Graves JL, Han J*. (2023) High fat diet reveals sex-specific fecal and liver metabolic alterations in C57BL/6J obese mice. Metabolomics. Nov 24;19(12):97. doi: 10.1007/s11306-023-02059-x. PMID: 37999907. 
  • Jadhav V., Han J, Fasina Y, Harrison SH. (2022) Connecting gut microbiomes and short chain fatty acids with the serotonergic system and behavior in Gallus gallus and other avian species. Front. Physiol.13:1035538.doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1035538. 
  • Han J*, Nepal P, Odelade A, Freely FD, Belton DM, Graves Jl, Maldonado-Devincci AM. (2021) High-fat diet-induced weight gain, behavioral deficits, and dopamine changes in young C57BL/6J mice. Front Nutr. 20(7):591161. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2020.591161. 
  • Khan S, Chavez J, Zhu X, Chiu N.H.L., Zhang W, Yin, Z, Han J, Yang J, Sigler R, Tian S, Zhu H, Li Y, Wei J. Yi X, Jia Z. (2021). Carbon Nanodots Inhibit Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein-Induced Injury and Monocyte Adhesion to Endothelial Cells Through Scavenging Reactive Oxygen Species. J Biomed Nanotechnol 17, 1654-1667. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3125  
  • Thomas MD, Ewunkem AJ, Boyd S, Williams DK, Moore A, Rhinehardt KL, Beveren EV, Yang B, Tapia A, Han J, Harrison SH, Graves JL. (2021) Too much of a good thing: Adaption to iron (II) intoxication in Escherichia coli. Evol Med Public Health. 18; (9): 53-67. doi: 10.1093/emph/eoaa051. 
  • Graves JL, Ewunkem J, Ward J, Staley, C, Thomas, M, Rhinehardt KL, Han J, and Harrison SH. (2019) Experimental evolution of gallium resistance in Escherichia coli. Journal of Evolution, Medicine and Public Health 1:169-180. PubMed Central PMCID: PMC6928379. 
  •  Han J*, Plummer J, Liu L, Byrd A, Erikson KM. (2019) The impact of obesity on brain iron levels and α-synuclein expression is regionally dependent. Journal of Neurochemistry. Nutritional Neuroscience. 22(5):335-343. DOI: 10.1080/1028415X.2017.1387720 
  • Kalan ME, Han J, Taleb ZB, Fennie KP, Jafarabadi MA, Dastoorpour M, Hajhashemi N and Rimaz S. Quality of Life and Stigma among People Living with HIV/AIDS in Iran.  (2019) HIV/AIDs Research and Palliative Care Vol 11: 287—298. DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/HIV.S221512 
  • Kalan, MH, Yekrang Sis, H., Kelkar, V., Harrison, S.H., Goins, G., Jafarabadi, M.A., Han, J*. (2018) The Identification of Risk Factors Associated with Patient and Healthcare System Delays in the Treatment of Tuberculosis in Tabriz, Iran. BMC Public Health 18:174 
  • Bernardo, M., Hall, A.H., Kelkar, V., Smith, M.A., White, C.D., and Han J*. (2017) A case study: the identification and taste preference for regular versus reduced fat containing food in African American young adults. BIOS, Vol. 88, No. 3, pp. 116-122 
  • Liu L, Byrd A, Plummer J, Erikson KM, Harrison SH and Han J*. (2016) The Effects of Dietary Fat and Iron Interaction on Brain Regional Iron Contents and Stereotypical Behaviors in Male C57BL/6J Mice. Frontiers in Nutrition 3:20. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2016.00020 
  • Xie Z, Harrison SH, Torti SV, Torti FM and Han J*. (2013) Application of Circuit Simulation Method for Differential Modeling of TIM-2 Iron Uptake and Metabolism in Mouse Kidney Cells. Frontiers in Physiology 4(136): 1-9. 
  •  Han J, Seaman WE, Di X, Wang W, Willingham M, Torti FM, and Torti SV. (2011) Iron uptake mediated by binding of H-ferritin to the Tim-2 receptor in mouse cells.  PLosone  6(8): e23800.  
  • Bailey G, Han J, Wright D., Graves J. (2011) Religiously Expressed fatalism and the perceived need for Science and scientific process to empower agency. The International Journal of Science in Society 2(3): 55-88. 
  • Kim OJ, Ariano MA, Namkung Y, Marinec P, Kim E, Han J and Sibley DR. (2008) D2 dopamine receptor expression and trafficking is regulated through direct interactions with ZIP.  Journal of Neurochemistry. 106(1): 83-95. 
  • Han J, Thompson-Lowrey AJ, Reiss A, Mayorov V, Jia H, Biousse V, Newman NJ, Brown MD. (2006) OPA1 mutations and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes in autosomal dominant optic atrophy.  Genetic Medicine. 8(4): 217-25.  
  • Han J, Day JR, Connor JR, Beard JL. (2003) Gene expression of transferrin and transferrin receptor in brains of control vs iron-deficient rats.  Nutritional Neuroscience. 6:1-10.  
  • Han J, Day JR, Connor JR, Beard JL. (2002) H and L ferritin subunit mRNA expression in control vs iron-deficient rat brain.  Journal of Nutrition 132:2769-74. 
  • Han J, Day JR, Thompson K, Connor JR and Beard JL. (2000) Iron deficiency alters H- and L-ferritin expression in rat brain. Cellular and Molecular Biology 46:517-528. 
  • Han J, Han J, Dunn MA. (2000) Effect of dietary aluminum on tissue non-heme iron and ferritin levels in the chick.  Toxicology, 142:97-109.  
  • Published Abstracts/Poster or Oral Presentations at Professional Conferences  
  • Pride M, Han J, Muganda P.  Differential Expression of Methylobacterium radiotolerans microRNA in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Tumors in Women of European and African Ancestry. New England Science Symposium. Boston, March 30, 2025. 
  • Pride M, Flenaugh D, Omaliko P, Fasina Y, Han J. Serotoninergic Response to Different Types of Oils in the Brain and Liver of Gallus gallus. New England Science Symposium. Boston, March 23, 2024.  
  • Han J, Flenaugh D, Madolado-Devincce A, Chang EM, Chang AY, Graves JL. Evolutionary Mismatch: Short-term consumption of a high fat diet does not enhance behavioral outcomes and dopaminergic molecule expressions in Parkinson’s knockout A53T mice. International Society Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health. Durham, United Kingdom, August 5-9, 2024. 
  • Han J, Wang B, Jadhav V, Harrison SH, Maldonado-Devincci AM, Graves JL. Evolutionary Mismatch Induced by High Fat Diet Reveals Sex-specific Metabolic Alterations in C57BL/6J Obese Mice​. International Society Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, Lisbon, Portugal, July 5-8, 2022. 
  • Han J, Odelade AE, Irby-Shabazz A, Nepal P, Chang E, Chang A, Graves JL, Maldonado-Devincci A. HFD induced sex specific effects on behavioral deficits and dopaminergic molecule expressions in C57BL/6J mice. UNC precision and brain health conference, Chapel Hill, NC, April 15-16, 2021  
  • Jadhav V, Wang B, Odelade AE, Chang E, Chang A, Harrison SH, Maldonado-Devincci A, Han J. Sex-specific fecal and liver metabolic alterations in high fat diet-induced C57BL/6J obese mice. UNC Interdisciplinary Nutrition Sciences Symposium, Chapel Hill, NC, June 21-22, 2021  
  • Graves J., Han J. Experimental evolution of gallium resistance in Escherichia coli. International Society Evolution, Medicine, and Public Health, Zurich, Switzerland, August 19 – August 16, 2019. 
  • Han J, Nepal P, Belton D, JonesB, Odelade A, Fowler D, Maldonado-Devincci A. Impact of high fat diet on sensorimotor integration in C57/BL6 mice. Interdisciplinary Nutrition Science Symposium, Chapel Hill, NC, on July 24-25, 2019.  
  • Genetic and Dietary Iron Overload in the Pathogenesis of Type-2-Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease. RubinowD, Sink S, Odelade A, Golias C, Snipes A, Day S, Mcclain D, Han J, and Macauley SL. Society for Neuroscience conference, Chicago, October 19-23, 2019.  
  • Han J, Kalan ME, Harrison SH, Yang D. The association between diabetic indicators and serum iron content in different ethnic populations. FASEB J, San Diego, CA, April 2017 31:788.35. 
  • Kalan ME, Yekrang Sis H., Kelkar V., Harrison SH, and Han J. Patient and Healthcare System Delay in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients, Tabriz, Iran 2012–2014. FASEB J, San Diego, CA, April 2017 31:656.19 
  • Byrd A., Plummer J, Erikson KM, and Han J. Dietary-induced obesity disturbs iron homeostasis and alpha-synuclein expression in C57BL/6J mouse brains. The FASEB Journal, volume 29, issue 1, April2015.  
  • Whitaker J and Han J. Iron distribution in dietary-induced obese mice tissues. The FASEB Journal, Boston, March 2015.  
  • Liu L., Liu N, Harrison SH, and Han J. Differential expression of fibroblast growth factors and their receptors in hair follicles of fine-wool sheep. The FASEB Journal vol. 28 no. 1 Supplement 912.10. San Diego, April 2014 
  • Byrd A., Liu LM, Cao WH, Erikson KM, and Han J. Interaction of Dietary Iron and Fat on Glucose Clearance. The FASEB Journal vol. 28 no. 1 Supplement 1030.4, San Diego, April 2014. 
  • Bernardo, M., Hall, A., Kelkar, V., Lynch, P., White, C.D., Smith, M.A., and Han, J. Do humans have a taste perception for fat?  Emerging Researchers National Conference on STEM. Washington, D.C. February 2014  
  • Whitaker J, Liu LM and Han J. Iron Distribution in Male and Female Type 1 Diabetic Mice.  State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) /North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (NC-LSAMP), Charlotte, Nov 16, 2013.  
  • Robinson T, Isikhuemhen OS and Han J. Role of Reishi Mushrooms on Iron-related Proteins in Normal and Carcinoma Mice Kidney Cells. State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research Creativity Symposium (SNCURCS) /North Carolina Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (NC-LSAMP), Charlotte, Nov 16, 2013.  
  • White C, Han, J., and Smith, M. Engaging Undergraduate Minority Students in STEM through Research‐Based Learning.  Association of American Colleges and Universities-TRANSFORMING STEM EDUCATION: Inquiry, Innovation, Inclusion, and Evidence. San Diego, October 31 – November 2, 2013.  
  • Smith, M., White, D., Han, J., and Newman, R. Infusing the Biology Curriculum with Experiential Research‐Based Learning for Undergraduate. Minority Student Success Vision and Change in Biology Undergraduate Education: Chronicling the Change, Inspiring the Future, Washington, DC. August 2013. 
  • Whitaker, JW and Han J. Iron Distribution in Type I Diabetic Female Mice Tissues. North Carolina Biosciences Collaborative Symposium. Durham, August 2013. 
  • Robinson T and Han J. Effect of Reishi Mushrooms on Iron Metabolism in Mice Normal and Carcinoma Kidney Cells. North Carolina Biosciences Collaborative Symposium. Durham, August 2013. 
  • Glenn OG, Bost D, Ongeri E, and Han J. Hypoxia Alters Iron Metabolism in Mouse Normal and Carcinoma Kidney Cells. FASEB J, Boston, April 9, 2013. Abs# 27:634.12  
  • Harrison K, Bost D, Ongeri E, Fordahl S., Erikson KM and Han J.  Tissue and Gender-Specific Differences in the Iron Contents of Diabetic Mice FASEB J, Boston, April 9, 2013 Abs#27:634.14  
  • Conley S, Han J, Ongeri E. Meprin deficient mice have a more severe form of diabetic nephropathy FASEB J, Boston, April 9, 2013. Abs# 27:702.5  
  • Han J and Xie Z. Mathematical modeling of iron uptake by TIM-2 in mouse kidney cells. FASEB J, San Diego, March 29, 2012 Abs#26:641.6 
  • Glenn OG, Ongeri E, and Han J. Change of Iron Metabolism Induced by Hypoxia in Kidney Carcinoma Cells. ABCMS, San Hose, Nov 2012. 
  • Whitaker JW, Harrison SH, Hitchcock W, Whitaker J, Smith M and Han J. Comparison Abstract#11of Bacteria on Surfaces of Iron Rich and Iron Poor Vegetables. NC-LSAMP, Greensboro, September 2012.  
  • I lead the student education program at the Center of Aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Community Health. We prepare students on various topics related to well-being for older adults and give them the opportunity to present at senior living communities in Greensboro. In addition to presenting, students design interactive activities to engage with older adults. Through these efforts, they bring valuable knowledge and a positive impact to the community.
  • I serve as pre-med advisor to premedical students in the biology department. 

 

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and R/Bioconductor toward descriptive and predictive modeling of complex data with techniques including heat maps, PERMANOVA, PCA, PCoA, and PLS Presentation and networking experiences that enhance awareness and access for how they may further pursue opportunities at the nexus of genomics, data science and cloud computing.