University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa | PhD Program in Nutritional Sciences

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College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – UHM

Mapuana Antonio  DrPH
Assistant ProfessorOffice of Public Health Studies, Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work – University of Hawaii Manoa

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Research Interests

Dr. Mapuana Antonio is a Native Hawaiian Assistant Professor, with a joint position in Native Hawaiian and Indigenous Health at the Office of Public Health Studies and in Human Nutrition at the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences. Dr. Mapuana’s research interests include general health and resilience of Native Hawaiians, determinants of health of Native Hawaiians and Indigenous Peoples, community-based participatory research, and chronic disease prevention (including obesity and diabetes prevention).

Recent Publications

  • Keaulana, S., Antonio, M., Schoch, H., Banna, J. (2019). A Literature Review of the Role of Mindfulness Practices in Nutrition for Mothers and Their Children. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827619866815.
  • Townsend Ing, C., Antonio, M., Ahn, H. J., Cassel, K., Dillard, A., Kekauoha, B. P., & Kaholokula, J. K. (2019). An examination of the relationship between discrimination, depression, and hypertension in Native Hawaiians. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 10(3), 249-257. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/aap0000151.
  • Kaholokula, J. K., Antonio, M. C. K., Ing, C. K. T., Hermosura, A., Hall, K. E., Knight, R., & Wills, T. A. (2017). The effects of perceived racism on psychological distress mediated by venting and disengagement coping in Native Hawaiians. BMC Psychology, 5, 2. http://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-017-0171-6.
  • Antonio, M. C. K., Hyeong, J. A., Townsend Ing, C., Dillard, A., Cassel, K., Kekauoha, B. P., Kaholokula, J. K. (2016). Self-reported experiences of discrimination and depression in Native Hawaiians. Hawai'i Journal of Medicine & Public Health, 75,9, 266-272. PMID: 27688952.

Jinan Banna  PhD, RD, CDN
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

Nutrition education, program evaluation, community nutrition, child and adolescent nutrition.

Recent Publications

  • Banna JC, Richards R, Jones B, Anderson A, Reicks M, Cluskey M, Gunther C, Hongu N, Lora K, Misner S, Monroe-Lord L, Topham G, Wong SS, Lim E. Describing independent eating occasions among low-income adolescents. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17(3):E981.
  • Holmes H, Palacios C, Wu Y, Banna JC. Effect of a short message service intervention on excessive gestational weight gain in a low-income population: a randomized controlled trial. Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1428.
  • Fialkowski MK, Calabrese A, Tillinghast B, Titchenal A, Meinke W, Banna JC, Draper J. Open educational resource textbook impact on students in an introductory nutrition course. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 2020;52(4):359-368.

Recent Grants

  • Can mHealth an app that measures skin carotenoid work as an optimal biomarker for health and key motivator for F&V intake? Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. 2018-2019. Banna J, Mentor (Undergraduate PIs:Chowdhury, Nahian & Langfelder, Gemady)
  • A secondary data analysis of the quality of a unique diet quality index score with infants in Puerto Rico and Hawaii to assess diet quality. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program. 2018-2019. Banna J, Mentor (Undergraduate PI: Ramirez, Jessica)
  • Child Health Assessment in the Pacific Summer (CHAPS) Fellowship. United States Department of Agriculture. 2016-2019. Banna J, Mentor (PI: Novotny, Rachel and Fialkowski, Marie)
  • Preventing excessive gestational weight gain via short mobile messages in WIC. 2017-2018. National Insitutes of Health. Banna J, PI

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Christine Crosby (PhD Nutrition)
  • Asuka Suzuki (PhD Nutrition). Characterization of parental practices supporting positive eating behaviors of adolescents in Hawai'i.

Monica K. Esquivel  PhD, RDN, CSSD
Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Monica K. Esquivel PhD, RDN, CSSD

Research Interests

Community Nutrition

Recent Publications

  • Greenberg JA, Luick B, Alfred JM, Barber LR, Bersamin A, Coleman P, Esquivel M, Fleming T, Leon Guerrero RT, Hollyer J, Lorring Johnson E, Novotny R, Remengesau S, Yamanaka A. The affordability of a thrifty food plan-based market basket in the United States-affiliated Pacific Region. Hawaii Journal of Health and Social Welfare. 2020 79(7). In press
  • Esquivel MK, Higa A, Hitchens M, Shelton C, Okihiro M. Keiki produce prescription (KPRx) program feasibility study to reduce food insecurity and obesity risk. Hawaii Journal of Health and Social Welfare. 2020; 79(5).
  • McElfish PA, Purvis R, Esquivel M, Sinclair KA, Townsend Ing C, Hawley N, Haggard-Duff LK, Kaholokula JK. Diabetes disparities and promising interventions to address diabetes in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations. Current Diabetes Reports. 2019:19(5).

Recent Grants

  • Investigators: Esquivel M, Silva J, Eng S, Hanakawa C, Teves G, Lincoln N, Yuan S.  Title: Grow Eat Think Local: Farm to School (POW 14-243). Funding Body: College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resource Cooperative Extension and Hawai‘i Department of Health Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. October 1, 2019-September 30, 2021. Total Amount Funded: $137,500
  • Investigator: Esquivel M and Aflague T. Title: Interinstitutional Innovative Teaching Award: Innovating clinical nutrition instruction for the Pacific. Funding Body: Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities 2019 Academic Programs Section Innovation in Teaching Award. October 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020. Total Amount Funded: $5,000 (with additional $2,000 institution match)
  • Investigator: Esquivel. Title: Farmacy Produce Prescription Evaluation. Funding Body: Contract with Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. September 2018-September 2019 and October 2019-February 2020. Total Amount Funded: $21,500
Honors/Awards
  • Project Director- OLA Hawaii Farmacy Pediatric Produce Prescription for Food Insecurity and Health Disparities. 2020-2022. Infrastructure support $250,000 from NIMHD U54MD007601
  • Chair- USDA Multi-State Research Collaboration Project W1194 Children’s Healthy Living Network (CHLN) in the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Region. 2019-2021
  • Emerging Dietetic Leader Award. 2019. Hawai‘i Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Current Graduate Students

  • Cherise Shelton (PhD in Nutrition)

Marie Kainoa Fialkowski Revilla  PhD, RD, LDN
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Marie Kainoa Fialkowski Revilla PhD, RD, LDN

Research Interests

Nutrition and Health in Indigenous Populations, Nutritional Assessment, Nutrition Education for Underserved Populations, Infant Nutrition

Recent Publications

  • Fialkowski MK, Ng-Osorio J, Kai J, Swafford K, Langfelder G, Young CGL, Chen JJ, Zhu FM, Boushey CJ. Type, Timing and Diversity of Complementary Foods Among Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Filipino Infants. Hawaii J Health Soc Welf. 2020; 79(5 Suppl 1): 127 – 134.
  • Fialkowski MK, Fonseca-Smith T, Pinto PK, Ng-Osorio J. Native Hawaiian Infant Feeding Practices as Told by Grandparents: A Transgenerational Experience. Curr Dev Nutri. In Press.
  • Fialkowski MK, Calabrese A, Tillinghast B, Titchenal A, Meinke W, Banna JC, Draper J. Open Educational Resource Textbook Impact on Students in an Introductory Nutrition Course. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2020; 52(4): 359 - 358. doi: 10.1016/j.jneb.2019.08.006.

Recent Grants

  • Children’s Healthy Living Dietetics Scholars Program (CHLD) ($200,000)(5/15/2018-5/14/2023); USDA Multicultural Scholars Program; Role: Project Director

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • A Calabrese (PhD Nutrition).
  • A. Dentinger (MS Nutritional Sciences).
  • J Kai (PhD Nutrition).
  • B K-Aloha (MS Nutritional Sciences)
  • G Mau (MS in Nutritional Sciences)

Yanghua He  PhD
Assistant Professor – Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

1. Livestock animal production: applying genomics and epigenomics approaches as well as computational methods to improve livestock animal production; 2. Diseases: utilizing high throughput sequencing datasets to elucidate the mechanisms of diseases in animals and humans and pinpointing the causal genetic variants of the disease using CRISPR-based technologies; 3. Nutrigenomics: studying the mechanisms of how different diets contribute to different phenotypes (eg. BMI for evaluating obesity) based on omics-data.

Recent Publications

  • Jianan Liu, Fang Liu, Wentao Cai, Cunling Jia, Ying Bai, Yanghua He, Weiyun Zhu, Robert W. Li, Jiuzhou Song. Jejunal Microbiome and Bile Acids Induced by Diets in Angus Beef Cattle. BMC Animal Microbiome. Accepted. 2020
  • Cicera R. Lazzarotto, Nikolay L. Malinin, Yichao Li, Ruochi Zhang, Yang Yang, Yanghua He, Xin Lan, Kasey Jividen, Varun Katta1, Natalia G. Kolmakova, Christopher T. Petersen, Qian Qi, Evgheni Strelcov, Samantha Maragh, Giedre Krenciute, Jian Ma, Yong Cheng, Shengdar Q. Tsai. CHANGE-seq reveals genetic and epigenetic effects on CRISPR–Cas9 genome-wide activity. Nature Biotechnology (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41587-020-0555-7
  • Yanghua He, Bo Han, Yi Ding, Huanmin Zhang, Li Zhang, Chunfang Zhao, Ning Yang, and Jiuzhou Song. LincGALMD1 regulates viral gene expression in the chicken. Frontiers in Genetics, 10:1122. 2019 doi: 10.3389/fgene.2019.01122

Recent Grants

UH CTAHR Start-up Fund

Current Graduate Students

Huong Thanh Vu, M.S. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering
Mandeep Adhikari, Ph.D. Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering

Kacie Ho  PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

Bioactive compounds, bioavailability, food structuring, colloids for nutrient and bioactive stabilization or delivery

Recent Publications

  • Ho, K. K.HY., Ferruzzi, M. G., & Wightman, J. D. (2020). Potential health benefits of (poly) phenols derived from fruit and 100% fruit juice. Nutrition Reviews, 78(2), 145-174.
  • Li, M., Ho, K. K.H.Y., Hayes, M., & Ferruzzi, M. G. (2019). The roles of food processing in translation of dietary guidance for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Annual review of food science and technology, 10, 569-596.
  • Ho, K. K.H.Y., Schroën, K., San Martín-González, M. F., & Berton-Carabin, C. C. (2018). Synergistic and antagonistic effects of plant and dairy protein blends on the physicochemical stability of lycopene-loaded emulsions. Food Hydrocolloids, 81, 180-190.

Current Graduate Students

  • Garinn Pereira (MS Food Science) Topic: Development of food-grade Pickering particles for emulsion stabilization
  • Kento Senga (MS Food Science) Topic: Phytochemical profiles and bioaccessibility from Hawaiian taro cultivars

Rajesh Jha  PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

Animal Nutrition, Feed Evaluation, Carbohydrate Metabolism, Fiber Fermentation, Gut Physiology and Health, In vitro Digestion and Fermentation

Recent Publications

  •  Tiwari, U. P., H. Chen, S. W. Kim, and R. Jha. 2018. Supplemental effect of xylanase and mannanase on nutrient digestibility and gut health of nursery pigs studied using both in vivo and in vitro model. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 245:77-90
  • Haygood, A. M., and R. Jha. 2018. Strategies to modulate the intestinal microbiota of Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) in aquaculture: a review. Rev. Aquacult., 10(2):320-333.
  • Singh, A. K., J. D. Berrocoso, Y. Dersjant-Li, A. Awati, and R. Jha. 2017. Effect of a combination of xylanase, amylase, and protease on growth performance of broilers fed low and high fiber diets. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol., 232:16-20.
  • Berrocoso, J. D., R. Kida, A. K. Singh, Y. S. Kim and R. Jha. 2017. Effect of in ovo injection of raffinose on growth performance and gut health parameters of broiler chicken. Poult. Sci., 96:1573–1580.

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Razib Das (PhD, HNFAS home): Nutrition
  • Alyssa Haygood (PhD, MBBE home): Aquaculture Nutrition
  • Hannah Holmes (MS, HNFAS home): Nutrition
  • Ratu Serupepeli Ravula Tagivakatini (MS): Animal Science

Soojin Jun  PhD
Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

Emerging food processing and packaging technologies, Food nanotechnologies, and Biosensors.

Recent Publications

  • Lee, S.H., Yamada, K., and Jun. S. 2013. Ultraviolet Radiation Assisted with Ohmic Current for Microbial Inactivation in Apple Juice. Transactions of the ASABE 56(3): 1085-1091.
  • Nguyen, L.T., Choi W., Lee, S.H., Jun, S. 2013.  Exploring the Heating Patterns of Multiphase Foods in a Continuous Flow, Simultaneous Microwave and Ohmic Combination Heater. Journal of Food Engineering 116(1): 65-71.
  • Lu, L. Chee, G., Yamada, K., and Jun, S. 2013. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic technique with a functionalized microwire sensor for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens. Biosensors and Bioelectronics 42: 492-495.

Recent Grants

  • 2013, USDA/NIFA, AFRI, Novel Freezing Technique using Combined Pulsed Electric and Magnetic Fields to Maintain the Qualities of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
  • 2009, USDA-AFRI, Development of Combined Continuous-Flow Microwave and Pulsed Ohmic Heating Technologies for Rapid and Uniform Heating of Multiphase Foods.

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Natthakan Rungraeng (PhD, MBBE home): Food nanotechnology
  • Seung Hyun Lee (PhD, MBBE home): Food processing
  • Jin Hong Mok (MS, HNFAS home): Food freezing
  • Kara Yamada (MS, HNFAS home): Biosensor
  • Inae Lee (PhD, MBBE home): Food nanotechnology
  • Tim Shafel (MS, HNFAS home): Food processing and chemistry

Yong Soo Kim  PhD, MS
Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Science, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

Improving animal growth performance and carcass composition, myostatin as potent negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, meat quality characteristics of locally produced forage-finished beef, innovative ways to improve the marketability of low-value cuts of the forage-finished carcasses.

Recent Publications

  • S.B. Lee, R. Choi, S.K. Park, and Y.S. Kim. 2014. Production of bioactive chicken follistatin315 in Escherichia coli. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 98:10041- 10051.
  • W.Y. Haq, S.K. Kang, S.B. Lee, H.C. Kang, Y.J. Choi, C.N. Lee and Y.S. Kim. 2013. High-level soluble expression of porcine myostatin propeptide in Escherichia coli. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 97(19):8517-27.
  • Sang Beum Lee, Jeong Hwan Kim, Hyung-Joo Jin, Il Shik Shin, and Yong Soo Kim, 2013. Highyield expression and purification of bioactive flatfish (Paralichthys olivaceus) myostatin-1 prodomain in Escherichia coli, American Journal of Biochemistry and Biotechnology 8 (3):195-201.

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Dong Hyuck Choi, MS in Molecular Biosciences and Biosystem’s Engineering (MBBE) (Spring 2012 – current)
  • Arthur Wong, PhD in MBBE (Fall 2010 –current)

Qing X. Li  PhD
Professor, Department of Molecular Biosciences and BioengineeringCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Work Phone: 808.956.2011

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Research Interests

Proteomics, environmental biochemistry and biotechnology.

Recent Publications

  • Baker, M.R.; Li, Q.X. 2013. Guanidination tryptic peptides without desalting for MALDI MS analysis. Analytical Chemistry 85(18):8873–8880. PMID: 23964694.
  • Cho, I.K.; Chang, C.L.; Li, Q.X. 2013. Diet-induced over-expression of flightless-I protein and its relation to flight dysfunction in Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata.  PLoS ONE 8(12): e81099. PMID: 24312525.

Recent Grants

  • Proteomics Core PI. NIH NIMHHD RCMI, Bioscience Research Infrastructure Development for Grant Enhancement and Success (BRIDGES). 2011-2016.
  • PI, Korean RDA. Studies on biological activity of individual g-oryzanol from agro-food. 2013-2015.

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Margaret Baker (PhD, MBBE), Glycoproteomics
  • Shumei Gao (PhD, Biotechnology), Microbial adaption to chemical stresses
  • Chelsea Miller (MS, MBBE), Bioremediation
  • Jessica Murison (MS, MBBE), Pesticide exposure
  • Camila Ortega (PhD, MBBE), Microbial adaption to chemical stresses
  • Daniel Roettger (PhD, MBBE), Biodiesel and yeast genomics
  • Ruijin Wang (PhD, Plant Pathology), Phosphoproteomics
  • Boting Wen (PhD, Biotechnology), Enzyme structure and function

Yong Li  PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

Food Microbiology, Food Safety, Applied Statistics.

Recent Publications

  • Kubota, R., Labarre, P., Weigl, B.H., Li, Y., Haydock, P., and Jenkins, D.M. 2013. Molecular diagnostics in a teacup: non-instrumental nucleic acid amplification (NINA) for rapid, lost cost detection of Salmonella enterica. Chinese Science Bulletin 58:1162-1168.
  • Dong, J., Kandukuru, P., Huang, A., and Li, Y. 2011. PCR-DGGE analysis of bacterial community dynamics in kava beverages during refrigeration. Letters in Applied Microbiology 53:30-34.
  • Liang, N.J., Dong, J., Luo, L.X., and Li, Y. 2011. Detection of viable Salmonella on lettuce by propidium monoazide-real time PCR. Journal of Food Science 76:M234-237.

Recent Grants

  • PI, with Lee, C.N. and Dunn, M. Exploring the health benefits of lactic acid bacteria in fermented taro. US Department of Agriculture Supplemental Funds. 2014-2016
  • Co-PI, with Jun, S., and Cho, C.H. Prevention of microbial adhesion in food processing environment using multifunctional nanopillared surfaces. USDA-AFRI. 2015-2018.
  • Co-PI, with Jenkins, D.M., Garmire, D.G., and Mcnealy, T. New engineered approach for recovering disperse populations of low-tolerance pathogens from food. USDA-AFRI. 2014-2017.

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Cindy Li (MS Food Science), Recovery of pathogenic bacterial cells injured under food processing conditions.
  • Saxby, Solange (PhD Nutrition), Effects of Prebiotics and Probiotics on colorectal cancers and obesity
  • Lianger Dong (PhD Nutrition)
  • Biyu Wu (PhD Nutrition)

Birendra Mishra  PhD, MS, DVM
Assistant ProfessorDepartment of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Birendra Mishra PhD, MS, DVM

Research Interests

Genetic and hormonal regulation of egg formation in poultry Effects of nutrition and Environmental stress on reproductive health (Poultry and Cattle) Effects of space radiation on reproductive health

Recent Publications

  • Mishra B, and Luderer U (2019). Reproductive Hazards of Space Travel in Women and Men Reproduction. Nature Reviews Endocrinology.  154:123–133.
  • Mishra B, Sah N, Wasti, S (2019). Genetic and Hormonal Regulation of Egg Formation in the Oviduct of Laying Hens. Poultry, ISBN, 978‐1‐78923‐820‐4.
  • Sah N, Kuehu DL, Khadka VS, Deng Y, Peplowska K, Jha R, Mishra B (2018). RNA sequencing-based analysis of the laying hen uterus revealed the novel genes and biological pathways involved in the eggshell mineralization. Scientific Reports 8 (1), 1-12.

Recent Grants

  • Improvement of Reproductive efficiency in Hawaiian cattle  funded by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture  (06/1/19-05/30/21)
  • Poultry Production Systems and Well-being:  Sustainability for Tomorrow funded by USDA/NIFA Multistate Hatch Research Grant (09/1/19-08/30/21)

Current Graduate Students

  • Sanjeev Wasti, M.S. in Animal Sciences
  • Bindu Adhikari, M.S. in Animal Sciences
  • Mahfuz Rahman Adnan, M.S. in Animal Sciences
  • Angeline Lee, Biology major/Premed, UH Manoa

Pratibha Nerurkar  PhD
Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering,College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawaii at Manoa

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Research Interests

Traditional Hawaiian and Ayurvedic medicine, alternative medicines in obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia, insulin signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism, mitochondrial toxicity associated with obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and drug-induced hepatotoxicity, ER function in obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia, role of reactive oxygen species and nuclear transcription factors in obesity, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.

Recent Publications

  • Kumar M, Roe K, Nerurkar PV, Namekar M, Orillo B, Verma S, Nerurkar VR. Impaired virus clearance, compromised immune response and increased mortality in type 2 diabetic mice infected with west nile virus. PLoS One. 2012; 7(8):e44682.
  • Nerurkar PV, Nishioka A, Eck PO, Johns LM, Volper E, Nerurkar VR. Regulation of glucose metabolism via hepatic forkhead transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) by Morinda citrifolia (noni) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Br J Nutr. 2012 Jul 108(2):218-28
  • Ru P, Steele R, Nerurkar PV, Phillips N, Ray RB. Bitter Melon Extract Impairs Prostate Cancer Cell-Cycle Progression and Delays Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia in TRAMP Model. Cancer Prev Res (Phila). 2011 Dec; 4(12):2122-30.
 

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • John Staton Laws III (MS Nutritional Sciences)

Rachel Novotny  PhD, RDN, LD
Professor & Director, Children’s Healthy Living Center of ExcellenceCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Rachel Novotny PhD, RDN, LD

Research Interests

Nutritional epidemiology, global nutrition, breast feeding and growth.

Recent Publications

  • Aflague TA, Leon Guerrero RT, Delormier T, Novotny R, Wilkens LR, Boushey CJ.  Examining the Influence of Cultural Immersion on Willingness to Try Fruits and Vegetables Among Children in Guam: the Traditions pilot study.  Nutrients. 2020, 12, 18; doi:10.3390/nu12010018. CHL Project.
  • Butel J, Braun KL, Nigg CR, Davis J, Boushey C, Leon Guerrero R, Bersamin A, Coleman P, Fleming T, Novotny R. Implementation Strategies and Barriers to Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders Community Interventions: A Cross-Case Study of the Children’s Healthy Living Program. Asian American Journal of Psychology. 2019:Vol. 10, No. 3, 282–2911948-1985/ http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/aap0000135.
  • Novotny R, Davis J, Butel J, Boushey CJ, Fialkowski MK, Nigg DR, Braun KL, Leon Guerrero RL, Coleman P, Bersamin A, Area A, Barber LR, Belyeu-Camacho T, Greenberg J, Fleming T, Delacruz-Talbert E, Yamanaka A, Wilkens LR.  Effect of the Children’s Healthy Living program on Young Child overweight, obesity and acanthosis nigricans in the US affiliated Pacific region: a randomized controlled trial.  JAMA Network Open. 2018;1(6):E183896. DOI:10.1001/JAMAnetworkopen.2018.3896.
     

Recent Grants

  • Children`s Healthy Living Center of Excellence (CHL Center). Principal Investigator/Project Director. Novotny, R. $2,125,903. USDA/NIFA/AFRI. Award 2018-69001-27551 (3/1/18-2/28/23)
  • Children’s Healthy Living Network (CHLN) in the US Affiliated Pacific.  USDA/NIFA/Hatch/Multistate Project. W1194 (12/5/16-9/30/21).  Hawaii Representative.
  • Children's Healthy Living Dietetics Scholarship Program (CHLD)  Principal Investigator, Revilla, MKF. USDA/NIFA/AFRI Award 2018-38413-28140. $200,000, Co- PD
  • Western Region Public Health Training Center. Principal Investigator, Taren, D.  HRSA Grant No. UB6HP31687.  July 1, 2018-June 30, 2022. Total Award $4,053,812. (1,013,453 per year) Novotny, R. Hawaii Site PI.

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Michelle Blas Laguana (PhD Nutritional Sciences) Child food frequency questionnaire for Guam. Chair.
  • Pauline McFall (PhD Nutritional Sciences) Child diet and obesity in American Samoa. Chair.
  • Rica Delacruz (PhD Public Health) Multilevel determinants of child obesity in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Chair.

Jenee Odani  DVM
Associate Specialist, Extension Veterinarian, Pre-Vet AdvisorDepartment of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Jenee Odani DVM

Research Interests

Diseases of terrestrial animals & aquatic livestock; veterinary anatomic pathology including disease pathogenesis, disease diagnostic techniques, histology and histopathology.

Recent Publications

  • Cadmus, K., Mete, A., Harris, M., Anderson, D., Sato, Y., Helm, J., Boger, L., Odani, J., Ficken, M., Pabilonia, K.1 (2019). Causes of mortality in backyard poultry in eight states in the United States. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostics Investigation, 31(3):318-326.
  • Accepted, in press: Odani, J.1, Sox, E., Coleman, W., Jha, R., Malik, R. First documented cases of canine neuroangiostrongyliasis due to Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hawai‘i. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
  • Odani JS, Blanchard PC, Adaska JM, Moeller RB, Uzal FA, “Malignant edema in postpartum dairy cattle”, Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 2009, November; 21(6):920-924.

Andre P Seale  PhD
Assistant Research ProfessorDepartment of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

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Research Interests

With broader implications to aquaculture and biomedical research, my main interests are in: 1) osmoreception: the signal transduction of environmental salinity changes into physiological responses at the cellular and organismic levels in fish; regulation of prolactin cells by external and neuroendocrine factors and the role of second messenger systems; 2) osmoregulation: salt and water balance and its interplay with growth, metabolism and stress in fish; and 3) environmental adaptation and growth in fish: endocrine and specialized cellular responses to changing environmental conditions.

Recent Publications

  • Petro-Sakuma, C. K., Celino-Brady, F., Breves, J. P., Seale, A. P. (2020). Growth hormone regulates intestinal gene expression of nutrient transporters in tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Gen. Comp. Endocrinol. 292: 113464.
  •  Seale, A. P., Pavlosky, K. K., Celino-Brady, F., Lerner, D. T. (2019). Sex, salinity and sampling period dependent patterns of growth hormone mRNA expression in Mozambique tilapia. Aquaculture. 519: 734766.
  •   Celino-Brady, F., Petro-Sakuma, C. K., Breves, J. P., Lerner, D. T., Seale, A. P. (2019). Early-life exposure to 17β-estradiol and 4-nonylphenol impacts the growth hormone/insulin-like growth-factor system and estrogen receptors in Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. J. Aqua. Tox. 217: 105336.
  •  Seale, A. P., Pavlosky, K. K., Celino-Brady, F., Yamaguchi, Y., Breves, J. P., Lerner, D. T. (2019). Systemic versus tissue-level modulation of prolactin signaling in a euryhaline teleost subjected to tidally changing salinities. J. Comp. Physiol.189, 581-594.

Recent Grants

  • 2019-present Co-PI: Advanced Aquaculture Collaborative Programs (NOAA); “Establishing a Hawaiʻi-Pacific Aquaculture Consortium: A Revitalization and Expansion of the Aquaculture Development Program”.
  • 2018-present Co-PI; Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); “Establishing an aquaculture program at the University of Hawai‘i that leverages and integrates Land Grant and Sea Grant research, extension and education resources”.
  • 2018-present PI; National Science Foundation (IOS-1755016); “Collaborative Research: Identifying osmosensitive molecular targets using a unique vertebrate model”.
  • 2018 PI; Sea Grant Program Development Project (E/ET-1 OOPD), “Training for extension professionals in sustainable cage farming and rearing methods of Rabbitfishes (Siganidae), in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia".
  • 2017-present PI; National Institutes of Health (1R21DK111775-01); “Integrating Osmosensitivity and Autocrine Signaling in a Model for Osmoregulation”.

Current Graduate Students

  • Tharindu Malintha (PhD in Nutrition), Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences
  • Daniel Woo (MS in Animal Science), Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences
  • Ryan Chang (MS in Animal Science), Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences

Mark Thorne  PhD
Specialist, State Range and Livestock ExtensionCooperative Extension Service; Kamuela Extension – University of Hawaii at Manoa

Photo of Mark Thorne PhD

Research Interests

1) understanding the effects of climate change on range and livestock production in Hawaii and development management strategies that build resiliency and long-term sustainability; 2) improvement of Hawaii’s rangelands and remediation of former sugar and pineapple lands for sustainable livestock production; 3) development of Integrated Pest Management strategies on Hawaii rangelands affected by invasive weeds, insects and diseases; 4) understanding the ecology of tropical range and pasture communities under different grazing management strategies; and 5) studying grazing animal behavior and nutrition on tropical rangelands.

Recent Publications

  • Krushelnycky, P.D., F. Starr, K. Starr, M. Abran, M. Thorne, J. Leary, M. Fukada, D. Rubinoff. 2018. Performance of the biocontrol agent Secusio extensa (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) on its target host, Senecio madagascariensis (Madagascar fireweed), on an alternate host, Delairea odorata (Cape ivy), and on non-target plants, in Hawaii. Biological Control 121: 234-246.
  • Lee, C.N., G.K. Fukumoto, M.S. Thorne, M.H. Stevenson, Y.S. Kim, M. Nakahata, and R.M. Ogoshi. 2017. Nutrient Composition of Sugarcane Forages were influenced by season and the time of harvest. Dairy and Vet. Sci. J. 2(1): 555579.

Recent Grants

  • USDA-WSARE; 2016 -2019. Thorne, M.S., G. Fukumoto, M. Stevenson, J. Hewlett, and J. Parsons. Development of Individual Free-Choice Mineral Supplementation Program for Sustainable Grazing Management of Hawaii’s Rangelands.
  • Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture; 2017-2021. Thorne, M.S., M. Wright, R. Curtiss, G. Fukumoto. Prosapia bicincta (Two lined spittle bug) detection and control in Hawaii.
  • USDA-RREA; 2017-2021. Thorne, M.S. Hawaii Rangeland Management Education and Outreach Program.
  • USDA-NIFA; 2018-2021. Thorne, M.S. and B. Hutchinson. Strengthening RREA Programing Through Enhanced Connections: A Web-based Conference Series.

Current Graduate Students

  • Brittany Castle (PhD in Nutrition), Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences Dept., University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Nick Krueger (PhD), Natural Resources and Environmental Management Dept., University of Hawaii at Manoa
  • Shannon Wilson (MS), Plant and Environmental Protection Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa

C. Alan Titchenal  PhD, CNS
Associate Professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Food, and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of C. Alan Titchenal PhD, CNS

Research Interests

Nutrition and human performance; non-anemic iron deficiency.

Recent Publications

  • Iversen CS, Nigg C, Titchenal CA. The impact of an elementary after-school nutrition and physical activity program on children’s fruit and vegetable intake, physical activity, and body mass index: Fun 5. Hawaii Med J. 2011 Jul;70 (7 Suppl 1): 37-41.
  • Murakami S, Kurihara S, Titchenal CA, Ohtani M. Suppression of exercise-induced neutrophilia and lymphopenia in athletes by cystine/theanine intake: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 Jun 4;7(1):23.
  • Lai, JF, Dobbs, J, Dunn, MA, Tauyan, S, and Titchenal, CA.  Inconsistent values for iron content complicate recommending clams as an iron source. J Food Comp and Analysis. 2009;22S:S78–S82.

Recent Grants

  • Integrated HATCH project, “Expanding Awareness of the Contribution of Iron Deficiency to Common Health Problems.”
  • Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, “Evidenced-Based Research for More Appropriate Public Health Nutrition Education.”

Current Graduate Students (Chair)

  • Vanessa Araujo Almeida (PhD Nutrition)
  • Bernice Aurellano (MS Nutritional Sciences)
  • Riccardo Martinez Barron (PhD Nutrition)
  • Samantha Garrido (MS Nutritional Sciences)
  • Kayla Watanabe (MS Nutritional Sciences)

Jinzeng Yang  PhD
Associate Professor & Department Chair, Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal SciencesCollege of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Jinzeng Yang PhD

Research Interests

Skeletal Muscle Growth, Nutritional Studies on Bioactive Compounds for Obesity, Diabetes Prevention, Molecular Biology of the Metabolic Syndrome.

Recent Publications

  • Xu Y, Xu H, Wall MW, Yang J. 2020. Roles of transcription factor SQUAMOSA promoter binding protein-like gene family in papaya (Carica papaya) development and ripening, Genomics  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygeno.2020.03.009.
  • Li B, Cui W, Yang J. 2020. Enhanced skeletal muscle growth in myostatin-deficient transgenic pigs had improved glucose uptake in stretozotocin -induced diabetes. Transgenic Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11248-020-00194-y
  • Jin CL, Ye JL, Yang J, Gao CQ, Yan HC, Li HC, Wang XQ. 2019. mTORC1 Mediates Lysine-Induced Satellite Cell Activation to Promote Skeletal Muscle Growth. Cells 8, 1549.

Recent Grants

  • Nutrient Bioavailability-Phytonutrients and Beyond, USDA-Hatch
  • Post-harvest food technology and nutrition/ Bioactive Compound. USDA, 2018-20. $50K
  • Role of bone morphogenic protein 11 in musculoskeletal formation and development Hawaii Community Foundation,
  • Genetic Improvement of Muscle Growth for Grass-fed Beef Production, CTAHR

Current Graduate Students

  • Justin Legaspi, D. graduate student in Nutrition Science, 2020 Research topic: Roles of skeletal muscle in obesity and diabetes prevention
  • Dionne Sesepasara MS Graduate Student in Animal Sciences, 2020 Research Topic: Molecular regulation of skeletal muscle by myostatin propeptide

Halina M Zaleski  PhD
Extension Swine SpecialistDepartment of Human Nutrition, Food & Animal Sciences, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources – University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa

Photo of Halina M Zaleski PhD

Research Interests

Swine production management including artificial insemination, livestock waste management

Recent Publications

  • H.M. Zaleski. 2013. Agricultural Extension in Transition. In:AgriculturalMarkets in a Transitioning Economy: An Albanian Case Study. C. Chan-Halbrendt, J. Fantle-Lepczyk, Eds. CABI. pp. 35- 51.
  • Zaleski, H.M., 2014. Integrating teaching and extension: Swine production. American Society of Animal Science Joint Annual Meeting, Kansas City, MO, July 20-24, 2014.
  • Tiwari, U.P., A.K. Singh, H. M. Zaleski, and R. Jha, 2014. Nutrient profile and in vitro digestibility of tubers in swine. American Society of Animal Science Joint Annual Meeting, Kansas City, MO, July 20-24, 2014.
  • Conroy, N. K., A. Fares, K. C. Ewel, T. Miura, and H. M. Zaleski. 2011. A snapshot of agroforestry in Terminalia carolinensis wetlands in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia. Micronesica 41(2):177–195, 2011.

Recent Grants

  • Hawaii Pork Industry Association. H. M. Zaleski. Brucellosis in Hunting Dogs 10/14-12/14.
  • National Pork Board Meeting Support Funds. H. M. Zaleski. Hawaii Pork Industry Association Membership Meetings 1/14-12/14.

Current Graduate Students

  • Tiwari, Utsav. MS in Animal Sciences
  • McNeill, Britt. MS in Animal Sciences (Chair)

Contact

Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences
College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources
1955 East-West Road,
Ag Sci 216
Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822
Phone: (808) 956-7095
Fax: (808) 956-4024
Email: nutrphd@hawaii.edu

UH Graduate Division

Address: 2540 Maile Way Spalding 354 Honolulu, HI 96822 Phone: (808) 956-8544 Email: gradss@hawaii.edu Website: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/