Dr. Jie Zhu
Associate Professor - School of Family & Consumer Sciences
Research Areas:
Nutrient metabolism, nutritional biochemistry, and nutrition and health.
Background
Dr. Zhu examines how diet patterns interact with genetics to influence individual risk for chronic disease. By examining these interactions, Dr. Zhu's research aims to contribute to the development of personalized nutrition recommendations that will address the individual needs of people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Dr. Zhu earned his BS in Clinical Medicine and MD from the School of Medicine at Wuhan University. He earned his PhD in Internal Medicine from The First Clinical Medical College at Wuhan University. After that, he did a postdoctoral fellowship in Human Nutrition at the University of North Carolina Nutrition Research Institute.
About Faculty Fellows Projects
Dr. Zhu researched nutrient intake, e.g., folate and B vitamins, in relation with genetics on the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. By examining an ethnically diverse cohort of participants with unique sociodemographic, biomedical, and lifestyle characteristics, Dr. Zhu aims to develop nutritional interventions that are personalized for the individual. This study is ongoing with plans to submit grant proposals to the National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture this year.
Research Impact Highlights
Investigating how nutrition and genetics work together to shape metabolic health and guide personalized dietary recommendations.
Genes & Nutrition
Studies how genetics and nutrient intake interact to influence metabolic health.
Personalized Nutrition
Develops tailored nutrition strategies based on individual genetic profiles.
Metabolic Disease Risk
Examines links between B vitamins, folate, and the risk of metabolic syndrome.