Dr. Julia Olayanju, PhD, MPH

Dr. Julia Olayanju is an educator, scientist, committed to training the next generation of scientists. She inspires students to ask critical questions and conduct research addressing pressing health challenges.

Her research focuses on cancer biology and the bioactive compounds in food, particularly isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables. Dr. Olayanju investigates the anticancer properties and mechanisms of these compounds, with a focus on moringa isothiocyanates (MIC). Her studies have demonstrated promising antitumor efficacy in breast cancer cells, with normal cells showing greater resistance. NRF2 and KEAP1 have been identified as key biomarkers influencing mammary cell sensitivity to MIC and continues to explore how structural differences among isothiocyanates impact their anticancer properties.

In addition to her work in cancer research, Dr. Olayanju is currently evaluating the efficacy of technology-enabled nutrition education interventions for children aged 8 to 12. This innovative research aims to improve children's understanding of nutrition and health, fostering lifelong healthy habits through engaging digital educational experiences.

Dr. Olayanju holds a PhD in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences (formerly the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ)) and an MPH in Epidemiology from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

As an assistant professor, Dr. Olayanju remains devoted to leveraging her expertise and experience to influence the next generation to go further. She is also committed to leveraging her knowledge to improve health outcomes in communities. Dr. Olayanju leads a team that is advancing nutrition education in US schools. She is committed to making meaningful contributions to the scientific community and inspiring the next generation to tackle complex health challenges with intelligence, creativity, and resilience.

Research Interests

• Cancer biology
• Nutrigenomics
• Nutrition education and technology-enabled interventions for children
• Community nutrition education and effective strategies for change

Research Focus

• Investigating the anticancer properties and mechanisms of isothiocyanates
• Exploring how structural differences among isothiocyanates impact their anticancer properties
• Assessing the effectiveness of technology-driven nutrition education interventions for children aged 8 to 12
• Developing strategies to improve children's understanding of nutrition and promote lifelong healthy habits through digital education

Publications

Eniola B., Z. Perschbacher-Buser, E. Caraway, N. Ghosh, M. Olsen and D. Parker. Odor Control in waste management lagoons via reduction of p-cresol using horseradish peroxidase. Proceedings American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers Annual Meeting, 2006. p: 064044

 Olayanju B. J. Hampsey, M. Hampsey 2014. Genetic analysis of the Warburg effect in yeast. Adv. Biol. Regul. 2015

Kou X, Li B, Olayanju JB, Drake JM, Chen N. Nutraceutical or Pharmacological Potential of Moringa oleifera Lam. Nutrients. 2018 Mar 12;10(3).

Olayanju JB, Xia B. HER2 overexpression induces sensitivity to Moringa isothiocyanates in breast cancer cells. Proceedings American Association for Cancer Research April 2018 p:10590

Olayanju JB,  “Moringa oleifera: Understanding the Nutritional Values and Health Benefits”, Moringa oleifera, Properties, Values and Health effects edited by Daniel Figueroa, Nova Publishers, 2021.

Olayanju JB, Bozic D, Naidoo U, Sadik OA. A Comparative Review of Key Isothiocyanates and Their Health Benefits. Nutrients. 2024; 16(6):757. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16060757