.jpg "Jinzeng Yang, PhD photo")
Professor
University of Hawaii at Manoa
In 2002, I onboarded CTAHR as an assistant professor of animal science at the University of Hawaii. My role encompassed 70% FTE on research and 30% FTE instruction. I was promoted to full professor in 2015 and served as the chair of the Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences (HNFAS) from 2016 to 2022, including a one-year term as CTAHR interim associate dean for research in 2018. Throughout my tenure, I have focused on building strong research and instructional programs in animal science and genetic technology. My research has primarily centered around investigating the role of myostatin, a crucial gene that regulates skeletal muscle mass in livestock animals. We have developed expertise in animal reproduction, muscle biology, and gene expression patterns. Using myostatin-based mice and pigs, we explored insulin resistance, diabetes, and the impact of bioactive compounds from tropical fruits and seaweeds on glucose control in animal models. Our findings indicate that increasing muscle mass can prevent diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance in animal models, suggesting that regular physical activity or maintaining muscle mass is effective for controlling blood glucose homeostasis in diabetes patients. As a principal investigator, I have successfully obtained grants from USDA-NIFA, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Hawaii Community Foundation, and the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture of USDA. I have collaborated with The Daniel K. Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center of USDA-ARS in Hilo, Hawaii, on various projects. Additionally, my laboratory has undertaken USDA-NIFA-funded animal science projects focused on enhancing livestock agriculture efficiency in shrimp, tilapia, and beef cattle through simple DNA testing and advanced genomic tools. We have achieved significant research outcomes, published notable findings, and established strong collaborations with scientists locally and internationally. Our publications were highly cited in the field. Regarding teaching, I consistently offer courses such as ANSC446-Genes and Animal Biology since the fall 2003. I had taught ANSC451-Animal Physiology and ANSC/MBBE650-DNA and Genetic Analysis.