Assistant Professor of Biology
School of Natural, Health, Social and Behavioral Sciences

Phone: ext. 2409
Email: julia.olayanju@centenaryuniversity.edu       

Academic Accomplishments

• Ph.D., Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
• MS: West Texas A & M University

Biography

Dr. Olayanju earned a Master’s degree from West Texas A & M University where her research work focused on engineering Saccharomyces cerevisae to reduce the most persistent odor-causing compound in animal feedlots. This study triggered her curiosity and her decision to explore further research opportunities in biomedical research

She pursued and earned a doctorate degree in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, then the University Of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ). Her doctoral research work started by investigating the molecular basis for a phenomenon observed in cancer cells called the Warburg effect using Saccharomyces cerevisae as a model. She later went on to study anticancer agents found in cruciferous vegetables. Specifically, she studied the mechanism of action of Moringa isothiocyanates in breast cancer cells. She is curious to learn how specific diets increase cancer patient survival with the goal of understanding how the onset of cancer can be delayed or prevented in people at risk.

Dr. Olayanju leverages her knowledge to create an impact in communities. She leverages different platforms to educate people on the importance of food to health. In 2015 she founded FoodNiche Inc. focused on tackling the challenges in our food system through strategic partnerships and educative programming. More recently she co-founded FoodNiche-ED, a technology company that empowers teachers to introduce the science of food and health to schools without increasing the teachers’ workload.

Dr. Olayanju loves teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientists and innovators. She taught at the Rutgers Honor college and later joined the team at Kean University. At Kean University, she taught Cancer Genetics and Genetics and Principles of Biology. She is excited to join Centenary University and support its mission of educating the next generation of leaders.

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.