Prof. Dr. Young-Hee Kang | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Hallym University, South Korea

Dr. Young-Hee Kang, Ph.D., is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of nutrition and metabolic diseases. With a career spanning over three decades, she has made significant contributions to understanding the role of nutrition in chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, osteoporosis, and respiratory disorders. Currently serving as a Chair Professor at Hallym University, Dr. Kang has held various leadership positions, including Dean of Academic Affairs, Brain Korea 21 Plus Team Director, and President of the Korean Nutrition Society. Her research has been widely recognized through prestigious awards, and she has been actively involved in national and international scientific communities. Through her extensive work in nutritional science, she has influenced both academic research and public health policies, making her one of the leading figures in the field.

Professional Profile

• ORCID Profile

Education

Dr. Kang completed her Ph.D. in Nutrition from Rutgers University, USA, in 1988, following her M.Sc. in Nutrition from Drexel University and a B.Sc. in Food and Nutrition from Seoul National University, Korea. Her academic journey reflects a strong foundation in nutrition science and metabolism, which has guided her research and teaching career. Throughout her education, she gained expertise in biochemical and clinical nutrition, which later became the cornerstone of her work in understanding oxidative stress, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders. Her studies in the U.S. and Korea have provided her with a global perspective on nutrition research, enabling her to contribute to both local and international scientific advancements in public health and disease prevention.

Professional Experience

Dr. Kang has an impressive academic and research career, having held various leadership positions at Hallym University, where she has served as Department Chairperson, Dean of Academic Affairs, and Director of Brain Korea 21 Research Teams. She has also contributed as a visiting scholar at the University of Hospital Grosshadern in Germany and the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in the U.S. Her professional experience extends beyond academia, as she has been involved in editorial boards, scientific committees, and policy advisory groups, ensuring that her research findings translate into real-world applications. As a Fellow of The Korean Academy of Science and Technology, she has played a key role in advancing research, education, and innovation in nutrition science, positioning herself as a thought leader in the field.

Research Interests

Dr. Kang’s research focuses on the role of nutrition in metabolic diseases, with particular emphasis on atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia. Her work explores the mechanisms of lipoprotein oxidation, endothelial apoptosis, and macrophage phenotypes, providing critical insights into how diet influences chronic disease progression. Additionally, she has investigated plant-based bioactive compounds and their therapeutic effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. Her research has led to the development of novel dietary interventions, advancing the understanding of functional foods and personalized nutrition. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, she continues to explore innovative approaches to disease prevention and health promotion, impacting both academia and public health policy.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Kang has received numerous prestigious awards for her outstanding contributions to nutrition science. Notable honors include the Korean Nutrition Society Achievement Award (2021), the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition Academic Award (2020), and the World Vision President Award (2018). She has also been recognized by The Korean Academy of Science and Technology as a Fellow (2014) and received the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs Minister’s Award (2013) for her contributions to food and health research. Additionally, her work has been highlighted by Faculty of 1000 Biology for its impact on nutrition and metabolism research. With a distinguished record of accomplishments, Dr. Kang remains a leading figure in the field, continuously advancing scientific knowledge and improving global health through her research.

Conclusion

Dr. Young-Hee Kang is a highly accomplished researcher with exceptional contributions to nutrition, metabolic diseases, and public health. Her strong research impact, leadership, and numerous awards make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Further international recognition and industry collaborations could further solidify her standing as a leading global scientist.

Publications Top Noted

• Kim, D.Y., Park, S.-H., Yoon, Z., Kim, J., Kang, M.-K., & Kang, Y.-H. (2024). Eucalyptol ameliorates retinal microvascular defects through modulating ER stress and Angiopoietin–Tie signaling in diabetic eyes. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147826

• Oh, M.-S., Kim, S.-I., Sim, Y.E., Park, S.-H., Kang, M.-K., Kang, I.-J., Sung, L.S., & Kang, Y.-H. (2023). Cirsium Setidens water extracts containing linarin block estrogen deprivation-induced bone loss in mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021620

• Kim, S.-I., Park, S.-H., Na, W., Shin, Y.C., Oh, M.-S., Sim, Y.E., Zheng, Y., Kim, A.H., Kang, I.-J., & Kang, Y.-H. (2022). Dietary collagen hydrolysates retard estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss through blocking osteoclastic activation and enhancing osteoblastic matrix mineralization. Biomedicines. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061382

• Na, W., Kang, M.-K., Park, S.-H., Kim, D.Y., Oh, S.Y., Oh, M.-S., Park, S., Kang, I.-J., & Kang, Y.-H. (2021). Aesculetin accelerates osteoblast differentiation and matrix-vesicle-mediated mineralization. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212391

• Kang, M.-K., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., Park, S.-H., Park, K., Kim, J.-I., Kim, A.-H., et al. (2021). Dietary collagen hydrolysates ameliorate furrowed and parched skin caused by photoaging in hairless mice. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116137

• Lee, E.-J., Na, W., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Park, S., Park, K., et al. (2021). Hydroxycoumarin Scopoletin inhibits bone loss through enhancing induction of bone turnover markers in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Biomedicines. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060648

• Kim, Y.-H., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., Shim, J.-H., Kang, I.-J., et al. (2021). Astragalin inhibits cigarette smoke-induced pulmonary thrombosis and alveolar inflammation and disrupts PAR activation and oxidative stress-responsive MAPK-signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073692

• Oh, S.-Y., Kim, Y.-H., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Na, W., Kang, I.-J., & Kang, Y.-H. (2021). Aesculetin inhibits airway thickening and mucus overproduction induced by urban particulate matter through blocking inflammation and oxidative stress involving TLR4 and EGFR. Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030494

• Na, W., Lee, E.-J., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Aesculetin inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption through blocking ruffled border formation and lysosomal trafficking. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228581

• Kang, M.-K., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Tangeretin ameliorates glucose-induced podocyte injury through blocking epithelial to mesenchymal transition caused by oxidative stress and hypoxia. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228577

• Kim, D.Y., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, Y.-H., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Eucalyptol inhibits amyloid-β-induced barrier dysfunction in glucose-exposed retinal pigment epithelial cells and diabetic eyes. Antioxidants. DOI: 10.3390/antiox9101000

• Oh, S.-Y., Kim, Y.-H., Kang, M.-K., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Aesculetin attenuates alveolar injury and fibrosis induced by close contact of alveolar epithelial cells with blood-derived macrophages via IL-8 signaling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155518

• Oh, H., Park, S.-H., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Lee, E.-J., Kim, D.-Y., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., Sung, L.S., et al. (2020). Asaronic acid inhibited glucose-triggered M2-phenotype shift through disrupting the formation of coordinated signaling of IL-4Rα-Tyk2-STAT6 and GLUT1-Akt-mTOR-AMPK. Nutrients. DOI: 10.3390/nu12072006

• Lee, E.-J., Kang, M.-K., Kim, Y.-H., Kim, D.-Y., Oh, H., Kim, S.-I., Oh, S.-Y., Na, W., & Kang, Y.-H. (2020). Coumarin ameliorates impaired bone turnover by inhibiting the formation of advanced glycation end products in diabetic osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Biomolecules. DOI: 10.3390/biom10071052