Yan Du, PhD, MPH, RN

I have an interdisciplinary training background in Nursing, Behavioral Science, and Aging Studies. My research focuses on technology assisted lifestyle interventions for chronic disease management (type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, ADRD). Inspired by the experience working as an ICU nurse caring for very ill older patients, my scientific career is dedicated to improving chronic disease management, maintaining function and independence, and reducing caregiving burden with a precision health approach. This approach integrates social factors, lifestyle behavior modifications, and omics to develop omics guided, social environment tailored, and technology assisted personalized lifestyle interventions. 

• Professional Background

  Education

  • 2017 - PhD - Aging Studies - School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • 2012 - MS - Public Health - Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • 2005 - BS - Nursing - School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chengdu, China

  Highlights

  Licensures and Certifications

  • Entering Mentoring Certificate
  • Research Coordinator Certificate of Excellence
  • Registered Nurse, State of Texas

  Honors and Awards

  • 2022, 1st place abstract presentation, the 7th Cardio Renal conference 
  • 2019 - current Translational Science Training TL1 Award (TL1 TR002647), NIH 

  Appointments

  • 2020 - Present - Assistant Professor - School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • 2020 - Postdoctoral Researcher - School of Nursing, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
  • 2017 - Postdoctoral Researcher - School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
  • 2010 - Staff Nurse - Intensive Care Unit, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
  • 2007 - Staff Nurse - Respiratory Intensive Care Unit (Fellowship Training Program), Beijing ChaoYang Hospital, Beijing, China
  • 2005 - Staff Nurse - Clinical Rotation, Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
  • 2004 - Nurse Intern - Clinical Rotation, Sichuan People’s Hospital, Chengdu, China

• Instruction & Training

  • 2021, NURS 7381 Synthesis & Application of Clinical Research, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020, NURS 7105 Role of the Clinical Nurse Scientist, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020, NURS 6380 Fundamentals of Epidemiology, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2020, NURS 6380 Fundamentals of Epidemiology , UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing
  • 2019 - 2020, NURS 4217 Population-Focused Health, 4 credits, 16.67% Clinical, Instructor, UT Health San Antonio, School of Nursing

• Research & Grants

  Grants

  Completed Research/Projects 

  • 2022 – 2023, Funder: UT Health IIMS Title: ‘Tai Chi with Music for Health in Individuals Living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and their Caregivers.Role: PI  
  • 2022 – 2023 Funder: UT Health Nursing School Rosemary Kerr McKevitt Memorial Research Award. Title: ‘A Technology Assisted Precision Lifestyle Intervention for Cardio-Renal-Metabolic health in Over-weight and Obese Adults: A Stratified Randomized Controlled Trial. Role: PI 
  • 2022 – 2023 Funder:  UTSA HCaP Jump Start Grant. Title: ‘Profiling the Changes Associated with Healthy Aging at The Molecular, Cellular and Organism Level After Exposure to A 12-Week Five Animal Frolics, Chinese Qigong Mind-Body Exercise Program: A Pilot Study.’ Role: CO-Investigator 
  • 2022 – 2023, Funder: UT Health School of Nursing: Nursing Advisory Council Grants  Title: ‘The knowledge and attitudes of precision health in adults with chronic kidney disease.’ Role: PI 
  • 2021 Funder: The COLS. PHILIP & JEAN PICCIONE award.Title: ‘The lifestyle behaviors and renal metabolomics in overweight and obese older adults with type 2 diabetes’, Role: PI 
  • 2021 Funder: NIH/RCMAR P30AG059304 Ma (PI).Title: ‘Applying the positive deviance approach to promote mental health and the utilization of professional healthcare services among older traumatized Asian immigrants in the United States . Role: Collaborator 
  • 2021 Funder: NIH/RCMAR 08091 Ko (PI). Title: ‘Personalized Behavioral Nutrition Intervention for Older Asian Americans’. Role: Co-Investigator

• Service

  School

  Student Mentees/Trainees 

  • 2021 - current, Baala Shakya (high school student). Mentor of the Voelcker Biomedical Research Academy (VBRA) Scholar program  
  • 2020 - current,Shiyu Li (PhD student), Dissertation Committee Member 
  • 2020 - current, Valerie Ramirez (Master student), Project Mentor 
  • 2020 - current, Brittany Dennis (Master student), Project Mentor 
  • 2019 - current, Tao Xu (PhD student), Project Mentor 
  • 2019 - 2020, Shanae Rhodes (PhD student), Project Mentor 
  • 2019 - 2020, Katrina Lopez (Undergraduate student), Project Mentor 
  • 2019 - 2020, Michelle Sia (Undergraduate student), Project Mentor 

   

  Institutional

  • 2022, Clinical Trials Scholars Program (CTSP) plan committee  UTHSCSA 
  • 2022,  Interim co-director for the Smart Center, UTHSCSA, School of Nursing 
  • 2022, PhD Nursing Science, UTHSCSA, School of Nursing 
  •  2021, Search Committee Member for Grant Writer UTHSCSA, School of Nursing, ONRS 

  Service to the Profession

  • 2022 Abstract Reviewer AAPINA
  • 2021, Member, (AAPINA), Journal Task Force AAPINA Asian American Pacific Islander Nursers Association 
  • 2020 – 2021, Member of ESPO, Webinar Task Force Gerontological Society of America 
  • 2019 - current, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) 
  • 2019 - current, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing 
  • 2017 - current, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities 
  • 2017 - current, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Home Health Care Services Quarterly 
  • 2017 - current, Ad Hoc Reviewer, BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 
  • 2017 - current, Ad Hoc Reviewer, Healthy Aging Research 

  Professional Affiliations (memberships) 

  • 2020 - 2021 Member, Asian American Pacific Islander Nurses Association 
  • 2016 - current Member, Chinese American Nurses Association

• Publications

  Peer-reviewed Articles (*indicates data-based) 

  • *Du Y, Dennis B, Ramirez V, Li C, Wang J, Meireles CL. Experiences and disease self-management in individuals living with chronic kidney disease: qualitative analysis of the National Kidney Foundation's online community. BMC nephrology. 2022;23(1):88. Epub 2022/03/06. doi: 10.1186/s12882-022-02717-7. PubMed PMID: 35246060; PMCID: PMC8894554.  

  • *Ning H, Du Y, Zhao Y, Liu Q, Li X, Zhang H, Jiang D, Feng H. Ning H, Du Y, Zhao Y, Liu Q, Li X, Zhang H, Jiang D, Feng H. Longitudinal impact of metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms on subsequent functional disability among middle-aged and older adults in China. J Affect Disord. 2022 Jan 1;296:216-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.061. Epub 2021 Sep 25. PMID: 34614438. 

  • Ko J, Wang J, Du Y, Jiwani R, Li C. Personalized Behavioral Nutrition Among Older Asian Americans: Study Protocol. Nurs Res. 2021 Jul-Aug 01;70(4):317-322. doi: 10.1097/NNR.0000000000000514. PMID: 34160184; PMCID: PMC8231758. 

  • *Du Y, Dennis B, Liu J, Meyer K, Siddiqui N, Lopez K, White C, Myneni S, Gonzales M, Wang J. A Conceptual Model to Improve Care for Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias and Their Caregivers: Qualitative Findings in an Online Caregiver Forum. J Alzheimers Dis. 2021;81(4):1673-1684. doi: 10.3233/JAD-210167. PMID: 33967054. 

  • Du Y, Dennis B, Liu J, Meyer K, Siddiqui N, Lopez K, White C, Myneni S, Gonzales M & Wang J (in press) A Conceptual Model to Improve Care for Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias and Their Caregivers: Qualitative Findings in an Online Caregiver Forum. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease.  

  • Ko J, Du Y, Jiwani R & Wang J (in press) Protocol for a Pilot Study on Personalized Behavioral Nutrition among Older Asian Americans. Nursing Research.

  • *Ning HT, Du Y, Zhao LJ, Tian Q, Feng H, Deng HW. Racial and gender differences in the relationship between sarcopenia and bone mineral density among older adults. Osteoporos Int. 2020 Nov 24. doi: 10.1007/s00198-020-05744-y. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 33231702. 
  • Su Z, Meyer K, Li Y, McDonnell D, Joseph NM, Li X, Du Y, Advani S, Cheshmehzangi A, Ahmad J, da Veiga CP, Chung RY, Wang J. Technology-Based Interventions for Nursing Home Residents: Implications for Nursing Home Practice Amid and Beyond the Influence of COVID-19: A Systematic Review Protocol. Res Sq [Preprint]. 2020 Aug 18:rs.3.rs-56102. doi: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-56102/v1. PMID: 32839768; PMCID: PMC7444297. 
  • *Du Y, Dennis B, Rhodes SL, Sia M, Ko J, Jiwani R, Wang J. technology-assisted self-monitoring of lifestyle behaviors and health indicators in diabetes: qualitative study. JMIR Diabetes. 2020 Aug 28;5(3):e21183. doi: 10.2196/21183. PubMed PMID: 32857056; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7486673. 
  • *Du Y, Paiva K, Cebula A, Kim S, Lopez K, Li C, White C, Myneni S, Seshadri S, Wang J. Diabetes-Related Topics in an Online Forum for Caregivers of Individuals Living With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias: Qualitative Inquiry. J Med Internet Res. 2020 Jul 6;22(7):e17851. doi: 10.2196/17851. PubMed PMID: 32628119; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC7381255. 
  • *Jiwani R, Wang J, Berndt A, Ramaswamy P, Mathew Joseph N, Du Y, Ko J, Espinoza S. Changes in Patient-Reported Outcome Measures With a Technology-Supported Behavioral Lifestyle Intervention Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Pilot Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. JMIR Diabetes. 2020 Jul 24;5(3):e19268. doi: 10.2196/19268. PMID: 32706652; PMCID: PMC7414397. 
  • Zhao Y, Feng H, Wu X, Du Y, Yang X, Hu M, Ning H, Liao L, Chen H, Zhao Y. Effectiveness of Exergaming in Improving Cognitive and Physical Function in People With Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia: Systematic Review. JMIR Serious Games. 2020 Jun 30;8(2):e16841. doi: 10.2196/16841. PMID: 32602841; PMCID: PMC7367532. 

  Book Chapter 

  • Du Y, Xu Q, & Zhang, M. (2019). Health disparities among aging migrants. In D. Gu & M. Dupre (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging. Springer, Cham. doi://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-69892-2_626-1 
  • Xu, Q., & Du, Y. (2014). The effects of minority and immigration status on elderly health: A community social capital perspective. In H. F. O. Vakalahi, G. M. Simpson, & N. Giunta (Eds.), The Collective Spirit of Aging Across Cultures. International Perspectives on Aging (Vol. 9, pp. 111-132): Springer.

   

  Presentations 
  Peer Reviewed Podium Presentations 

  • 2022, Du Y, Dennis B, Ramirez V, Li, C, Sharma K, Wang J. Self-monitoring of lifestyles for disease management in overweight diabetic seniors with/without kidney disease. Oral presentation accepted at the Gerontological Society of America 62st Annual Scientific Meeting, November 2-6, 2022, Indianapolis, IN (national) 
  • 2020 Du Y, Venkatachalam T, Rhodes S, Sharma, K, Wang J. (2020). The differences of lifestyle behaviors, glycemic control and diabetes comorbidities between diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetic Mexican Americans. Mexican Americans. Abstract was accepted to present at ACTS. 2020 Annual Meeting, March 17-20, Washington, DC (Canceled due to COVID-19). Attended the virtual meeting on March 15.
  • 2020 Ko J, Du Y, Wu S, Nguyen V, Wang J. (2020). Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and metabolic syndrome risk of Mexican-Americans living on the Texas-Mexico border. Abstract was accepted to present at Society of Behavioral Medicine 2020 Annual Meeting, April 1-4, San Francisco, CA (Canceled due to COVID-19).
  • 2019 Du, Y., Xu, Q., Wang, J. (2019). Health Information’s Impact on Osteoporosis Self-management Behaviors  in Older White and Asian Women. Oral presentation accepted to present at Gerontological Society of American 73th  Annual Scientific Meeting, Austin, TX, November 13– 17, 2019. 
  • 2019 Faruqui, S., Meka, R., Alaeddini, A., Du, Y., Li, C., Shirinka, S., Wang, J. (2019) Dynamic Forecasting of Blood Glucose Level for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Using Mobile-Based Health Lifestyle Data. Oral presentation at the 5th Annual SAMHS and Universities Research Forum, San Antonio, TX, June 13-14, 2019. 

  Peer Reviewed Poster Presentations 

  • 2022, Li S, Du Y, Wang J, Sharma K. Adherence to digital self-monitoring of diet as a mediator of motivation and weight loss: does the type of motivation matter? Poster presentation at ISBNPA annual conference, May 18-21, 2022, Phoenix, AZ (international) 
  • 2022, Zhang T, Yin Z, Ullevig S, Land W, Du Y, Cruz K, Bahwawsi M. Benefits of Qigong Mind-body Exercise On Salivary Biomarkers, Physical And Mental Health In Older Adults. Poster presentation accepted at the 2022 ACSM annual conference (regional)  
  • 2022,  Du Y, Dennis B, Ramirez V, Li, C, Wang J & Meireles C. Experiences and disease self-management in individuals living with chronic kidney disease. Poster presentation at the 5th Annual Cardio Renal Connections Conference, January 27-29, 2022 (Virtual, regional). 
  • 2021, Du Y, Yang, R, Xu, Q, & Xie, B. Factors associated with the use of telehealth in middle-aged and older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America 61st Annual Scientific Meeting, November 10-13, 2021, Phoenix, AZ (Virtual, national). 
  • 2021, Rouse, H, Hueluer, G, Torres, M, Du, Y, Conner, K, Meng, H.  Music engagement and episodic memory among middle-aged and older adults: a national longitudinal analysis. Poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America 61st Annual Scientific Meeting, November 10-13, 2021, Phoenix, AZ (Virtual, national).  
  • 2021, Yang, R, Du, Y, Wang, H, Nie, Z, Ji, C, Jiang, Y. Technology for healthy aging: use of electronic communication among older adults. Poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America 61st Annual Scientific Meeting, November 10-13, 2021, Phoenix, AZ (Virtual, national). 
  • 2021, Du Y, Choi B, Su K, Sharma K, Yin Z, Shen H, Luo Z, Tian Q, Deng HW. Metabolomic profiles associated with physical activity in Black and White men. Poster presentation at the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, October 6th, 2021 (Virtual, national).  
  • 2021,  Du Y, Dennis B, Ramirez V, Siddiqui N, Wang J, Meireles C. Experiences and perceived challenges in individuals living with chronic kidney disease: Qualitative analysis of the National Kidney Foundation's online community. Poster presentation at the Council for the Advancement of Nursing Science, October 6th, 2021 (Virtual, national). 
  • 2019, Du, Y., Xu, Q., Wang, J. (2019). Racial and ethnic differences in physical activity, body composition, and bone mineral density in young adults: Louisiana Osteoporosis Study. Poster presentation accepted to present at Americal Public Health Association Annual Meeting, Austin, TX, November 2– 6, 2019 
  • 2019, Du, Y., Brittney, L., Lopez, K., Li, C., White, C., Seshadri, S., Wang, J. (2019). Developing a Comprehensive Model for Improving Quality of Life in Individuals with ADRD and Their Informal Caregivers: Qualitative Study of AZL Forum Data. Poster presentation accepted for present at the 2019 Connected Health Conference, Boston, MA, October 16-18, 2019 
  • 2019, Du, Y., Ko, J., Wu, S., Rhodes, S., Wang, J. (2019) The Relationship of Cognitive Function with Diabetes Management ​ in Mexican Americans. Poster presentation at the 7th Annual San Antonio Postdocotoral Research Forum, San Antonio, TX, September 19, 2019 
  • 2019, Du, Y., Paiva, K., Cebula, A., Kim, S., Lopez, K., Li, C., White, C., Seshadri, S., Wang, J.  (2019). Diabetes Related Topics in a Connected Online Forum for Caregivers of Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Dementias: A Qualitative Inquiry. Poster presentation at the 5th Annual SAMHS and Universities Research Forum, San Antonio, TX, June 13-14, 2019