Young H. Ju

Young H. Ju is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist in the Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He holds a Ph.D. in Crop Sciences from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1997) and has been active in academia since 2011. His research focuses on functional foods' impact on chronic diseases, integrative health practices like qigong, and public health education. He received the 2020 Program Excellence Award from Virginia Cooperative Extension.

• Education: Ph.D. Crop Sciences (UIUC, 1997), M.S. Horticulture (UIUC, 1992), B.S. Horticulture (Korea University, 1987)
• Research Programs: Leads the 'Get the Facts Webinar Series' for extension agents, develops chronic disease competency tests, and studies qigong's effects on elderly stress.
• Community Engagement: Teaches qigong/tai chi classes locally and conducts projects like 'Effects of Qigong on Stress in Elderly Populations.'

His publications emphasize evidence-based nutrition guidance (e.g., aspartame risks, skin cancer prevention) and cancer education for diverse audiences.