Janos Zempleni PhD

Dr. Zempleni is the director of the Nebraska Center for the Prevention of Obesity Diseases at UNL. His research focuses on the roles of dietary nanoparticles and their various RNA cargos in foods, and the roles of these compounds in gene regulation and human health. Members of the Zempleni team use various models in their research, including cell cultures, animals and human subjects. Lab members use cell biology and molecular biology protocols in their research. The laboratory is funded by various federal agencies and foundations. Dr. Zempleni has an exemplary mentoring record. Since 2001, he has mentored 90 trainees, specifically 13 postdoctoral students, 12 doctoral students, 20 master’s students, 40 undergraduate students, two high school students, and three visiting scientists. The majority of these students were women (65) and a considerable number were minorities (five Hispanic, two African American). Students in the Zempleni laboratory have been recognized with more than 80 awards, including ten research awards at the national level. Every student who has graduated from the Zempleni laboratory has secured employment in academia or industry, including professorships and leadership positions in biotechnology companies.