Ya-Ke “Grace” Wu, PhD, RN

Dr. Wu is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). Dr. Wu received her PhD from the UNC School of Nursing in 2018 and completed comprehensive training in eating disorders at the UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders and interventions development at the UNC School of Nursing’s T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship. She was also selected and completed the Summer Genetics Institute at the National Institute of Nursing Research and Institute for Behavioral Genetics at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Dr. Wu earned her BSN at Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology and her MSN at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. Prior to pursuing her PhD degree, Dr. Wu worked as a registered nurse for twelve years and a lecturer in evidence-based practice for seven years in Taiwan.

Dr. Grace Wu is a distinguished scientist whose groundbreaking research in biobehavioral sciences and community research has significantly advanced our understanding of various health conditions. With a multidisciplinary approach and a strong focus on community, biobehavioral, and hormonal factors, Dr. Wu has made remarkable contributions to the fields of obesity, disordered eating behaviors, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health.

At the UNC School of Nursing, Dr. Wu served as the Principal Investigator for the Research, Education, and Quality Improvement Pilot Grant, where she spearheaded the Carolina Blue Project. This project aimed to investigate the relationship between disinhibited eating, work-related stressors, psychosocial distress, and cardiovascular disease risk factors among the North Carolina police force. Dr. Wu has built a strong relationship with North Carolina law enforcement communities to promote the health and well-being of law enforcement officers. Dr. Wu’s meticulous study design and innovative methodologies shed light on the complex interplay between stress, eating behaviors, and cardiovascular health.

Dr. Wu’s expertise in genetics and eating disorders is evident in her involvement as the Principal Investigator for the International Society of Nurses in Genetics and the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse projects. In these initiatives, she aimed to establish a small Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) site in Taiwan, focusing on identifying the genetic structures underlying eating disorders in Asians. By collecting and analyzing phenotypes and genotypes associated with eating disorders among Taiwanese individuals, Dr. Wu aimed to ensure global inclusion and advance personalized treatment approaches.

Recognized for her outstanding research endeavors, Dr. Wu received the UNC Junior Faculty Development Award from the UNC Provost Office. With this grant, she conducted a project investigating the gene expression of metabolic hormones in disordered eating after bariatric surgery. By examining the changes in gene expression of hormones such as leptin, insulin, and ghrelin, Dr. Wu aimed to unravel the underlying mechanisms contributing to binge eating and loss of control eating following bariatric surgery.

Dr. Wu’s collaborative efforts have also extended to her work as a collaborator in the R21 MH121726-02 project funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. This project focused on exploring the impact of ovarian hormones on reward response and binge eating in bulimia nervosa. Dr. Wu’s expertise in hormonal phenotypes and her involvement in this longitudinal, experimental design demonstrated her commitment to unraveling the complexities of eating disorders.

Throughout her career, Dr. Wu has also been a recipient of prestigious fellowships and awards. As a postdoctoral fellow in the T32 NR007091 program funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research, she explored interventions for preventing and managing chronic illnesses. Additionally, her postdoctoral fellowship in the K01 MH106675 project, sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health, focused on identifying metabolic biomarkers of weight change in anorexia nervosa. Through the examination of gene expression changes and their associations with psychological and cognitive factors, Dr. Wu aimed to improve the understanding and treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Dr. Grace Wu’s research has yielded impactful findings, which she has shared through numerous peer-reviewed publications. Her studies have addressed critical topics such as weight stigma, genetic influences on eating disorders, hormonal associations with mental health, and the impact of stress on eating behaviors. Notable publications include her work on stress and appetite hormones in females with anorexia nervosa, weight stigma and hair cortisol analysis in Asian Americans with overweight and obesity, and the impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes.

Dr. Grace Wu’s unwavering dedication to scientific inquiry and her outstanding contributions to the fields of biobehavioral and community research has solidified her position as a leading researcher in her areas of expertise. Her work has not only expanded our knowledge but also paved the way for the development of innovative interventions and personalized treatment approaches for individuals with obesity, disordered eating, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health conditions.

Publications:

MacDermod, C.M., Pettie, M.A., Carrino, E.A., Cruz Garcia, S., Padalecki, S., Finch, J.E., Sanzari, C., Kennedy, H.L., Pawar, P.S., Mcgough, M.M., Iwashita, A., Takgbajouah, M., Coan, D., Szakasits, L., Goode, R., Wu, Y.-K., Reyes-Rodríguez, M.L., Trujillo Chi Vacuán, E., Kennedy, M.A., Cleland, L. Jordan, J., Maguire, S., Guintivano, J.D., Giusti- Rodríguez, P., Baker, J.E., Thornton, L.M., Bulik, C.M. (2022). Recommendations to encourage participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds in psychiatric genetic studies. The American Journal of Medical Genetics. 189(5),163-173. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.b.32906

Huckins, L. M., Signer, R., Wu, Y.K., Mitchell, K.S., Johnson, J. S., Bulik, C. M. (2022). What next for eating disorder genetics? Replacing myths with facts to sharpen our understanding. Molecular Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41380-022-01601-y

Wu, Y. K., Brownleyb, K. A., Bulik, C. M., Baker, J. H. (2021). Associations of stress and appetite hormones with binge eating in females with anorexia nervosa after weight restoration: A longitudinal study. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 11, 1020. doi: org/10.3390/jpm11101020

Wu, Y.K., Zimmer, C., Munn-Chernoff, M. & Baker, J. (2020). Association between body dissatisfaction and food addiction among college students: The mediating role of eating expectancies. Eating Behaviors, 39, 101441. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101441

Wu, Y.K., Berry, D.C., & Schwartz, T. (2020). Weight stigmatization and binge eating in Asian Americans with overweight and obesity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(12), 4319. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17124319

Uri, R. C., Wu, Y.K., Baker, J., & Munn-Chernoff, M. (2020). Eating disorder symptoms in Asian American college students. Eating Behaviors, 40, 101458. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2020.101458

Fung, X. C.C., Pakpour, A. H., Wu, Y.K., Chung-Ying Lin, C. Y. (2019). Psychosocial variables related to weight–related self–stigma in physical activity among young adults across weight status. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(1), 64-75. doi:10.3390/ijerph17010064

Baker, J., Eisenlohr-Moul, T., Wu, Y.K., Schiller, C., Bulik, C., & Girdler, S. S. (2019). Ovarian hormones influence eating disorder symptom variability during the menopause transition: A pilot study. Eating Behaviors, 35, 101337. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2019.101337

Wu, Y.K., Berry, D.C., & Schwartz, T. (2019). Weight stigma and acculturation in relation to hair cortisol among Asian Americans with overweight and obesity: A cross-sectional study. Health Psychology Open, 6(1), 1-13. doi:10.1177/20551029198292

Wu, Y.K., & Berry, D.C. (2017). Impact of weight stigma on physiological and psychological health outcomes for overweight and obese adults: A systematic review. Journal of Advanced Nursing,74(5), 1030-1042. doi: 10.1111/jan.13511

Wu, Y. K., & Chu, N. F. (2015). Introduction of the transtheoretical model and organizational development theory in weight management: A narrative review. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, 9(3), 203-213. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2014.12.003 

Wu, Y. K., Chu, N.F., Huang, Y.H., Syu, J.T., Chang, J.B. (2015). BMI, body fat mass and plasma leptin level in relation to cardiovascular diseases risk factors among adolescents in Taitung. Obesity Research and Clinical Practice, 10(4), 432-441. doi: 10.1016/j.orcp.2015. 08.009

Wu, Y. K., & Liu, Y. (2015). Weight-related stigmatization and binge eating among overweight adults in southern Taiwan. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition,24(1),118-127. doi: 10.6133/apjcn. 2015. 24.1.05

Wu, Y. K., Lin, C.C. (2011). Lifestyle changes: Effects on an obese patient. The Journal of Nursing, 58(4), 99-105.

Wu, Y. K., Tsai, F.M., & Lin, C.C. (2011). Effectiveness of the self-regulation protocol on physical and psychosocial functions in patients with chronic illness: A systematic review. Journal of Nursing and Healthcare Research, 7(1), 26-34. doi:10.6225/JNHR.7.1.26

Presentations:

International

Wu, Y. K., Watson, H.J., Hardin S. L., Finch, J., Le, H., Luna-Reyes, K., Baker, J. H., (June 2023). Peripheral Biomarkers in Anorexia Nervosa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Oral presentation at the International Conference on Eating Disorders. Washington, DC.

Wu, Y. K., Huang, J. Y., Thornton, L. M., Dumain, A. S., Bowman, M., Bulik, C. M., (March 2023).  Eating disorders genetics in Asia: A pilot study in Taiwan. Poster presentation at the International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses Conference. Redondo Beach, CA.

Wu, Y. K., Watson, H.J., Hardin S. L., Le, H., Luna-Reyes, K., Baker, J. H., (September 2022). Sex and growth-related biomarkers in bulimia nervosa: A meta-analysis. Poster presentation at the Eating Disorders Research Society Conference. Philadelphia, PA.

Wu, Y. K. (June 2022). The Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) in Taiwan: A pilot study. Oral presentation at The Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Cross-Population Work Group Virtual Meeting, International.

Bowman, M., Watson, H.J., Hardin S. L., Le, H., Luna-Reyes, K., Baker, J. H., Wu, Y. K. (June 2022). Metabolic-related biomarkers in bulimia nervosa: A meta-analysis. Award for the top-scoring poster presentation at the Virtual International Conference on Eating Disorders (ICED).

Wu, Y. K., Watson, H.J., Hardin S. L., Le, H., Luna-Reyes, K., Baker, J. H., (September 2021). Thyroid-related biomarkers in anorexia nervosa: A meta-analysis. Electronic poster with a live video conference presentation at the Virtual Eating Disorders Research Society Conference.

Wu, Y. K., Watson, H.J., Hardin S. L., Le, H., Luna-Reyes, K., Baker, J. H., (June 2021). Stress and brain-specific biomarkers in anorexia nervosa: A meta-analysis. Electronic poster with a live video conference presentation at the Virtual International Conference on Eating Disorders.

Wu, Y. K., Watson, H.J., Hardin S. L., Le, H., Luna-Reyes, K., Baker, J. H., (November 2020). Human peripheral biomarkers in binge-eating disorder with obesity: A meta-analysis. Electronic poster presentation with a voice recording at the Virtual 38th The Obesity Society Annual Scientific Meeting.

Baker, J. H., Wu, Y. K., Blake, L., Brownley, K., Guerra, R., Thornton, L., Bulik, C. (June 2020). Weight change post-hospitalization for anorexia nervosa: Including biomarkers in predictive models. Electronic poster presentation at the Virtual International Conference on Eating Disorders.

Wu, Y. K., Brownley, K. A., Bulik, C. M., & Baker, J. H. (May 2020). Stress and appetite hormones in predicting binge eating in anorexia nervosa: A longitudinal study. Electronic poster presentation at Virtual Society of Biological Psychiatry Conference.

Wu, Y. K., Zimmer, C., Munn-Chernoff, M. A., & Baker, J. H. (September 2019). Body dissatisfaction and food addiction among college students: mediating role of eating expectancies. Poster presented at Eating Disorders Research Society Conference, Chicago, Illinois.

Wu, Y. K., Baker, J. H., & Berry, D.C., (March 2019). Weight stigma, binge eating, and acculturation among Asian Americans with overweight and obesity. Poster presented at the International Conference on Eating Disorders, New York, NY.

Wu, Y. K., & Berry, D. C. (July 2016). Weight stigma in relation to hair cortisol and binge eating in obese Asian- Americans. Poster presented at Sigma Theta Tau International’s 27th International Nursing Research Congress, Cape Town, South Africa.

Wu, Y. K., & Estrem, H. (May 2016). An unexpected journey: Managing care for young children with feeding problems. Poster presentation at the 2016 International Conference on Infant Studies, New Orleans, LA.

Wu, Y. K., & Liu, Y. (May 2013) Explore weight stigmatizing experience level in overweight adults in southern Taiwan. Poster presented at the 25th Quadrennial Congress of the International Council of Nursing (ICN), Melbourne, Australia.

Wu, Y. K., & Liu, Y. (April 2013) Explore the level of binge eating and related factors among overweight adults in southern Taiwan. Poster presented at Sigma Theta Tau International’s 24th International Nursing Research Congress Prague, Czech Republic.

Wu, Y. K., Tsai, C.E., & Tai, H.P. (2010, December). Evaluation of the prevention of peripheral intravenous therapy-related phlebitis with liver cirrhosis patients at a medical center. Poster presented at International Conference on Ethics and Professionalism, Selangor, Malaysia.

National

Uri, R. C., Wu, Y. K., Baker, J. H., Munn-Chernoff, M. A. (March 2019). Prevalence of disordered eating characteristics in Asian college students. Oral presentation At the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Washington, DC.

Caughey, M.C., Cho, J.S., Wu, Y. K., Nix, B.W., & Yeo, S. (March 2018). Feasibility of stretching exercise for prevention of late-onset preeclampsia: A pilot trial. Poster presented at the EPI/Lifestyle 2018 Scientific Sessions, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Wu, Y. K., Berry, D. C., Schwartz, T., Leeman, J., Hodges, E., & Richman, L. (February 2018). Weight stigma in relation to hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, binge eating, and acculturation among overweight and obese Asian-Americans. Oral present at 21st Annual American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences Conference, Las Vegas, NV.

Wu, Y. K., & Yeo, S. (April 2016). Use of online chat room for a hybrid format research course in nursing graduate program. Poster presented at the STTI/NLN Nursing Education Research Conference, Washington, DC

Wu, Y. K., & Chu, N.F. (February 2016). BMI, Body Fat Mass and Plasma Leptin Level in Adolescents: Relationship with Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors. Poster presented at the 30th Annual Conference of the Southern Nursing Research Society, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Wu, Y. K., & Berry, D. C. (February 2015). The impact of weight-related stigmatization on physiological and psychological health outcomes for overweight and obese individuals. Poster presented at the 29th Annual Conference of the Southern Nursing Research Society, Tampa, FL.

Regional

Wu, Y. K. (April 2023). Disinhibited eating and cardiovascular diseases in stressed police force: The Carolina Blue Project. The UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Wu, Y. K. (April 2022). Grand Rounds: Eating disorders genetics in Asia: A pilot study in Taiwan. The UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Wu, Y. K. (April 2021). Grand Rounds: Understanding food addiction and body dissatisfaction in college students. The UNC Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Chasteen, K & Wu, Y. K. (January 2021). Interventions for anorexia nervosa among college students: A review. Poster presented at the North Carolina Association for Nursing Students Virtual Poster Symposium.

The Research, Education, and Quality Improvement Pilot Grant, UNC School of Nursing (PI: Ya-Ke Wu)
Disinhibited Eating and Cardiovascular Diseases in Stressed Police Force: The Carolina Blue Project.
This project aims to investigate the frequency and severity of disinhibited eating (i.e., the tendency to overeat in response to stress) and its association with work-related stressors, psychosocial distress, and cardiovascular disease risk factors in North Carolina police force.

International Society of Nurses in Genetics (PI: Ya-Ke Wu)
International Society of Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse (PI: Ya-Ke Wu)
Exploring Genetics in Eating Disorders: Ensuring Global Inclusion in Taiwan
The purpose of this project is to establish a small Eating Disorders Genetics Initiative (EDGI) site in Taiwan to identify the genetic structure underlying eating disorders in Asians by collecting, genotyping, and analyzing phenotypes and genotypes associated with eating disorders among Taiwanese.

UNC Junior Faculty Development Award, UNC Provost Office (PI: Ya-Ke Wu)
Gene Expression of Metabolic Hormones in Disordered Eating After Bariatric Surgery
The purpose of this project is to investigate the changes in gene expression of metabolic hormones, including leptin, insulin, ghrelin, GLP-1, GIP, and nesfatinand, from pre- to post-bariatric surgery, and their associations with the pathogenesis of binge eating and loss of control eating after bariatric surgery.

R21 MH121726-02 (PI: Jessica Baker. Collaborator: Ya-Ke Wu)
National Institute of Mental Health
Ovarian Hormones, Reward Response, and Binge Eating in Bulimia Nervosa: An Experimental Design
The purpose of this project is to explore if bulimia nervosa represents a hormone sensitive phenotype and if this sensitivity is displayed as an impaired reward response (i.e., reward-related inhibitory control deficits, heightened reward sensitivity, impaired delay discounting) in the context of low estradiol. A 3-month longitudinal, within-person experimental design to directly manipulate ovarian hormones in females with bulimia nervosa (N = 10): temporarily inducing hypogonadism using a GnRH agonist and then addback estradiol and progesterone independently in a double-blind cross-over manner.

T32 NR007091 (MPI: Sheila Judge Santacroce/Jennifer Leeman. Postdoc Fellow: Ya-Ke Wu)
National Institute of Nursing Research
Interventions for Preventing and Managing Chronic Illness Training Program
This program was designed to prepare qualified individuals for scientific careers that have a significant impact on the health-related research needs of the nation. The program focuses on abbreviating the time taken for research to enter into practice by emphasizing the development of interventions that are designed with practice in mind, as well as focused study on dissemination and implementation science.

K01 MH106675 (PI: Jessica Baker. Postdoc Fellow: Ya-Ke Wu)
National Institute of Mental Health
Biomarkers of Weight Change in Anorexia Nervosa
The primary goal of this longitudinal project was to identify biomarkers of relapse after inpatient treatment for anorexia nervosa. The project was designed to 1) examine gene expression change during therapeutic weight restoration using RNAseq, 2) examine the association between biomarkers (gene expression change and HPA-axis and adrenergic pathway activation) and psychological, behavioral, and cognitive factors and weight change at 3-time points within 1-year of discharge from treatment from a specialized eating disorder inpatient unit.

• Biobehavioral Research
• Community Research
• Bio-Psycho-Social Model
• Stress and Brain’s Reward System
• Stress, Appetite, and Metabolic Hormones Analysis
• Hair Cortisol Analysis
• Cardiovascular Biomarkers
• Gene expression
• Obesity
• Binge Eating
• Loss of Control Eating
• Emotional Eating
• Food Addiction
• Eating Disorders
• Bariatric Surgery
• Weight Stigma
• Body Dissatisfaction/Body Image
• Racism and Minority Health
• Quantitative Data Analysis