Rate My Professor Yiping Han

Her laboratory investigates the mechanisms by which oral bacteria, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, contribute to extra-oral infections and inflammation, including preterm birth, stillbirth, neonatal sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and appendicitis. Key findings include the identification of the adhesin FadA as a virulence factor and potential diagnostic/therapeutic target. Notable publications include “Fusobacterium nucleatum promotes colorectal carcinogenesis by modulating E-cadherin/β-catenin signaling via its FadA adhesin” (Cell Host & Microbe, 2013), “Fusobacterium nucleatum: a commensal-turned pathogen” (Current Opinion in Microbiology, 2015), “Circulating IgA antibodies against Fusobacterium nucleatum adhesin FadA are a potential biomarker for colorectal neoplasia” (Cancer Research Communications, 2022), and “Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity” (EMBO Reports, 2021). Han has secured multiple NIH R01 grants, including “Investigation of FadA adhesin from Fusobacterium nucleatum” (2020-2025) and “Microbial and host biomarkers in colorectal cancer oncogenesis” (2025-2030). She is an inventor on multiple issued patents and has lectured broadly. Awards include the 2025 Fellowship of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2022 Fellowship of the American Academy of Microbiology, and NIH Independent Scientist Award (2006-2011). Han serves as President of the Anaerobe Society of the Americas, President of Columbia University Asian Faculty Association, and Editor of mBio.