Education

Ph.D. - University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC

M.Sc. - Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI

B.S. - Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI

Biography

I have cultivated an academic and professional career that embodies my passion for education, research, and leadership. I earned my Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences with a specialization in neuroscience from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where my dissertation investigated the central and peripheral effects of aging on the orexin system. Prior to that, I completed a Master of Science in Biology at Grand Valley State University, focusing on cyanobacterial species, their toxins, and their impacts on environmental and human health. My academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, graduating cum laude as a proud member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

My teaching career, which began during my doctoral studies, spans over a decade and includes the privilege of educating both undergraduate and graduate students. I have participated in several faculty learning communities designed to enhance student outcomes, particularly in asynchronous and high-challenge STEM courses. My current efforts focus on improving student success in demanding neuroscience curricula across five distinct programs: Biomedical Sciences, Physical Therapy, Nurse Anesthesia, Physician Assistant Ph.D. programs, and the M.D. program.

I have taken on roles as a course coordinator and curriculum designer, where I strive to create vibrant, engaging, and equitable learning environments that elevate educational practices in the health sciences. My dedication to innovation and excellence in teaching has consistently earned positive feedback from students, reflecting my lifelong commitment to fostering student achievement and academic growth. Through my work, I aim to inspire future health professionals while contributing to the advancement of neuroscience education.

Publications

• Janel M Hagar; Biology 102 Laboratory Manual, First Edition; Kendall Hunt 2019. Second Edition 2022.
• Janel M. Hagar, Victoria Macht, Steve. P. Wilson, and Jim R. Fadel; Upregulation of orexin/hypocretin expression in aged rats: effects on feeding latency and neurotransmission in the insular cortex; 2017; Neuroscience 350: 124–32.
• Gerardo G Piroli, Leah R Reznikov, Claudia A Grillo, Janel M Hagar, Jim R Fadel, and Larry Reagan; Tianeptine modulates amygdalar glutamate neurochemistry and synaptic proteins in rats subjected to repeated stress; 2013; Experimental Neurology 241:184-93
• Liqiang Xie, Janel Hagar, Richard R. Rediske, James O'Keefe, Julianne Dyble, Ying Hong, and Alan D. Steinman; The influence of environmental conditions and hydrologic connectivity on cyanobacteria assemblages in two drowned river mouth lakes; 2012; Journal of Great Lakes Research 37:470-479.
• Society for Neuroscience 2013; Orexin/hypocretin stimulates glutamate and acetylcholine release and inhibition of parvalbumin neurons in the male rat insular cortex following chronic food restriction and is impaired in aging; Janel M. Hagar, Victoria Macht, Steve. P. Wilson, and Jim R. Fadel
• Society for Neuroscience 2012; Orexin is necessary for increased glutamate release in the insular cortex following chronic food restriction in young rats; Janel M. Hagar, Victoria Macht, Steve. P. Wilson, and Jim R. Fadel
• Southeast Neuroscience Conference 2011; The role age-related changes to the orexin/hypocretin system may play in anorexia of aging; Janel M. Hagar, Joshay A. Ford, and Jim R. Fadel.
• 7th Annual Aging Research Day 2011; The role age-related changes to the orexin/hypocretin system may play in anorexia of aging; Janel M. Hagar, Joshay A. Ford, and Jim R. Fadel.
• 10th Annual Geriatric Symposium for Primary Care Providers 2011; The role age-related changes to the orexin/hypocretin system may play in anorexia of aging; Janel M. Hagar, Joshay A. Ford, and Jim R. Fadel.
• Society for Neuroscience 2010; Activation of orexin/hypocretin projections to insular cortex and ventral tegmental area by food deprivation in rats; Janel M. Hagar, Joshay A. Ford, and Jim R. Fadel.
• Society for Neuroscience 2009; Activation of orexin/hypocretin projections to insular cortex by food deprivation in rats; Janel M. Hagar, Joshay A. Ford, and Jim R. Fadel.