Overview
Determining the role of physical activity in modulating health outcomes (cardiovascular disease risk) in persons with rheumatologic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis)
Integrating clinical rheumatology, basic immunology, metabolism, and exercise science in order to reduce morbidity in individuals with arthritis
Evaluating relationships between circulating and intra-muscular metabolic intermediates and insulin resistance in sedentary as well as individuals engaging in regular exercise
Addressing the role of physical activity in modulating inflammation, metabolism, and functional health in aging populations
Integrating clinical rheumatology, basic immunology, metabolism, and exercise science in order to reduce morbidity in individuals with arthritis
Evaluating relationships between circulating and intra-muscular metabolic intermediates and insulin resistance in sedentary as well as individuals engaging in regular exercise
Addressing the role of physical activity in modulating inflammation, metabolism, and functional health in aging populations
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Medicine
·
2018 - Present
Medicine, Rheumatology and Immunology,
Medicine
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute
·
2013 - Present
Duke Molecular Physiology Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center
·
2021 - Present
Duke Regeneration Center,
Basic Science Departments
Recent Publications
Differential response of tissue engineered skeletal muscle from rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls.
Journal Article Commun Biol · April 9, 2025 Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting articular joints and skeletal muscle. To assess the role of cytokines upon muscle strength in RA, we developed an in vitro tissue-engineered human skeletal muscle model (myobundle). Myob ... Full text Link to item CiteEffects of Blueberry Consumption on Fecal Microbiome Composition and Circulating Metabolites, Lipids, and Lipoproteins in a Randomized Controlled Trial of Older Adults with Overweight or Obesity: The BEACTIVE Trial.
Journal Article Nutrients · March 29, 2025 Background/Objectives: Generous consumption of phytonutrient-rich foods, including blueberries, provides benefits to multiple physiologic and metabolic systems. This study explored the potential that regular, generous blueberry intake could favorably modul ... Full text Link to item CiteThe CALERIE Genomic Data Resource.
Journal Article Nat Aging · February 2025 Caloric restriction (CR) slows biological aging and prolongs healthy lifespan in model organisms. Findings from the CALERIE randomized, controlled trial of long-term CR in healthy, nonobese humans broadly supports a similar pattern of effects in humans. To ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
The Effect of Exercise on T Cell Aging in Rheumatoid Arthritis
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Duke/UNC ADAR Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029Using Bioengineered Human Muscle to Develop Treatments for Juvenile Dermatomyositis
ResearchCollaborator · Awarded by Hartwell Foundation · 2025 - 2028View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine ·
2000
M.D.
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine ·
1998
Ph.D.