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 Duke Appointments & Affiliations
Professor of Medicine
·
2025 - 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
Member in the Duke Clinical Research Institute
·
2026 - Present
Duke Clinical Research Institute,
Institutes and Centers
Recent Scholarly Works
The long non-coding RNA landscape of endurance exercise training.
Journal article Mol Metab · June 2026 Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate multiple cellular processes. However, knowledge of the responses and regulatory functions of lncRNAs in physical exercise and training remains limited. As part of the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consor ... Full text Link to item CiteA Lasting Legacy: Long-Term Effects of Exercise Training on Cardiometabolic Health in the STRRIDE-Prediabetes Reunion Study.
Preprint · May 28, 2026 BACKGROUND: Regular exercise is a highly effective yet underutilized strategy to reduce cardiometabolic disease burden. Whether brief structured exercise programs confer lasting cardiometabolic benefits remains unclear. The STRRIDE-Prediabetes Reunion stud ... Full text Link to item CiteRYR1+ skeletal muscle-derived extracellular vesicles are exercise responsive and associated with insulin action.
Journal article J Transl Med · May 26, 2026 BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle is a central regulator of insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. The ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1) is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and plays a key role in myogenic differentiation. We hypothesize that RYR1+ extracellu ... Full text Link to item CiteRecent Grants
Investigating Senolytic Properties in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Metformin in COPD Exacerbations (INSPIRE-COPD-E).
ResearchAdvisor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2030The Effect of Exercise on T Cell Aging in Rheumatoid Arthritis
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2024 - 2029Duke/UNC ADAR Program
Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029View All Grants
Education
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine ·
2000
M.D.
Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine ·
1998
Ph.D.