Dr. Frank Booth’s research is focused on skeletal muscle, its plasticity, and the molecular and cellular responses to activity/inactivity. He is currently evaluating the factors responsible for the failure of old skeletal muscle to regrow after ending limb immobilization when young skeletal muscle is completely successful in regrowth from limb immobilization. To this end, the mechanisms regulating satellite cell proliferation are being determined. Another area of current research is the discovery of genes responsive to activity/inactivity being determined by genomics and proteomics techniques. Experiments are ongoing to block signaling pathways in successful regrowth and to activate pathways in failed regrowth to determine which pathways are necessary for successful regrowth. In addition, Dr. Booth’s lab is undertaking experiments on inactivity-induced insulin resistance. Thus, Dr. Booth has a wide area of research pursuits available for our trainees.

Dr. Chris Fulcher primary research interest includes using emerging information technologies to evaluate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of group decision making at the state, regional and community level. Current research focuses on incorporating tacit and explicit knowledge into decision support systems that help private landowners, citizen groups and government agencies make better management decisions. Fulcher has published articles in Agricultural and Resource Economics Review, the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation and Water Science and Technology. He co-authored a book chapter and has made numerous presentations at national and international conferences including the Annual Environmental Systems Research Institute User Conference, the International Workshop on Advanced Multimedia Communication Network in Asia-Pacific Area, and the Rural Development Corporation, Ansan City, Kyonggi-do, Korea. Fulcher is a member of the International Society for Ecological Economics and the Soil and Water Conservation Society.

Dr. Marian Minor’s research studies the role of exercise and physical activity in managing disease, reducing disability, and promoting health in patients with rheumatic conditions. The scope of enquiry encompasses both applied (clinical) research and community-based investigations in rehabilitation science. Research questions include not only issues of impairment, functional limitation and disability; but also other relevant factors ranging from measurement and assessment methods to behavioral variables and mechanisms of physiologic adaptation. Building upon clinical studies establishing the efficacy of exercise in this population, the scope of enquiry has expanded to include community-based studies to investigate the effectiveness of exercise in non-clinical settings and educational strategies to promote self-directed exercise adoption and maintenance in adults with various forms of arthritis. Arthritis is the major cause of disability in the United States today. Physical inactivity is a major contributor to arthritis-related disability and to the cost of health care in people with arthritis. Dr. Minor’s work provides trainees with evidence that shows how effective clinical and community-based interventions may increase physical activity and decrease disability in this population.