Program Overview

PhD in Bioenergetics and Exercise Science

The PhD program in Bioenergetics and Exercise Science is housed in the Department of Kinesiology within the College of Health and Human Performance and is offered in conjunction with the Department of Physiology in the Brody School of Medicine. Faculty and students in this program have also worked with the Departments of Engineering and Physical Therapy, and the ROTC programs. This doctoral program has consistently been ranked by the National Academy of Kinesiology, based upon program faculty indices of productivity, funding, and visibility as well as student indices of graduate assistant support, student quality, research productivity, and employment.

Program Overview

Students have the opportunity to utilize laboratory and research facilities of all participating disciplines. Bioenergetics and Exercise Science graduates address research questions at the level of the whole body to the gene using a variety of approaches and are trained for employment in post-doctoral fellowships, academic and research institutions industry, government, and health care settings.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy in Bioenergetics and Exercise Science a student must present the following:

• A grade point average of 2.7 or greater on a 4.0 scale on all undergraduate work or a grade point average of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale in either the undergraduate major work or work taken during the senior year.
• A Statement of Purpose describing the applicant's career goals, potential faculty mentor, and research interests which are consistent with the educational opportunities offered in the Bioenergetics and Exercise Science program.
• Two letters of reference from persons who can attest to the applicant's academic competence and potential for doctoral-level work.
• For students whose first language is not English, a minimum acceptable score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).

Program Requirements

• Students can focus in 1 of 3 concentration areas:
  • Biomechanics and Motor Control Concentration
  • Cellular and Molecular Bioenergetics Concentration
  • Exercise Physiology and Behavioral Science Concentration

Delivery Methods

This program is only offered in an on-campus, Face to Face format.

Faculty Mentors

Selecting the appropriate faculty mentor is critical for doctoral students. Faculty mentors in the Bioenergetics and Exercise Science program include:

• Biomechanics and Motor Control Concentration:
  • Faculty mentors: Elizabeth Bjonsen, Zac Domire, Tony Kulas, Nick Murray
• Cellular and Molecular Bioenergetics Concentration:
  • Faculty mentors: Nick Broskey, Ron Cortright, Joe Houmard, Hu Huang
• Exercise Physiology and Behavioral Science Concentration:
  • Faculty mentors: Bhibha Das, Katrina DuBose, Christine Habeeb, Linda May, Joe Stock

Our Graduates

Dissertation topics of past doctoral students have focused on a wide variety of topics, such as:

• Examining the relationships between shoulder and elbow soft-tissue properties, throwing mechanics and range of motion in adult baseball pitchers
• Effect of Metformin treatment in gestational diabetes mellitus on infant mesenchymal stem cell metabolism
• Effects of maternal exercise modes on infant mesenchymal stem cell substrate metabolism and infant adiposity
• Identifying the role of FGF receptor 1 in AgRP neurons to regulate energy and glucose homeostasis
• Interleukin-6 in response to high intensity and moderate intensity exercise training in African American individuals
• Long-lasting effect of MTBI on oculomotor ability and neuromuscular control
• Effect of exercise mode during pregnancy on maternal, placental, and cord inflammatory markers
• Central α-klotho is a novel regular of arcuate neurons and peripheral metabolism

Institutional and Professional Licensure Disclosures

ECU degree programs satisfy the professional licensure and/or certification requirements in North Carolina and prepare students to sit for these exams. However, requirements in other states may be different. If you are considering a degree program that may lead to a professional license and/or certification, please note that at this time ECU may or may not be able to advise whether a program meets requirements outside of North Carolina. Prior to enrolling in a degree program, please discuss this important topic with your program of interest.