Donato Rivas

Donato Rivas, Ph.D., is a Research Associate Professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech (VTC), where he leads research in skeletal muscle health within the Lessard Lab. He holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Science (Muscle Physiology) from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and a BSc in Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology) from California State University, Northridge. His postdoctoral training in Clinical and Translational Aging Research was completed at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.

Dr. Rivas’s research lies at the intersection of human physiology, bioenergetics, and exercise performance, with a focus on skeletal muscle metabolism, aging, epigenetics, and obesity. His work investigates the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in muscle adaptation, particularly in the context of aging and resistance exercise. He has revealed blunted miRNA and gene responses in older adults and is currently exploring circulating exosomal miRNAs as biomarkers for muscle repair and regeneration following injury. His research has significant implications for treating sarcopenia and anabolic resistance.

His recent publications span high-impact journals such as Nature Aging, American Journal of Physiology, and FASEB Journal, covering topics including cellular senescence, anabolic resistance, miRNA regulation, and exercise interventions in aging. Key themes in his work include the molecular mechanisms of muscle plasticity, nutrient-exercise interactions, and circadian regulation of metabolism.

Dr. Rivas has received prestigious awards, including:

• MARC Pre-doctoral Research Fellowship (NIGMS)
• Diversity Supplement and Research Career Development Fellowship (NIA)
• K01 Mentored Research Scientist Career Development Award (NIH)

He has collaborated extensively with researchers at Tufts University, USDA, and Virginia Tech. He has advised and mentored numerous researchers and is actively involved in grants related to aging, muscle health, and exercise science. His laboratory investigates molecular signaling in muscle, focusing on miRNA dynamics and metabolic responses to interventions.