Abraham Kirk

Abraham Kirk is a Professor in the Department of Health and Exercise Science at Transylvania University. His research focuses on skeletal muscle metabolism, alcoholic beverages' effects on glucose metabolism, and exercise-diet interactions in health and disease. He actively involves students in research design, data analysis, and laboratory procedures, resulting in presentations at national conferences such as the Southeast Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Education:

• Ph.D., University of Missouri, 2003
• M.S., University of Arizona, 1997
• B.S., University of Puget Sound, 1994

Teaching emphasizes applying physiological mechanisms to real-world health issues. Courses include Anatomy and Physiology, Advanced Exercise Physiology, and Lifetime Fitness. His work bridges liberal arts education with practical skills via internships and small-class environments.

Awards:

• Bingham Award for Excellence in Teaching

Research highlights include studying red wine's impact on glucose metabolism (collaborating with Bev Harris '12) and investigating phosphate transport in skeletal muscle. His studies span human and animal models, focusing on metabolic pathways and disease prevention.

Lab activities center on metabolic analysis, muscle physiology, and nutritional interventions. Students frequently present findings at professional conferences, reflecting his emphasis on hands-on learning.