Cory Dungan

Cory Dungan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health, Human Performance, and Recreation at Baylor University, where he conducts research in exercise physiology and mentors undergraduate and graduate students. He holds a PhD in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences from the University at Buffalo and was previously a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Kentucky’s Center for Muscle Biology and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging.

• PhD in Exercise and Nutrition Sciences – University at Buffalo
• Postdoctoral Fellowship – University of Kentucky, Center for Muscle Biology

Dr. Dungan's research centers on skeletal muscle physiology, focusing on mechanisms regulating muscle mass, insulin sensitivity, and adaptation in aging, cachexia, and obesity. He investigates cellular senescence, myonuclear DNA damage, and insulin resistance, employing cell culture and genetic animal models. A significant aspect of his work explores the exercise-mediated cross-talk between muscle and brain, particularly in mitigating Alzheimer’s disease progression.

His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on mitochondrial function, muscle aging, and inter-organ signaling. Key themes include the role of senolytics in sarcopenia, AMPK/GLUT4 signaling in insulin sensitivity, and myokine-mediated neuroprotection. His work appears in high-impact journals such as Aging Cell and the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia, and Muscle.

Dr. Dungan is deeply committed to mentoring students and fostering academic and cultural diversity. He teaches courses in Exercise Physiology, Research Methods, Skeletal Muscle Physiology, and Exercise Biochemistry. While no specific grants or awards are listed in the provided text, his extensive publication record suggests active research funding and scholarly engagement.

He is affiliated with the Marrs McLean Gymnasium at Baylor University, where his laboratory operates under the mission of advancing understanding of muscle health across the lifespan.