Dona J. McCanlies

Dona J. McCanlies, PhD, is a Professor in the Oral Biology Department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Dentistry. Her work bridges exercise physiology with dental sciences, focusing on muscle physiology and skeletal muscle responses to stimuli. She holds a BS in Physical Education/Biology from Portland State University, an MPE in Exercise Science, and a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Her teaching portfolio includes leading courses such as General/Oral Histology (ORBI 319), Human Physiology (ORBI 518), and Special Topics in Oral Biology (ORBI 317), alongside advanced graduate courses in biomedical sciences. Her research has involved collaborations with industry partners like General Nutrition Corporation, investigating ergogenic aids and training adaptations.

Key grants include co-investigator roles on studies evaluating TMB-E’s effects on endurance and leucine/whey protein supplementation in resistance training, totaling over $180,000 in funding. McCanlies’ interdisciplinary work integrates exercise physiology principles into oral biology contexts, reflecting her academic and professional expertise.