John A. Stanford

John A. Stanford is a Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, serving as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education since 2004. He also directs the Kansas IDeA Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE), a multi-institutional initiative enhancing undergraduate research training.

His academic credentials include:

• BA in Psychology, University of Mississippi
• MA in Psychology, University of Kansas
• PhD in Psychology, University of Kansas
• Post Doctoral Fellowship in Neurobiology of Aging, University of Colorado & University of Kentucky

Dr. Stanford employs systems neuroscience and rodent models to investigate motor dysfunction in Parkinson's disease, ALS, neonatal jaundice, and aging. His lab pioneered bulbar deficit studies in ALS rodent models and explores isometric strength training's impact on disease progression. Current projects examine neonatal hyperbilirubinemia's neurological effects and obesity-neurodegeneration links through metabolic challenge studies.

Analysis of his 15 most recent publications (2021-2025) reveals dominant focus on exercise interventions for neurodegenerative diseases, particularly resistance training in ALS and aging models. Key themes include mitochondrial function in brain aging, intrinsic aerobic capacity as a protective factor, and metabolic challenges exacerbating neurodegeneration. His work bridges basic neuroscience with translational applications through innovative rodent exercise paradigms.

Award Recognition:

• Fellow, American Society for Neural Therapy and Repair

As K-INBRE Program Director, Dr. Stanford manages federal grants supporting undergraduate research across 10 institutions. His NIH-funded research examines motor deficits and neuroprotective strategies, with mentorship extending to graduate students and postdocs. His laboratory maintains expertise in operant behavioral methods and neuromuscular physiology.

Current initiatives include developing resistance exercise protocols for preclinical studies and investigating gut-brain axis interactions in obesity-related neurodegeneration, with ongoing work translating rodent findings to human clinical applications.