John P. Thyfault

Dr. John Thyfault is a Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center School of Medicine, specializing in Cell Biology and Physiology, as well as Endocrinology. He serves as Director of the KU Diabetes Institute, Scientific Director of Basic Research at Children's Mercy Hospital Center for Healthy Lifestyle and Nutrition, and Research Scientist at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. His work focuses on metabolic disease prevention through physical activity and aerobic fitness, with particular emphasis on obesity, insulin resistance, fatty liver disease, and neurocognitive decline in aging populations.

• Education: BS, MS from Fort Hays State University; PhD from University of Kansas
• Affiliations: Fellow of The Obesity Society (FTOS) and American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM)

Research spans three interconnected themes: (1) Mechanisms of chronic disease prevention through physical activity, (2) Links between systemic metabolism and Alzheimer's disease risk, and (3) Statin effects on skeletal muscle metabolism. His integrative approach combines cellular, animal, and human studies with multi-omics technologies.

Selected publications highlight mitochondrial adaptations to exercise, neuroprotection in aging, and metabolic regulation. Funded continuously by NIH, AHA, and VA since 2008, he also leads the NIH-supported Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research and directs the KU Diabetes Institute.

• Key Awards: FACSM (2012-), FTOS (2016-)