Mark A. Cline

Mark A. Cline is Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, affiliated with the College of Science and School of Neuroscience. He holds a Ph.D. in Neurobiology of Appetite from Virginia Tech and focuses on teaching and research in biological sciences, particularly the neuroscience of appetite regulation.

• Ph.D. in Neurobiology of Appetite, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
• Email: macline@vt.edu

His research explores neurotransmitters associated with hunger and satiety in avian models, emphasizing the diencephalon and myelencephalon. He investigates how early life stress exposure affects anorexia severity and hypothalamic changes, and examines crosstalk between the brain and adipose tissue in obesity development. His work has implications for pharmacological treatments for appetite disorders across species, including humans.

The 15 most recent articles highlight studies on neuropeptide Y, leptin, amylin, and melanocortin systems in appetite regulation. These publications analyze dietary macronutrient effects, hypothalamic gene expression, and adipose tissue responses in avian models, particularly divergently selected chicken lines for body weight.

He has contributed to establishing Virginia Tech's neuroscience undergraduate program and mentors neuroscience majors in research laboratories. His teaching includes foundational courses like Introduction to Neuroscience and Neuroendocrinology.