Robert Bowen

Robert Bowen is a Professor of Biology at Union University. He holds a PhD in Biology from the University of North Carolina and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Molecular Endocrinology from Virginia Tech. His research focuses on hormonal regulation of physical activity, sex steroid effects on behavior, and molecular mechanisms underlying exercise physiology. Key areas include studying estrogen’s role beyond reproduction, dopamine pathways in voluntary exercise, and genetic influences on activity levels in mice.

• Education:
  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship: Molecular Endocrinology, Virginia Tech
  • PhD: Biology, University of North Carolina
  • M.G.I.S.: University of Minnesota
  • M.S.: Exercise Science, Northern Michigan University

His research interests bridge molecular biology, endocrinology, and behavioral studies, with a focus on sex hormones, dopaminergic systems, and genetic factors shaping physical activity. Recent work examines estrogen’s prolonged effects on activity post-orchiectomy and estrogen dosage impacts on mouse behavior.

Notable publications include studies on hormonal regulation of exercise patterns and genetic mapping of wheel-running behavior in mice. Awards include the 2016 Faculty Excellence Award and 2014 Vulcan Materials Teaching Award. His lab employs mouse models to explore how hormonal and genetic factors influence exercise behaviors, contributing to understanding human physical activity physiology.

He has presented at conferences like Experimental Biology and the American College of Sports Medicine, addressing topics such as dopamine’s role in exercise, estrogen’s behavioral effects, and muscle efficiency in mice.