Shawn Bearden

Shawn Bearden is a Professor of Exercise Physiology at Idaho State University. His research focuses on human endurance physiology, ultra-endurance performance, and microcirculatory dynamics in skeletal and cerebral vasculature. He holds a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from Florida State University and completed postdoctoral training at Yale School of Medicine, studying neurovascular interactions. Dr. Bearden collaborates with the U.S. Army on warfighter performance optimization and investigates mountain ultra-marathon runners. His work bridges scientific research with public understanding through a science-focused podcast. He teaches courses in biological imaging, anatomy & physiology, and comparative exercise physiology. His lab, located in Life Sciences 443, explores topics like blood-brain barrier permeability, thermoregulatory mechanisms, and vascular aging. Key research themes include the physiological limits of ultra-endurance athletes and the role of pericytes in vascular regeneration.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, Florida State University (2000)
• M.S. in Exercise Science & Health Promotion, George Mason University (1996)
• B.S. in Education & Sports Medicine, University of Virginia (1994)
• Postdoctoral Fellow in Cellular & Molecular Neurobiology, Yale University School of Medicine (2001–2004)

Research emphasizes the interplay between exercise, vascular health, and cognitive function. His studies on hyperhomocysteinemia’s effects on blood-brain barrier integrity and the role of pericytes in spinal cord injury recovery are particularly notable. Recent work explores pacing strategies in ultramarathons and environmental physiology adaptations. Teaching responsibilities include courses for pharmacy and physician assistant programs, emphasizing anatomy and imaging techniques.

Grant activities include military-funded research on warfighter performance optimization and National Institutes of Health grants investigating vascular aging. Advising involves mentoring 1–3 graduate and undergraduate students annually through independent study modules. He actively publishes in high-impact journals like PLOS One, Blood, and Journal of Applied Physiology.

Labs/Teams: His lab integrates advanced imaging and physiological testing to study microvascular networks. Collaborations include interdisciplinary teams at the John B. Pierce Laboratory and military research institutions.