Amy Knab, Ph.D.

Department Rank:
Assistant Professor

Area:
NCRC

Office: Plants for Human Health 1102
Fax: 704-250-5409
Email: knabam@appstate.edu

Education

Ph.D. Biology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2009
(Specialty, Exercise Physiology)

B.S. Biology, Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame IN, 2004 (Minor,
Secondary Education)

Teaching Specialties

Exercise Physiology
Systems Physiology

Current Courses Being Taught

Exercise Behavior & Motivation HON 3515-107

Professional Affiliations / Organizations

American College of Sports Medicine

Research Interests

Overall Research Agenda
To contribute knowledge to the fields of biology,
neurobiology, genetics, exercise physiology, nutrition, and obesity
through multidisciplinary approaches, by investigating the
genetic/neurological and environmental factors involved in the
regulation of voluntary physical activity and physical
performance. The global goal is to improve human health through
interdisciplinary research.

Current Specific Research Focus
My current research focus involves investigation of the
role of the dopaminergic system in the regulation of voluntary
physical activity. Previous studies have indicated that mice that
are differentially active have differential expression and/or
function of several dopamine related genes; however, a mechanism
for this regulation is yet to be elucidated. Once this mechanism
is characterized it will be important to investigate the factors,
in particular the nutritional components that play a role in
regulating this central control on physical activity and human
performance. Investigating the central regulation of physical
activity and performance will also give insight into the
multidimensional factors involved in the progression and treatment
of obesity.
Another area of research and interest that is very
important to me is that of science education, and science education
policy. Given the changing technological world we live in today,
it is imperative that children growing up in this country have
access to, and are given proper science education. I am very much
interested in pursuing research in science education methods and
strategies in both secondary and post-secondary levels. I believe
it is imperative for students today to have at least a basic
knowledge of science and technology in order to be productive
citizens of the future in policy change and overall world views for
the betterment of society.

Selected Publications

Knab, AM, RS Bowen, AT Hamilton, AA Gulledge, JT Lightfoot. Altered dopaminergic profiles: implications for the regulation of voluntary physical activity. Behavioural Brain Research. 2009 Dec 1;204(1):147-52. Epub 2009 Jun 9.

Knab, AM, Lightfoot, JT. Does the difference between physically active and couch potato lie in the dopamine system?. International Journal of Biological Sciences. 2009 In review.

Knab, AM, RS Bowen, T Moore-Harrison, AT Hamilton, MJ Turner, JT Lightfoot. Repeatability of exercise behaviors in mice. Physiology & Behavior. 2009 Oct 19;98(4):433-40. Epub 2009 Jul 17.

Bowen, RS, AM Knab, AT Hamilton, JA Rettew, T Moore-Harrison, JT Lightfoot. Effects of supra-physiological doses of sex steroids on wheel running activity in mice. Endocrinology. 2009 In Review.

Lightfoot, JT, MJ Turner, AK Knab, AE Jedlicka, T Oshimura, J Marzec, W Gladwell, LJ Leamy, SR Kleeberger. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with maximal exercise endurance in mice. Journal of Applied Physiology 103(1): 105-110, 2007.