appstate logo
health, leisure, and exercise science
athletic training exercise science health promotion physical education recreation management
hles home
faculty
staff
facilities
grad studies
admissions
campus
position announcements
contact us
Faculty Information Database Faculty Information added to the Database


 Amy Knab, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
NCRC
Office: Plants for Human Health, 1102
Phone: 704-250-5353
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)


Professional Affiliations / Organizations:
American College of Sports Medicine
Teaching Specialties:
Exercise Physiology
Systems Physiology
Current Courses Being Taught:
Exercise Behavior & Motivation HON 3515-107  
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.

Return to Faculty Listing
 


©2000 Appalachian State University