Personal Summary

I grew up in Dahlonega, Georgia (https://www.dahlonega.org), which is a small town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. WIth easy access to trails, streams, rivers and lakes, my love for the outdoors kept me active and fostered my interest in exercise physiology. I was and remain fascinated by our adaptive ability to respond to physiological stress. Soon after the completion of my PhD in Exercise Science from the University of Mississippi, one of the most beautiful campuses in the country (https://olemiss.edu/admissions/visit-campus/), I sought out the best research training opportunities to study metabolism during exercise. I found it in the laboratory of David Wasserman, PhD (https://medschool.vanderbilt.edu/mpb/person/david-h-wasserman-phd/), a Professor of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Utilizing isotopic tracers to literally follow carbohyrate metabolism during exercise, we worked in conjunction with Michael Kjaer, MD (https://healthyaging.ku.dk/research/modifiable-pathways-of-damage-and-repair-in-aging/kjaer-group/) at Bispebjerg Hospital in Copenhagen, Denmark and characterized glucoregulation during exercise under conditions of exaggerated metabolic stress such as uncontrolled diabetes. Those years of intense learning provided an exceptional foundation for next steps.

Wanting to apply what we had learned in pre-clinical models and some intricate human studies, I secured my first "real" job as an Assistant Professor of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where I studied the impact of weight loss either through caloric restriction or exercise training on insulin resistance in the liver and skeletal muscle. In fact, my research team was the first group to demonstrate the profound impact of exercise-induced weight loss on visceral fat reduction and improved insulin sensitivity in the liver. This work led to practical recommendations for patient populations. Not long after the completion of these studies, Robert Wolfe, PhD (https://aging.uams.edu/people/robert-r-wolfe-ph-d/) became the Director of the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity at UAMS. He and I were mutually interested in the preservation of skeletal muscle as a strategy to increase healthspan as opposed to lifespan. We completed a series of  studies in healthy older adults that outlined bed rest-induced loss of skeletal muscle and deteriorations in physical function. Briefly, older adults lose skeletal muscle during three times faster than their younger counterparts.

Motivated by a deep desire to establish a clinical research paradigm in Alaska, I accepted a facutly position in the Department of Biology and Institute of Arctic Biology at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). Dr. Wolfe and I then co-founded Essential Blends, LLC that led the state of Alaska in Small Business Innovation in Research grants from the National Institutes of Health. Utilizing these resources, we discovered that bed rest-induced perturbations were largely mitigated by the precise delivery of essential amino acids (EAAs). We also demonstrated improvements in metabolic health and physical function with low doses of EAAs in older adults and individuals suffering from substance abuse. We patented these clinically proven amino acid formulations and launched The Amino Company (https://aminoco.com) so that anyone can access these revolutionary strategies to improve/maintain their quality of life. 

While in Alaska, I established multiiple experimental models to study physiological resilience under austere circumstances. These included projects with the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic, Yukon Arctic Ultra and Alaska Backcountry Expeditionary Hunting. Working with multiple collaborators including Mathias Steinach, MD (https://physiologie-ccm.charite.de/en/research_at_the_institute/gunga_lab/) at the Center for Space Medicine, Berlin; Dale Schoeller, PhD (https://diabetescenter.wisc.edu/staff/schoeller-dale/) at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Brent Ruby, PhD (https://www.umt.edu/people/BRuby)at the University of Montana (UM) we described preservation of skeletal muscle despite sustained negative energy balance. Once my wife Sheri Coker completed her PhD in Natural Resources and Sustainabilty from UAF, several DoD centric grants provided us with an opportunity join forces with Dr. Ruby at UM to examine sex-speciifc alterations in muscle protein metabolism under conditions of metabolic stress. Acting on the input from our late son George L. Taber V (an 18D Green Beret) who was killed during a military training accident, we founded another company Industria Imperium to better sustain our soldiers. We obtained an award from the National Security Innovation Network followed by a Direct to Phase II Army SBIR award focused on the development of shelf stable microencapsulated essential amino acids to offset muscle loss during military operations.

Along with my work devoted to health equity in conjunction with the Institute for Translational Sciences at the University of Washington, I am laser focused on the pragmatic application of my research endeavors. Papers and presentations are great and fun, but truly valuable when directed towards improved outcomes. We are excited to be in the great state of Montana and we cannot wait to see what the future holds for innovations in translational biomedicine!

 

Education

Professional Certificates

     2023 Entrepreneurship Acceleration, Wharton School, U Penn, Philadelphia, PA

     2018 Hacking for Defense, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

     2018 LeanLaunchPad, BMNT, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

Fellowships Completed

     1998-1999  Visiting Fellow in Physiology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

    1995-1998   Postdoctoral Fellow in Physiology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN

Degrees Conferred

    1991-1995   Ph.D. in Exercise Science, University of Mississippi, University, MS

    1988-1989  M.Ed. in Physical Education, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA

    1982-1986   B.S. in Physical Education, University of North Georgia, Dahlonega, GA

 

 

Teaching Experience

 Professor (Tenured), Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK

• Developed top-ranked curriculum (ie., 4.8/5.0 evaluations) including Medical Physiology, Exercise Physiology, and Clinical Research Methods
• Mentored undergraduate and graduate students who have completed professional programs in medicine and healthcare
• Mentored faculty toward funding for three Phase I Small Business Innovations in Research (SBIR) grants from the NIH
• Taught “Hacking for Defense” course through School of Management at UAF

Associate Professor (Tenured), Department of Geriatrics,University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

• Taught Medical Physiology in the School of Medicine

  Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science, University of Mississippi, University, MS

• Established Exercise Physiology and Metabolic Regulation courses
• Created a stable isotope laboratory to study glucose kinetics during exercise

Research Interests

Applied Human Physiology, Geriatric Medicine, Nutritional Sciences, Health Equity

Projects

Active Funded Projects

Department of Defense – United States Army - $1.9 M

   Minimus²: A Modernized, Operational Feeding Strategy (PI: Bartlett; Consultant: Coker).

   Department of Defense – United States Army Research Laboratory - $5.0 M

   Sex-Specific Differences in Muscle Proteome Dynamics (Co-PIs: Ruby, Coker and Slivka) 

   Department of Defense - United States Air Force Research Laboratory - $4.8 M

   Physiological Responses to Exhaustive Activity in Extreme Climates (Co-PIs: Ruby; Coker) 

   NIH/NCATS 5UL1TR002319-03 – Total award $63 M; Regional award $225K

   Institute of Translational Health Sciences (PI: Disis; Regional PI: Coker)

   Civil Military Innovation Institute Seed and Pilot Grants - $1.1 M

   Enhanced Maneuverability in the Arctic (PI: Coker)  

National Security Innovation Network Combat Feeding Initiative - $100k

   Minimus²: A New Approach to Combat Feeding

Previous Funded Projects

NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences P20GM130443-02 (PI: Coker)                                     

    Nutrient Strategies for Muscle Preservation in the Elderly 

Office of Naval Research Seed Fund (PI: Holdman; Project Director: Coker)  

   Entrepreneurship for National Security/Hacking for Defense 

 NIH National Institute of Aging Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II (PI: Wolfe; Managing Partner: Coker) 

    Nutritional Therapy in Elderly Individuals with Heart Failure   

NIH BLaST 2016 Faculty Pilot Project (PI Coker)

   Influence of SkiKu on Resilience in Alaska Native Youth 

NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases R43 AG051298-01(PI Wolfe; LCI Coker)

    Muscle Preservation during Weight Loss in Older, Overweight Individuals 

 NIH National Institute of Aging Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I Grant R41AG050375    

   Nutritional Therapy in Elderly with Heart Failure (PI: Wolfe; Managing Partner: Coker)

Alaska TREND (Co-PIs: Drew and Coker)

   Enhancing Economic Development and SBIR/STTR Performance (Co-PIs: Drew and Coker)

Alaska Phase Zero (PI: Coker)

   The Technology Research and Development Center of Alaska 

NIH; National Institute on Aging 1P30AG028718-01A2 (Program Director: Wei); (RC2 Core Leader: Coker)

   Arkansas Claude Pepper Older Americans Independence Center 

NIH; National Institute of General Medical Sciences G10288 (PI Coker)

   Nutritional Formulation for Alcohol Rehabilitation 

NIH; National Institute of General Medical Sciences 5P30GM103325-03 (PI Coker)

   Experimental Design and Biostatistics Core 

National Dairy Association Project Grant (Co-PI’s Ferrando and Coker)

   Macronutrients and Metabolic Syndrome 

NIH; R01 DK034817(PI Wolfe) (Co-I Coker)

 

   Substrate Cycling in Energy Metabolism 

NIH; 1RC2GM092277 National Institutes of Health (PI Wolfe, Co-I Coker)

   Stable Isotope Analytical Core for Studies in Human Metabolism 

Clinical Merit Review, Veterans Administration (PI Coker)

   Weight Loss and Insulin Action 

NIH; National Institute on Aging P01 AG023591-01 (Program Director, Evans; PI Project 3, Coker)

Bedrest and Aging, 

NIH; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases K01 64716-01 

Therapeutic Adaptation of Insulin Action (PI Coker)

American Heart Association, Career Development Award (PI Coker)

Influence of Caloric Restriction and Exercise Training on the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome  

NIH; National Institute on Aging R01 AG  19346-01

Influence of Physical Activity on Insulin Resistance in the Elderly (PI Evans) (Co-I Coker)

Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, International JDFI 397014 (PI Coker)

Role of Adrenergic Drive in Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism during Exercise 

 

Field of Study

Applied Human Physiology, Geriatric Medicine, Nutritional Sciences, Health Equity

Selected Publications

1. Ruby BC, Coker RH, Sol J, Quindry J, Montain S. Physiology of the wildland firefighter: managing extreme energy demans in hostile, smoky, mountainous environments, Comp Physiology 2023 13(2): 4587-4615. doi10.1002/cphy.c220016.1.

2. Coker RH, Ruby BC, Coker MS, Kowalski B, Goropashnaya, AV, Bartlett L, Bateman T, Shankaran M, Hellerstein M, Evans WJ. Alaska backcountry expeditionary hunting promotes sustained muscle protein synthesis. Wild Environ Med 2023 34(3): 341-345. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.05.003

3.. Coker MS, Barati Z, Murphy CJ, Bateman T, Newcomer BR, Wolfe RR, Coker RH. Essential amino acid enriched meal replacement improves body composition and physical function in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022 51: 104-111. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp2022.07.004.9.

4. Coker MS, Ladd KR, Schutzler SE, Park SY, Williams RH, Deutz NEP, Wolfe RR, Coker RH. Equivalent servings of free-range reindeer promote greater net protein balance compared to commercial beef, Int J Circum Health, 2021 80 1. doi: 10.1080/2243982.2021.1897222

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Original Research and Reviews (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/robert.coker.1/bibliography/public/)

1. Crawford SG, Coker RH, Rea LD. Preliminary comparisons between a point-of-care ketometer and a reference method using Steller sea lion pup whole blood and plasma. Conserv Physiol 2024, 12(1) coad104. doi:10.1093/conphys/coad104

2. Crawford SG, Coker RH, O’Hara T, Breed G, Castellini M, Rea L. Fasting periods of Steller sea lion pups vary among subpopulations-evidence from two plasma metabolites. Conserv Physiol 2023 11(1): coad084. doi: 10.1093/conphys/coad084. 

3. Coker RH, Ruby BC, Coker MS, Kowalski B, Goropashnaya, AV, Bartlett L, Bateman T, Shankaran M, Hellerstein M, Evans WJ. Alaska backcountry expeditionary hunting promotes sustained muscle protein synthesis. Wild Environ Med 2023 34(3): 341-345. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2023.05.003

4. Ruby BC, Coker RH, Sol J, Quindry J, Montain S. Physiology of the wildland firefighter: managing extreme energy demans in hostile, smoky, mountainous environments, Comp Physiology 2023 13(2): 4587-4615. doi10.1002/cphy.c220016.

5. Kienast C, Biere K, Coker RH, Genov N, Joerres M, Maggioni MA, Mascarell-Maricic L, Schalt A, Genov M, Gunga H-C, Steinach M. Adiponection, leptin, cortisol, neuropeptide Y and profile of mood states in athletes participating in an ultramarathon during winter: an observational study. Front Physiol 2022 Nov14. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2022.970016

6. Coker MS, Barati Z, Murphy CJ, Bateman T, Newcomer BR, Wolfe RR, Coker RH. Essential amino acid enriched meal replacement improves body composition and physical function in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022 51: 104-111. doi: 10.1016/j.clnesp2022.07.004.

7. Steinach M, Biere K, Coker RH, Gaul AL, Hoerl M, Jörres M, Kienast C, Mascarell-Maricic L, Schalt A, Gunga H-C, Choukér A, Rehm M. Sex and age dependent shedding of glycocalyx during an ultramarathon in subarctic climate - the Yukon Arctic Ultra: the longest and coldest ultramarathon. J Appl Physiol, 2022 133(5): 1119-1135. doi: 10.1152japplphysiol.00180.2022

8. Rosales AM, Dodds PS, Hailes WS, Sol JA, Coker RH, Quindry JC, Ruby BC. Deterioration of lipid metabolism despite fitness improvements in wildland firefighters. J Occup Environ Med, 2022 65(5): 385-389. doi: 10.197/JOM.0000000000002446.

9. Coker MS, Ladd KR, Schutzler SE, Park SY, Williams RH, Deutz NEP, Wolfe RR, Coker RH. Equivalent servings of free-range reindeer promote greater net protein balance compared to commercial beef, Int J Circum Health, 2021 80 1. doi: 10.1080/2243982.2021.1897222

10. Coker MS, Ladd KR, Murphy CJ, Ruby BC, Shriver TC, Schoeller DA, Newcomer BR, Taber KR, Bartlett L, Coker RH. Alaska backcountry expeditionary hunting promotes rapid improvements in metabolic health in males and females, Physiol Rep, 2021 9(1): e14682. doi:10.14814/phy2.14682

11. Rice SA, Ten Have GAM, Reisz JA, Gehrke S, Stefanoni D, D’Alessandro A, Coker RH, Deutz NEP, Drew KL. Nitrogen recycling buffers against ammonia toxicity from skeletal muscle breakdown in hibernation. (Ranked in the 98^th percentile among all journals; mentioned by 15 international news Nat Metab, 2020 2: 1459-1471. doi:10.1038/s42255-020-00312-4. doi: 10.1038/s42255-020-00312-4

12. Coker MS, Ladd KR, Clark F, Murphy CJ, Newcomer BR, Wolfe RR, Coker RH. Essential amino acid enriched nutritional supplement promotes reductions in intrahepatic lipid in individuals with alcohol usedisorder, Nutrients, 2020 Jan 19, 12, 25. doi: 10.3390/nu12010254.

13. Hassell L, Gregor C, Melvin A, Goss C, Coker RH, Laukes C, Albritton S, Brant J, Amoroso P, Whitener N, Tuttle KR. Feasibility of connecting regional research programs to national studies by the CTSA Trial Innovation Network. J Clin Trans Sci 2020 4 (2): 75-80. https://doi.org/10.1017/cts2019.437.

14. Gnaiger E, et al – MitoEAGLE Task Group (Coker RH as co-author), Mitochondrial physiology, Bioenerg Commun, 2020, 1; 1-44. doi: 10.26124/bec:2020-0001.v1

15. Coker RH, Johannsen MM, Galvin G, Murphy CJ, Ruby BC. Wildland firefighting: adverse influence on indices of metabolic and cardiovascular health, J Occup Environ Med, 2019  61(3): e91-e94. doi: /10.1097.JOM.0000000000001535.

16. Coker RH, Shin K, Scholten K, Johannsen MM, Kim I-Y, Schutzler SE, Tsigonis J, Wolfe RR. Essential amino acid-enriched meal replacement promotes superior net protein balance in older, overweight adults, Clin Nutr 2019 38(6): 2821-2816. doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2018.12.013.

17. Schalt A, Johannsen, MM, Kim J, Chen R, Coker MS, Gunga H-C, Coker RH, Steinach M. Negative energybalance does not alter fat free mass during the Yukon Arctic Ultra – the longest and the coldest ultramarathon. Front Physiol 2018 9:1761. doi.org/ 10.3389/fphys.2018.01761.

18. Coker RH, Coker MS, Bartlett L, Murphy CJ, Priebe K, Shriver TJ, Schoeller DA, Ruby BC. The energy requirements and metabolic benefits of wilderness hunting in Alaska. Physiol Rep 2018 6(21): e13925. doi 10.14814/phy2.13925

19. Johannsen MM, Shin K, Priebe K, Coker RH, Alaska Mountain Wilderness Ski Classic: alterations in energy expenditure and body composition, Wilderness Environ Med, 2018 29(2): 221-225. doi: 10.1016/j.wem.2018 02 005.

20. Ravussin E, Ryan DH, Hall KD, Church T, Martin CK, Davis RAH, Plaisance EP, Allison DB, Coker RH, Wolfe RR, Henson J, Edwardson CL, Morgan B, Horshfield MA, Khunti K, Davies MJ, Yates T. Triggers of the Obesity Epidemic, Obesity (Silver Spring) 2018 26(1).

21. Rundfeldt LC, Maggioni MA, Coker RH, Gunga H-C, Riveros-Rivera A, Schalt A, Steinach M. Cardiac autonomic modulations and psychological correlates in the Yukon Arctic Ultra: the longest and coldest ultramarathon. Front Physiol 2018 9:35. doi:10.3389/fphys.2018.00035

22. Coker RH, Wolfe RR, Weight loss strategies in the elderly: a clinical conundrum, Obesity (Silver Spring), Editor’s Choice, 2018 Jan; 26(1): 22-28. doi: 10.1002/oby.21961

23. Coker RH, Robinette L, Kern PA, Minimal alteration in muscle lipid genes following stabilized weight loss, Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2017 Aug 4: 1-6. doi: 10.1139/apnm-2017- 0098.

24. Kim I-Y, Wolfe RR, Azhar G, Ferrando, AA, Coker RH, Short term elevation in dietary protein intake doesnot worsen insulin resistance in older adults with metabolic syndrome, BMC Nutrition 2017 3. pii 33. doi.0.1186/s40795-017-0152-4.

25. Baldwin L-M, Laukes C, Doyle MM, Reedy A, Mollis BL, Albritton SA, Coker RH, Ramsey B, The Regional Clinical Research Centers Network: Increasing patient access to clinical and health services research across the northwestern US, J Clin Trans Sci 2017 Apr; 1(2): 94-100. doi: 10.1017/cs2016.18.

26. George, M, Azhar G, Pangle A, Peeler E, Dawson A, Coker RH, Coleman KS, Schraeder A, Wei J,     Feasibility of conducting a 6-months long home-based exercise program with protein supplementation in elderly community-dwelling individuals with heart failure, J Physiother Phys Rehabil 2017; 2(2): pii: 137.doi10.4172/2573-0312.

27. Coker RH, Weaver A, Coker MS, Murphy C, Gunga HC, Steinach M, Metabolic responses to the YukonArctic Ultra: longest and coldest ultramarathon in the world, Med Sci Sports Exerc 2017 Feb; 49(2):357- 362, doi 10.1249/MSS.1095

28. Coker RH, Schutzler S, Deutz NE, Wei J, Miller S, Wolfe RR, Nutritional supplementation with essential amino acids and phytosterols reduces the risk for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in overweight individuals with mild hyperlipidemia, J Endocrinol Diabetes and Obes 2015;3(2). pii: 1069.

29. Keshel TE, Coker RH, Exercise training and insulin resistance: a current review, J Obes Weight Loss Ther 2015 Jul;5(Suppl 5). pii: S5-003. doi: 10.4172/2165-7904.S5-003

30. Coker RH, Hays NP, Williams RH, Wolfe RR, Evans WJ, Bed rest promotes reductions in walking speed, functional parameters, and aerobic fitness in older, healthy adults, J Gerontol Series A: Bio Med Sci 2015 70(1): 91-96. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glu123

31. Kim, IL, Williams RH, Schutzler SE, Lasley CL, Bodenner DL, Wolfe RR, Coker RH, Acute lysine supplementation does not improve hepatic or peripheral insulin sensitivity in older, overweight individuals, Nutr Metab (Lond) 2014 Oct 8(11): 49. doi: 10.1186/1743-7075-11-49

32. Coker RH, Williams RH, Xu, L, Schutzler S, Wolfe RR, Evans WJ, Bed rest promotes hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance through elevated lipolysis in the elderly, J Gerontol Series A: Bio Med Sci 2014 Mar;69(3):363-70. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glt100.

33. Coker RH, Miller S, Schutzler, S, Deutz N, Wolfe RR, Whey protein and essential amino acids promote thereduction of adipose tissue and increased muscle protein synthesis during caloric restriction-induced weight loss in elderly, obese individuals, Highly Accessed. Nutr J 2012 Dec 11;11:105. doi: 10.1186/1475 2891-11-105. doi: 10-.1186/1475-2891-11-105

34. Coker RH, Wolfe RR, Bedrest and sarcopenia, Curr Opinion Clin Met Care 2012 15(1):7-11. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e32834da629.

35. Yao-Borengasser, A, Varma V, Coker RH, Ranganathan G, Phanavanh B, Rasouli N, Kern PA, Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) expression in human adipose tissue and muscle.  Role in insulin resistance andresponse to training and pioglitazone, Metabolism 2011 60: 1012-1020. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2010.10005

36. Coker RH, Williams RH, Yeo SE, Kortebein PM, Bodenner DL, Kern PA, Evans WJ, The impact of exercise training compared to caloric restriction on hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance in obesity, J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009 Nov; 94(11):4258-66. doi: 10/1210/jc.2008-2033

37. Coker RH, Invited Commentary: Caffeine, cycling performance & exogenous CHO oxidation, Med Sci Sports Exer 2009 Sept; 41(9):1743. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181ae37e7.

38. Coker RH, Williams RH, Kortebein PM, Sullivan DH, Evans WJ, Influence of exercise intensity on regional fat distribution and adiponectin in elderly adults, Metab Syn Relat Dis 2009 Aug;7(4):363-8. doi:10.1089/met.2008.0060

39. Coker, RH, Williams, RH, Yeo, SE, Kortebein, PM, Bodenner, DL, Kern, PA, Evans WJ, Visceral fat and adiponectin: associations with insulin resistance are tissue-specific in obese, post-menopausal women, Metab Syn Relat Dis 2009 7(1) 61-67. doi: 10.1089/met2008.0060

40. Hays, NP, Galassetti, PR, Coker, RH, Invited Review: Prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes: current role of lifestyle and pharmacological and natural product interventions, Pharmacol Ther 2008 118(2): 181 191. doi: 10.1016j.pharmthera.2008.02.003

41. Yeo, S, Coker RH, Aerobic exercise training versus the etiology of insulin resistance, Eur J Sci Sport 2008 8(1): 3-14. doi: 10.1080/17461390701832645

42. Yeo, S, Hays, NP, Dennis, RA, Kortebein PM, Sullivan, DH, Evans, WJ, Coker RH, Fat distribution and glucose metabolism in elderly, obese men and women, J Gerontol Series A: Bio Med Sci Dec 2007 62(12):1393-401. doi: 10.1093/gerona/62.12.1393

43. Carrithers, JA, Carroll, CC, Coker, RH, Sullivan, DH, Trappe TA, Concurrent exercise and muscle protein synthesis: implications for exercise countermeasures in space, Aviat Space Environ Med 2007 78(5): 457 62.

44. Hays NP, Starling RD, Sullivan DH, Fluckey JD, Coker RH, Williams RH, Evans WJ, Effects of an ad libitum high carbohydrate diet and aerobic exercise training on insulin action and muscle metabolism in older men and women. J Gerontol Series A: Bio Med Sci 2006 61(3): 299-304. doi: 10.1093/gerona/61.3.299

45. Coker RH, Williams RH, Freeling SA, Brown AD, Kortebein PM, Sullivan DH, Evans WJ. Exercise-induced changes in insulin action are reliant on glycogen metabolism in elderly adults, Med Sci Sports Exer 2006 38(3): 433-8. doi: 10.1249/01.mss.0000191417.48710.11

46. Hays NP, Starling RD, Sullivan DH, Trappe TA, Fluckey JD, Coker RH, Evans WJ. Comparison of insulin sensitivity assessment indices with euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic  clamp data after a dietary and exercise intervention in older adults. Metabolism 2006 55(4): 525-32. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2005.11.005

47. Coker RH, Kjaer M, Glucoregulation during exercise, Sports Med 2005 35(7): 575-83.  doi:10.2165/00007256-200535070-003

48. Camacho R, Lacy DB, Coker RH, Wasserman DH, Hepatic glucose autoregulation: responses to small non-insulin-induced changes in arterial glucose, Am J Physiol 2004 Aug; 287(2): E269-74. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00040.2004

49. Simonsen, L, Coker RH, Mulla AL, Kjaer M, Bulow J, The effect of insulin and glucagon on splanchnic oxygen consumption, Liver 2002 22(6): 459-68. doi: 10.1034/j.1600- 0676.2002.01711.x

50. Koyama Y, Galassetti P, Coker RH, Pencek R, Lacy DB, Davis SN, Wasserman DH, Prior exercise and the response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia in the dog, Am J Physiol 2002 282: E1128-E1138. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00370.2001

51. Coker RH, Koyama Y, Denny JC, Lacy DB, Wasserman DH, Prevention of overt hypoglycemia during exercise: stimulation of endogenous glucose production, independent of hepatic catecholamine action andchanges in pancreatic hormone concentration, Diabetes 2002 51: 1310-18. doi:10.2337/diabetes/51.5.1310

52. Koyama Y, Coker RH, Denny JC, Lacy DB, Jabbour K, Williams PE, Wasserman  DH, Role of carotid bodies in control of the neuroendocrine response to exercise, Am J Physiol 2001 281: E742 E748. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.2001.281.4.E742

53. Coker RH, Simonsen L, Bulow, J, Wasserman DH, and M Kjaer, Stimulation of splanchnic glucose production during exercise in humans contains a glucagon-independent component, Am J Physiol 2001 280: E918-E927. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.2001.280.6.E918

54. Koyama, Y, Coker, RH, Stone, EE, Lacy, DB, Jabbour, K, Williams, PE, and DH Wasserman, Evidence that carotid bodies play an important role in glucoregulation in vivo, Diabetes 2000 49: 1434-1442. doi: 10.2337/diabetes.49.9.1434

55. Krishna, MG, Coker, RH, Lacy, DB, Zinker BA, Halseth AE, Wasserman DH, Glucagon response to exercise is critical for accelerated hepatic glutamine metabolism and nitrogen disposal, Am J Physiol 2000 279: E638-E645. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.2000.278.3.E444

56. Coker RH, Lacy DB, Williams PE, Wasserman DH, Hepatic alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors are not essential for the increase in R(a) during exercise in diabetes, Am J Physiol 2000 278: E444 E451. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.2000.278.3.E444

57. Coker RH, Koyama Y, Lacy DB, Williams PE, Rheaume N, Wasserman DH, Pancreatic innervation is not essential for exercise-induced changes in glucagon and insulin or glucose kinetics, Am J Physiol 1999 277 (Endocrinol Metab 40): E1122-E1129. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo/1999.277.6.E1122

58. Galassetti P, Koyama Y, Coker RH, Lacy DB, Cherrington AD, Wasserman DH, Role of a negative arterial-portal venous glucose gradient in the postexercise state, Am J Physiol 1999 277 (Endocrinol. Metab. 40): E1038-E1045. Roi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1999.277.6.E1038

59. Galassetti P, Coker RH, Lacy DB, Cherrington AD, Wasserman DH, Prior exercise increases net hepatic glucose uptake during a glucose load, Am J Physiol  1999 276(Endocrinol. Metab. 39): E1022-E1029. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1999.276.6.E1022

60. Coker RH, Lacy DB, Krishna MG, Wasserman DH, Splanchnic glucagon kinetics in exercising alloxan-diabetic dogs, J Appl Physiol 1999 86(5): 1626-1631. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1999.856.5.1626

61. Coker RH, Krishna MG, Lacy DB, Bracy DB, Wasserman DH, Role of hepatic a- and b-adrenergic receptor stimulation on hepatic glucose production during heavy exercise, Am J Physiol 1997 273 (Endocrinol Metab. 36): E831-E838. doi: 10.1152.ajpendo.1997.273.5.E831

62. Coker RH, Krishna MG, Zinker BA, Allen EJ, Lacy DB, Wasserman DH, Sympathetic drive to liver and nonhepatic splanchnic tissue during prolonged exercise is increased in diabetes, Metabolism 1997 46(11): 1327-1332. doi: 10.1016.s0020495(97)90239-0

63. Coker RH, Krishna MG, Lacy DB, Allen EJ, Wasserman DH, Sympathetic drive to liver and nonhepatic splanchnic tissue during heavy exercise, J Appl Physiol 1997 82(4): 1244-1249. doi: 10.1152/jappl.1997.82.4.1244

64. Coker RH, Brown SP, Chitwood LF, Keith WB, Nicotine use and athletic performance, J Strength Conditioning Res 1996 10(4): 279-282. 

Specialized Skills

Hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp technique, pancreatic clamp technique, various radioactive and stable isotope methodologies to study carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, arterio-venous methodology in clinical and pre-clinical applications, magentic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, applied human physiological testing and evaluation in remote, austere environments, entrepreneurial applications to scientific discovery

 

 

 

Professional Experience

2019-present Deputy Director/Research Professor, Montana Center for Work Physiology and Exercise Metabolism, School of Integrative Physiology and Athletic Training, College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT

• Secured $1.1 M from the Civil Military Innovation Institute to develop modular packing systems that augment maneuverability and reduce injury in Arctic Paratroopers
• Co-secured $4.8 M from the United States Air Force Research Laboratory to examine sex-specific differences in energy expenditure under physical, nutrient and/or environmental stress
• Co-secured $5.0 M from the United Army Research Laboratory to determine sex-specific alterations in muscle proteome dynamics in response to physical, nutrient and/or environmental stress. 
• Chair - Northwest Clinical Interactions Network, provide strategic leadership for rural and remote patient access to over 1,000 clinical trials in the Pacific Northwest
• Faculty Affiliate and Member of the Regional Executive Council, Scientific Success Committee, Integrating Special Populations Core and Chair, Steering Committee for the NW PCI Network at the University of Washington Institute for Translational Health Sciences (ITHS)
• Appointed Regular Member of the NIH-National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease study section for 2020-2023

2019-present Chief Scientific Officer/Managing Partner, Industria Imperium DBA Minimus Nutrition, Fairbanks, AK

• Secured $1.9 M Army SBIR grant to develop and commercialize nutrient delivery systems
• Secured $100K National Security Innovation Network Combat Feeding Initiative grant
• Secured $55K from the Army xTech SBIR competition to develop $1.9M Direct to Phase II proposal
• Secured $25K in awards from the U Penn Wharton Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program

2018-2022 Professor (Tenured), Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), Fairbanks, AK

• Implemented the first National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded clinical trials at UAF
• Secured ~$25M in funding as a Principal and/or Co-Investigator from multiple NIH grant mechanisms (including SBIR/STTR), National Dairy Council and private industry
• Established infrastructure for conducting field studies to investigate metabolic regulation in austere environmental conditions (ie., below -54° F); now funded through Air Force Research Laboratory
• Developed top-ranked curriculum (ie., 4.8/5.0 evaluations) including Medical Physiology, Exercise Physiology, Clinical Research Methods, and Internship in Physical Therapy 

• Mentored and trained numerous undergraduate and graduate students 
• Inducted into the Innovators Hall of Fame by the Alaska State Committee for  Research
• Received the Nanook and Invent Alaska Awards for top invention disclosures at UAF
• Appointed Member - NIH Clinical and Translational Award Task Force for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion – published “The CTSA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Task Force’s recommendations for the CTSA program consortium”, J Clin Transl Science 14 Dec 2022.

 

2017-2019 Ambassador, Office of Intellectual Property and Commercialization, UAF

• Mentored three faculty toward funding for three Phase I Small Business Innovations in Research (SBIR) grants from the NIH and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Taught “Hacking for Defense” course through School of Management at UAF, utilizing experiential paradigms to develop unique solutions for mission-critical problems linked to national security

2014-2015 Consultant, United States Air Force, Department of Defense, USA

• Co-managed the reconstruction of a physical training facility on Eielson Air Force Base to stabilize temperature and humidity conditions for testing of Airmen qualifications

2013-2017 Associate Professor (Tenured), Departments of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Institute of Arctic Biology, UAF, Fairbanks, AK 

2013-present Managing Partner, Essential Blends, LLC, Fairbanks, AK

• Led the state of Alaska in funding from the NIH SBIR program; raised over $8M in assets, submitted three patents, and successfully licensed intellectual property to The Amino Company.

2013-2018 Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

• Co-led the Career Development Core and the Physiology and Metabolism Cores

2013-2015 Director Experimental Design, Biostatistics, and Data Services Core, Center for Alaska Native Health Research, UAF, Fairbanks, AK

• Managed biostatistical consultations and cataloging of data for several Federally funded

2007-2013 Associate Professor (Tenured), Department of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

• Secured funding from NIH, American Heart Association, and the National Dairy Council
• Conducted the first studies to demonstrate superior benefits of exercise-induced weight loss on hepatic metabolism and visceral fat
• Completed the first studies to illustrate the detrimental impact of bed rest on regulation of glucose, fat, and protein metabolism and physical function in the elderly
• Established a stable isotope laboratory for use in clinical research studies

2008-2009 Consultant, Healthspan Solutions, LLC, Little Rock, AR

• Led two clinical trials that contributed to the acquisition of two patents and commercialization of two medical nutrition products

2008-2010 Research Health Scientist, Veterans Administration Health System, Little Rock, AR

• Secured a merit review grant to study the impact of caloric restriction on insulin      resistance in obesity

2004-2013 Consultant, Pfizer Global Research and Development, New London, CT

• Led hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp studies in several Phase I-III trials to evaluate the influence ofExubera, including influence of smoke on insulin pharmacokinetics

2001-2007 Assistant Professor, Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 

• Established a stable isotope laboratory for use in clinical research studies
• Led studies to demonstrate the effectivenesss of high-intensity exercise on glucose metabolism

1999-2001 Assistant Professor, Department of Exercise Science, University of Mississippi, University, MS

• Established Exercise Physiology and Metabolic Regulation courses
• Created a stable isotope laboratory to study glucose kinetics during exercise

1999 Visiting Fellow, Sports Medicine Research Unit and Department of Clinical Physiology, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

• Completed arterio-venous balance and isotopic studies that established the importance of glucagon and insulin in the regulation of glucose kinetics during exercise 

1995-1999 Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of  Medicine, Nashville, TN

• Characterized the importance of glucoregulatory hormones in regulation of glucose metabolism during exercise under conditions of exceptional metabolic stress

1992-1995 Exercise Physiologist, Methodist Hospitals of Memphis, Memphis, TN

• Provided inpatient and outpatient clinical care to cardiac and pulmonary patients while completing PhD program at the University of Mississippi

Honors / Awards

Honors, Awards and Certificates

2023 First Place, United States Army xTech Pacific Compeition, 25th Infantry Division, Honululu, HI

2023 First Place, Business Plan Competition, Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania

2020 Innovators Hall of Fame, State of Alaska Subcommittee for Research, Juneau, Alaska

2020 Excellence in Instruction and Outreach Award, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

2018 Distinguished Visiting Scholar Award, University of Montana, Missoula, MT

2018 Fellow Status, The Obesity Society, Silver Spring, MD

2016 Invent Alaska Award for Innovation in Research, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK

2005 Clinical Research Success Award, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR

2000 Faculty Research Award, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS

1999 Travel Award, American Diabetes Association, Arlington, VA

1997 Juvenile Diabetes Foundation Fellow Award, New York, NY

1999 Visiting Fellowship Award, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

1995 Graduate Honors Fellowship, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS

1994 Graduate Honors Award, University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS

 

 

 

 

Hobbies

Almost anything outdoors, but especially fishing, hunting and hiking.