Exercise Physiology
Francis X. Pizza, Ph.D.
Professor, Exercise Physiology
School of Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences
Mail Stop 119
Office: HH 1416A
Phone: 419.530.4178
Fax: 419.530.2477
francis.pizza@utoledo.edu
Request Curriculum Vitae
Experience
2004 – Present - Professor, The University of Toledo, Exercise Physiology. Toledo,
OH.
1998 – 2004 - Associate Professor, The University of Toledo, Exercise Physiology.
Toledo, OH.
1997 - 1998 - Associate Professor, Texas Christian University, Dept. of Kinesiology.
Fort Worth, Texas.
1996 – 1997 - Research Associate in Space Biology, University of California at Los
Angeles.
Dept. of Physiological Science. Muscle Cell Biology
Lab.
1991 – 1996 - Assistant Professor, Texas Christian University, Dept. of Kinesiology.
Fort Worth, Texas.
Research Overview
Dr. Pizza’s research focuses on mechanisms through which components of the inflammatory
response (e.g., myeloid cells and adhesion molecules) restore structure and function
to skeletal muscle injured by physical activity, and facilitate muscle hypertrophy
after increased muscle use (e.g., resistance exercise). Results from his studies
will help define novel therapeutic targets that restore structure and function to
injured muscles, and facilitate the maintenance and/or growth of skeletal muscle,
particularly in older individuals and those with inflammatory muscle disease. Dr.
Pizza’s research is currently funded by the National Institutes of Health.