College of Health and Human Services

Francis X. Pizza, Ph.D.

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.