Professional Background
Dr. John Thyfault has research expertise in metabolism, mitochondrial energetics, obesity, and exercise physiology using translational approaches in animal models and human subjects. The broad theme of his research focuses on the mechanisms by which exercise, physical activity, and aerobic capacity reduce susceptibility for obesity, chronic metabolic disease states of insulin resistance and fatty liver, and neurometabolic deficits associated with aging. Dr. Thyfault is a Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Department of Cellular Biology and Physiology and Department of Internal Medicine-Division of Endocrinology. He is also a Research Scientist at the KC VA Medical Center in Kansas City. He also thematically leads metabolism-based research at KUMC through serving as the Co-Director of the Kansas Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, the Director of the KU Diabetes Institute, and the Co-Director of the TOMAD’s T32 program. He has been continuously funded by the AHA, VA, or NIH since 2008.
- BS, Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University, Hays
- MS, Exercise Science, Fort Hays State University, Hays
- PhD, Exercise Physiology, University of Kansas, Lawrence
- Post Doctoral Fellowship, Department of Physiology, East Carolina University-Brody School of Medicine, Greenville
- The Obesity Society, Fellow, 2016 - Present
- American College of Sports Medicine, Fellow, 2012 - Present
