Michael Wiggs, PhD

Dr. Michael Wiggs graduated from with an BS degree in Kinesiology and a PhD in Exercise Physiology from Texas A&M University. He then completed post-doctoral research in the Center for Exercise Science in the Department of Applied Physiology and Kinesiology at the University of Florida. He joined the faculty at Baylor in the Fall of 2022. Dr. Wiggs’s research focus on skeletal muscle biology, biochemistry, and metabolism, with a special interest in the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for regulation of muscle size.

Dr. Wiggs’s lab investigates the molecular signaling pathways in the regulation of muscle size in pre- clinical models such as disuse/spaceflight, obesity, and cancer associated atrophy. Prior findings from his research have demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction can negatively impact muscle protein synthesis and protein degradation and therefore may be an important target in preventing muscle atrophy. Using a combination of molecular biology and genetic approaches, his lab continues to explore the relationship between mitochondrial function and muscle mass with a long-term goal of generating targeted therapeutics to prevent muscle wasting in a variety of models.

Areas of Teaching Expertise:

• Exercise Physiology
• Skeletal Muscle Physiology
• Exercise Biochemistry
• Lab Techniques in Exercise Physiology
• Research Methods and Experimental Design

Current Research Interests:

• Pathways of muscle atrophy and hypertrophy
• Mitochondrial function
• Microgravity effects on muscle
• Mechanisms of cancer and chemotherapy-induced atrophy
• Drug delivery techniques

Courses Taught:

• HP 3320 Fundamentals of Exercise Biochemistry
• HP 3330 Research Methods and Design in Exercise Science
• HP 5340 Biochemistry in Exercise Science