Overview
I serve as the Director of the Energy Balance & Body Composition Laboratory at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Our research focuses on the assessment and modification of human body composition, with particular emphasis on body composition assessment methods, energy balance, and resistance training. We conduct both methodological and applied research ranging from the validation of emerging technologies to investigations of nutritional, exercise, and weight-management interventions.
Over 40 students have been involved in our lab over the past decade. These individuals have gone on to pursue a variety of careers, including academic research, medicine, physical therapy, clinical nutrition, fitness professions, and more.
Research Areas
Body Composition Assessment
A major focus of our laboratory is the evaluation and refinement of body composition assessment methodologies. Our work includes:
- Validation and reliability studies of research-grade and consumer-grade body composition technologies
- Multi-compartment body composition modeling
- Technique-specific applications in bioimpedance, three-dimensional optical imaging, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and others
- Evaluation of best practices for assessments
Energy Balance & Weight Management
We investigate how various interventions influence body composition, metabolism, and overall health. Research topics include:
- Energy restriction and weight loss
- Intermittent fasting and time-restricted eating
- Overfeeding and weight gain interventions
- Obesity and metabolic health
- Pharmacologic weight-loss interventions
Sports Nutrition & Human Performance
Our laboratory evaluates nutritional strategies designed to improve performance, recovery, and body composition. Areas of investigation include:
- Dietary supplements and ergogenic aids
- Protein and nutrient timing strategies
- Recovery from resistance exercise
- Performance nutrition
- Body composition optimization in active populations
Metabolism & Energetic Status
We conduct research focused on human metabolism and energy regulation. Research topics include:
- Resting metabolic rate assessment
- Substrate oxidation
- Energy availability and energetic status
- Metabolic adaptations to diet and exercise
- Metabolic health in active and clinical populations
Laboratory Capabilities
Our primary laboratory capabilities include:
- Advanced body composition assessment
- Metabolism assessment
- Nutritional interventions
- Research administration
- Statistical analysis and data visualization
Adjacent shared laboratories are also used by our research team to conduct:
- Resistance training
- Phlebotomy and urine processing
- Advanced musculoskeletal imaging
Laboratory Equipment
Major equipment available within the laboratory includes:
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (GE Lunar iDXA)
- Air displacement plethysmography (Cosmed Bod Pod)
- Bioimpedance spectroscopy (ImpediMed SOZO and SFB7)
- Professional multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis systems (Seca mBCA Ultra, Tanita MC-980U PLUS, Charder MA801)
- Single-frequency segmental bioelectrical impedance analysis (RJL Quantum V)
- Consumer-grade bioelectrical impedance analysis (~20 different models)
- Three-dimensional optical imaging (SizeStream SS20, Prism Labs research app, Size Stream Mobile Fit)
- Ultrasonography (Clarius HD L7 linear scanner)
- Metabolic cart (ParvoMedics TrueOne 2400)
- Portable metabolic assessments (VO2master)
- Bioimpedance wearables (Samsung Galaxy Watches, InBody Bands)
Other equipment available within adjacent shared laboratories includes:
- Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (Stratec XCT 3000)
- Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (second GE Lunar iDXA scanner)
- Resistance training equipment
Research Team & Opportunities
Information about my current research team and student opportunities can also be found on Texas Tech University’s website.