Professional Summary
Dr. Christopher Kotarsky, PhD, CSCS is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation, Exercise Science and Nutrition Sciences. His research focuses on the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia and dynapenia, particularly among sedentary, undernourished, and overweight/obese populations. This area of study is critical as the prevalence of obesity and related physical dysfunctions, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, continues to rise in the U.S.
He is particularly interested in how these declines in muscle quality affect daily activities and lead to a loss of functional independence in later life. While diet and exercise can mitigate some of these effects, they are not always nutritionally sufficient or sustainable long-term. Therefore, Dr. Kotarsky aims to explore innovative strategies to reduce fat mass, improve metabolic health, and prevent the loss of muscle mass and strength associated with obesity and aging. This commitment is exemplified by his doctoral research on time-restricted eating (TRE), which was funded by a NIH Pilot Grant through the University of Nebraska Medical Center Great Plains IDeA-CTR.
This study examined the effects of an eight-week TRE and concurrent exercise training intervention on body composition, cardiovascular risk factors, and dietary intake in physically inactive, overweight, and obese adults. Using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, the research assessed body composition changes. The study, published in Physiological Reports, demonstrated that TRE combined with exercise training is an effective short-term strategy for reducing fat mass and increasing lean mass.
Education
PhD: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2020 (Exercise Science and Nutrition)
MS: North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 2016 (Exercise Science and Nutrition)
BS: The University of Akron, Akron, OH, 2014 (Exercise Science, Fitness Management)
Other Information
For a full summary of my professional work, including publications, please view my Curriculum Vitae (10.21.24)
For the latest updates on my scholarly activities and projects, you may visit my other professional profiles: Chris Kotarsky,