Sang-Rok Lee’s research focuses on understanding the physiological mechanisms of muscle wasting in aging and in special populations with diseases such as cancer, and on exploring how exercise and nutritional interventions can improve quality of life. His work reflects the Christian mission to serve vulnerable populations and the biblical call to care for the sick and marginalized (Matthew 25:35-40).

In teaching, Lee strives to integrate faith and learning by fostering a classroom rooted in compassion, integrity and respect. He aims to inspire students to address real-world challenges with Christ’s love while modeling humility, servant leadership and a commitment to truth—demonstrating how faith can guide both academic inquiry and professional practice.

Degrees and Certifications

• PhD, Exercise Physiology, Florida State University
• MA, Exercise Physiology, Southern Illinois University
• MS, Exercise Science, Kookmin University 
• BS, Sports and Leisure Studies, Daejeon University 

Expertise

• Physical activity during pregnancy and postpartum, physical activity assessment and undergraduate research

Involvement

• American College of Sports Medicine

Publications

• Murphy, E., An, Y., Lee, S-R., & Wood, R. (2024) Postural Change, Gait, and Physical Function in Older Adults. Gait & Posture. Epub ahead of print.

• Lee, S-R., & Directo, D. (2023). Fish Oil Supplementation with Resistance Exercise Training Enhances Physical Function and Cardiometabolic Health in Postmenopausal Women. Nutrients. 15(21), 4516.

• Directo, D., & Lee, S-R. (2023). Cancer Cachexia: Underlying Mechanisms and Potential Therapeutic Interventions. Metabolites. 13(9), 1024

• Lee, S-R., Directo, D., & Khamoui, A. (2022). Fish Oil Administration Combined with Resistance Exercise Training Improves Strength, Resting Metabolic Rate, and Inflammation in Older Adults. Aging Clinical and Experimental Research. 34(12):3073-3081.

• Kerber, E., Bukowska, S., Mancol, F., Kosowski, B., Lee, S-R., Teelucksingh, S., & Del Corral, P. (2021). Increased vasoconstrictor sensitivity to glucocorticoids is associated with the exaggerated systolic blood pressure during submaximal exercise. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. 28(18) e28-e31.

Presentations

• Lee, S-R., Directo, D., Kang, Y., Stein J. M., & Calvert M., Exercise Counteracts Inflammation and Muscle Proteolysis Mediators in Tumor-bearing Mice. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. May 2025.

• Lee, S-R., Directo, D., Kang, Y., Stein J. M., & Calvert M., Exercise Fish Oil Supplementation on Muscular Performance and Soreness After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. May 2024.

• Lee, S-R., Directo, D., Kang, Y., Stein J. M., & Calvert M., Exercise Countermeasure Counteracts Loss of Physical Function and Body Weight in Tumor-bearing Mice. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. June 2023.
• Lee, S-R., & Directo, D. Omega-3 Fatty Acid Administration Enhances Benefits from Resistance Exercise Training in Older Adults. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. May 2022.
• Lee, S-R., Mehlin, R. P., Sigala, G., Krause, J. K., Fitch, L. P., Gabaldon, J. R., Williams, N. L., Directo, D., & Carson, C. C. Resistance Exercise with Fish Oil Improves Muscular Strength and Inflammation in Older Adults. Med. Sci. Sports. Exerc. May 2020.

Research Areas

• Studying mechanisms underlying aging-induced muscle atrophy (i.e., sarcopenia)
• Developing exercise and nutritional interventions to improve muscle mass and quality in older adults