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Robert Staron, Ph.D.

Staron’s fascination with skeletal muscles dates back to when, as an OHIO engineering student, he had the opportunity to use an electron microscope in the research lab of Robert Hikida, Ph.D., professor emeritus of anatomy and developmental biology.

Hikida was among the first to do research on human muscles, and in him, Staron found a mentor and research partner to sustain a career. Staron switched his major to zoology to earn his bachelor’s degree, then received a master’s degree in anatomy at Ohio State University and returned to earn his Ph.D. under Hikida.

In a rare departure from his colleagues’ zoological studies, Staron’s earlier questions revolved around people, specifically strength training adaptations in women. He recruited women to undergo intensive weight training and periodic muscle sampling. “People couldn’t believe our numbers,” Staron says. “They didn’t think women’s muscles could get that big and strong. It changed the way people thought about muscle adaptation.”

Staron has since collaborated on several human muscle studies, one of which recently challenged the benefit of very slow repetitions using light resistance (compared to normal speed with heavy resistance).

Staron’s current muscle research focuses more on mice and other rodents, but his expertise in human musculature comes in handy during the August immersion and subsequent musculoskeletal anatomy labs.

“Every [body donor] is different in terms of size and shape of muscles,” he says. “You can help students identify adaptations that take place in a bed-ridden individual versus someone who was more active.”

Nancy Stevens, Ph.D.

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