Joshua Drake investigates how mitochondrial quality control in primarily post-mitotic tissues (e.g. skeletal muscle) mediates the capacity for healthy aging. Specifically, his research investigates novel mechanisms by which damaged and/or dysfunctional regions of the mitochondrial reticulum are targeted for degradation through mitophagy and how such mechanisms are negatively impacted by aging and their relationship to age-related disease. Additionally, he is interested in how regular exercise promotes healthy aging through maintenance of mitochondrial quality.

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2019, UVA Junior Faculty Outstanding Investigator Award
2018, NIA Career Development Award (K99/R00)
2018, NIA-sponsored Summer Training Course in Experimental Aging Research
2016, National Institute on Aging (NIA) Butler-Williams Scholar
2016, American Diabetes Association Post-Doctoral Fellowship Award
2016, National Institute of Health Ruth L. Kirschtein Post-Doctoral Fellowship Award (F32), NIDDK

2014-2018, Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Molecular Physiology, Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Medicine, University of Virginia

2014, Ph.D., Human Bioenergetics, Colorado State University

2010, M.S., Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University

2007, B.S., Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University