Joaquin Ortiz de Zevallos

SRP Diabetes Postdoctoral research fellow with a strong background in human exercise physiology. During his Master’s degree in Sports Science at the University of Exeter, Joaquin focused his research on the effects of inorganic nitrate supplementation on exercise performance. He then transitioned to the PhD program at the University of Virginia (USA), investigating how exercise and nitrate supplementation can improve cardiovascular health and exercise capacity in individuals with cardiometabolic disease, primarily Peripheral Arterial Disease. He also studied how inorganic nitrate supplementation affects exercise economy, endurance, and muscle strength in healthy male and female participants. These experiences sparked a keen interest in how physical activity influences molecular processes in health and disease, especially the changes in skeletal muscle that enhance metabolic health and the related adaptations in the cardiovascular system.

My research focuses on the molecular signal transducers that regulate glucose transport in skeletal muscle to restore glucose uptake in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Specifically, I aim to explore how exercise activates these signaling pathways and whether pharmacological agents that mimic exercise-induced GLUT4 translocation can enhance insulin sensitivity. This project is designed to identify and evaluate key signaling molecules that may improve glucose transport in skeletal muscle and support glucose homeostasis in insulin resistance.

Teaching is a core responsibility for any academic committed to training the next generation of scientists. Joaquin has been involved in teaching since the early years of his PhD at the University of Virginia, covering topics such as exercise physiology, cardiovascular health, overall health (including diet and physical activity), and leading practical laboratories in vascular and exercise physiology.

At KI, Joaquin has participated in undergraduate and master's programs in physiology and pharmacology through journal clubs, lectures, and practical labs.