Rutgers Equine Scientist Elevated to Rank of Fellow of the American Physiological Society

New Brunswick, N.J. – Dr. Kenneth H. McKeever, FACSM, Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University, and Associate Director of Research at the Rutgers Equine Science Center, was elevated to rank of Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS).

“The rank of Fellow of the American Physiological Society (FAPS) is an elite member status reserved to honor distinguished leaders who have demonstrated excellence in science, have made significant contributions to the physiological sciences and related disciplines and have served the Society,” states the American Physiological Society. “The designation of Fellow is an honor and shall remain valid for the duration of APS membership.” The elevation to this status recognizes his over 30 years of work within the field of physiological science.

In 1995 he joined the Faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences at Rutgers University as an Associate Professor and proceeded to build, develop, and coordinated one of the most active Equine Exercise Physiology laboratories in the USA.

Dr. Kenneth H. McKeever speaks about the type of research being conducted at the Equine Exercise Physiology Laboratory during a recent Ag Field Day at Rutgers Day. The Lab is a world-class facility, one of only two such laboratories not associated with a veterinary college in the United States.

McKeever earned the rank of Full Professor in 2009 and currently serves as Associate Director for Research at the Rutgers University Equine Science Center.

On a basic level his research has focused on comparative exercise and cardiovascular physiology with a particular interest in the effects of aging on the integration of the cardiovascular, renal, and endocrine systems in the control of blood pressure, blood volume and fluid and electrolyte balance. On an applied level, his research has focused on the effects of performance enhancing practices on the physiological responses of the equine athlete.

These studies are just part of the more than 200 book chapters, journal articles and proceedings papers, and more than 60 abstracts that have advanced the understanding of the athletic horse.

“I am humbled to be the first and only Rutgers University researcher to have been recognized by the American Physiological Society for this honor,” says McKeever, who has been a member of the Society since 1992.

At the 2019 Equine Science Society (ESS) Symposium business meeting, new ESS President Dr. Burton W. Staniar, from The Pennsylvania State University, presents outgoing president Dr. Kenneth H. McKeever with a USA Water Polo towel as token of appreciation for his service as president during the last two years.

McKeever’s other accomplishments include: President of the Equine Science Society, fulfilling his two-year role as the leader of the organization this past Thursday, as well as serving as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal Comparative Exercise Physiology and as a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine.

“One cannot earn honors alone and first and foremost, I want to thank my wife Jennifer and my daughters Nicole and Natalie for all their support for my aspirations and success as a scientist,” says McKeever. “I also want to thank my mentors, my students, and all my fellow collaborators who have made this honor possible. There are many people who I owe much gratitude. Many thanks go to Rutgers University and the Equine Science Center, the stakeholders in horse industry, and the many horses who have made this voyage of discovery possible.”

In his spare time, McKeever plays water polo goalie at the local, national, and international level, and is also an amateur genealogist and historian.

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Dr. Kenneth H. McKeever

McKeever received his B.S. degree and M.S. degrees in Animal Science from California State Polytechnic University Pomona and Fresno State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Animal Physiology at the University of Arizona. Upon completing his Ph.D. McKeever served for two years as a National Academies of Sciences-National Research Council Resident Research Associate in the Cardiovascular Research Lab at the NASA Ames Research Center in California.

American Physiological Society

Founded in 1887, the American Physiological Society is a global leader in expanding knowledge related to biological function. We connect a multidisciplinary community of nearly 10,000 scientists and educators from around the world, driving collaboration and spotlighting scientific discoveries in physiology and related disciplines. Our members are advancing treatments and cures for everything from cancer and heart disease, to obesity and addiction. They are also deepening our insight into living organisms generally, helping us to better understand how things like climate change are affecting the world around us.