The UAB Nathan Shock Center (NSC) provides services, resources, consultation, and training for investigators performing research on the basic biology of aging. The Center exists to assist scientists in pursuing research focused on the interplay of aging and energetics. Its goal is to act as a multiplier to increase the success of affiliated scientists.

The Cores provide resources and expertise on the comparative energetics of aging for the research community in order to leverage the effectiveness of individual researchers and foster collaborations among scientists studying the basic biology of aging. For more information on the individual cores, please follow the links to their pages.

Administrative/Program Enrichment Core (Admin Core)

The Administrative Core coordinates the activities of the Center.

Co-Leaders: Steven Austad This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Thomas Buford This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Learn more about Admin Core

Comparative Data Analytics Core (Analytics Core)

The Comparative Data Analytics Core (Analytics Core) provides consultation in study design, research proposal development, and data analysis, including traditional, specialized, and bespoke methods for scientists performing research on the basic biology of aging. Analytics Core also conducts high-level statistical investigations of secondary data to answer questions about the comparative biology and energetics of aging.

Leader: David Allison This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Learn more about Analytics Core Core Usage Request Form

Comparative Mitochondrial Health Assessment Core (Mitometabolism Core)

The Comparative Mitochondrial Health Assessment Core (Mitometabolism Core) offers state-of-the-art services to investigators to facilitate research and training on mitochondrial function and mitophagy as it relates to aging. The core provides expertise in molecular energetics and metabolomics techniques in a variety of species from yeast to mice.

Leader: Jianhua Zhang This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Learn more about Mitometabolism Core Core Usage Request Form

Comparative Organismal Energetics Core (Organismal Core)

The Comparative Organismal Energetics Core (Organismal Core) provides consultation in methods and study design, training, expertise and state-of-the-art instrumentation to facilitate research on the role of whole animal energetics and metabolism in aging.

Leader: Daniel Smith This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Learn more about Organismal CoreCore Usage Request Form

Research Development Core (RDC)

The Research Development Core (RDC) supports cutting edge biological research on the comparative biology and energetics of aging. The RDC accomplishes this goal by administering the UAB NSC Pilot/Feasibility Grants program and by providing mentorship and support for UAB NSC grantees.

Leader: John Hartman This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Learn more about RDCPilot/Feasibility Grants Program

Please contact the UAB NSC Cores or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.