Dr. Mark A. Shoop was born and grew up in Pennsylvania.  He attended The Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science, both in Biology.  For his master’s degree, Dr. Shoop conducted research in reproductive physiology – specifically polycystic ovaries syndrome.  He then earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Animal Physiology from Clemson University, investigating the effects of thermal stress on chicken adrenal responses.

Dr. Shoop taught at Macon College, now part of Middle Georgia State University, and Mercer University before coming to Tennessee Wesleyan University in 1999.  He regularly teaches Anatomy and Physiology I and II, General Biology II, General Zoology, Vertebrate Anatomy and Development, Animal Physiology, Vertebrate Endocrinology, and Evolutionary Biology.

While at TWU, Dr. Shoop has, at various times, served as the chair for the Department of Natural Sciences, Associate Dean for the School of Sciences and Mathematics, and an Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Shoop’s academic interests lie in endocrinology, the science of hormones, particularly stress physiology and reproductive physiology.  He is also interested in the biology of aging and the ways that biological phenomena have impacted human history.