Joshua Owens headshot

Josh Owens 

Biology

Assistant Professor



Biography

Josh Owens was raised in Huntsville, Alabama. Following a family legacy, Josh attended Lipscomb where he majored in Molecular Biology and graduated in 2016. After Lipscomb, Josh attended Emory University where he earned his PhD in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis in 2021. During his time at Emory, Josh was awarded the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA, F31) by the National Cancer Institute. In addition to his NRSA, Josh published 17 peer-reviewed articles on topics including cancer immunology, the microbiome, fat metabolism, and Covid-19. Of note, Josh helped lead a joint discovery of a novel microbially produced molecule, delta-Valerobetaine. This discovery was the cover of the journal Nature Metabolism when it was published. At Lipscomb, Josh leads a research team that is currently funded by the Christian Scholars’ Foundation’s Junior Faculty Grant (2022). His lab is interested in the role of fat metabolism in exacerbating cancer. Additionally, his lab is actively pursuing the discovery of novel molecules that effect fat metabolism and may be utilized to treat cancer or obesity. Josh chose to come to Lipscomb as he is passionate about the mission of Lipscomb and desires to be an advocate for his students to help propel them to graduate school, professional school, or the workforce.

Josh met his wife Erin while still in High School and they have been married since 2017. They have one daughter, Piper, who was born in May 2022. In his free time, Josh enjoys reading, running, woodworking, and gardening.

Academic Degrees

B.S. in Molecular Biology – Lipscomb University (2016)

PhD in Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis – Emory University (2021)

Academic Department

Biology