Brief Bio

Frank Katch was born and raised in Southern California. His father Kurt was a European-trained, Shakespearean actor who appeared in 43 Hollywood films, dozens of "live" television shows, and numerous stage plays including the acclaimed Broadway 3-year run of "I Remember Mama." His mother Roma was a dramatic coach and Polish actress. After graduating from Hollywood High School (where celebrity chum included Stephanie Powers -- her name in high school before stardom --Taffy Paul), he continued his studies in Physical Education at California State University, Northridge (then known as Valley State College) where he majored in physical education, minored in biology, and earned a California Secondary Teaching Credential (along with a mediocre career on the Valley State basketball team).

Dr. Katch received his Masters degree in Physical Education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his doctorate in 1970 in Physical Education with a specialty in exercise physiology at the University of California, Berkeley. His first teaching position, at the City University of New York, teamed with Dr. McArdle from 1970 to 1977. During that time, they co-authored the first edition of Nutrition, Weight Control, and Exercise, and first edition of Exercise Physiology. In the Fall of 1977, he and his wife Kerry and their children (David, Kevin, and Ellen) have lived in Amherst, MA. From 1977-present. Dr. Katch served as Chair of the Department of Exercise Science in the School of Physical Education. He currently works as a professor in the department of Exercise Science where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses, supervises graduate students, and works on various research projects. Dr. Katch is a Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine, a reviewer for numerous scientific journals, and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Kinesiology (along with long time co-authors Victor Katch and William McArdle). His oldest son David graduated from the University of Michigan in 1996 and works in the publishing industry.

An avid jogger on the beaches of Santa Monica during college days, Dr. Katch still exercises regularly. His greatest fitness accomplishment was completing his first and only marathon (Fall Classic Marathon in 4 hours, 10 minutes--the time wasn't that great, but my wife and oldest son ran the last mile with me. That was worth all the effort). His favorite activities include sampling ice cream (Harrel's in Northampton is simply the best anywhere), and surfing the Internet on his Apple Power PC computer. His hobbie include sports photography, watching basketball on ESPN television (or reading about sports on ESPN SportsZone), writing articles about his research for popular magazines, riding the 8-mile length of the bike trail to the boat dock under the Coolidge Bridge and swimming in the river before heading home (after a stop at Pete's for ice cream), going on walks with his wife in the conservation areas around Amherst, vacationing in Carmel, California, attending the Macworld Computer conventions, fishing (a new experience), taking jogging tours while visiting different cities, shopping at the Super Stop and Shop market for low-fat and no-fat desserts, watching David, Kevin, and Ellen participate in their school sports activities, and going out to dinner with friends. He's also trying to master Photoshop in his spare time.

Favorite foods: homemade meat loaf (smothered in onions and ketchup, made with matzo meal instead of bread crumbs), enchiladas, and any kind of dessert (especially chocolate chip and almond cookies, any kind of ice cream with smoosh-ins, and chocolate).

Pet peeve: Listening to people complain about gaining weight without giving exercise a chance!