Dr. Roark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biology from Jackson State. While attending Jackson State he participated in research projects at Jackson State University, the University of Georgia, the University of Missouri-Columbia, the University of Chicago and the Mississippi Medical Center. After graduation, Dr. Roark worked as a research technician at the University of Chicago where he investigated eukaryotic protein trafficking. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Genetics from Northwestern University. Dr. Roark has been continuously funded throughout his research career as both a research technician and a graduate student. He has received several awards through his career and has been published in multiple peer reviewed journals. His research interests include protein trafficking, bacterial pathogenesis, cell physiology and genetics. Dr. Roark has taught many biology classes including Genetics, Microbiology, Cell physiology, Graduate Genomics, Bioethics, and Histology. He has developed and taught several courses including online and brick & mortar. Dr. Roark has taught Medical Genetics and Medical Microbiology since joining the William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010.

Genetics, Microbiology, Cell physiology, Graduate Genomics, Bioethics, and Histology.