news-category: Academics GWU Honors Student Presents Research Proposal on Effects of Caffeine on Soccer Midfielders By Office of University Communications On May 7, 2020 Honors Program Gave Jordan Vitale, ’20, Opportunities to Travel and Share Her Ideas Jordan Vitale, ’20, an exercise science major with a health sciences concentration at Gardner-Webb University, recently presented a research proposal for her Honors thesis. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, Vitale and the other students in the Honors Program gave their presentations through a Zoom teleconference. Vitale, of Tampa, Fla., plans to apply to medical school. The topic of her proposal was “The Effects of Energy Drinks on Division I Soccer Midfielders.” Q: Why did you choose your research proposal topic? Vitale: I chose my research topic, because I had a soccer teammate who always swore by drinking an energy drink prior to every game. She thought it would enhance her exercise performance and make her play better. I was interested to see if caffeine/energy drinks actually enhanced exercise performance, so I decided to research it. In reviewing the literature, I found there was a huge gap in the research, and it’s not known what caffeine does to the body let alone with exercise and specifically in females. It’s essential to continue research on the effects of caffeine on various athletes during exercise in order to prevent dangerous side effects, such as dehydration, heart complications, anxiety and insomnia. Q: What valuable lessons did you learn from doing your research? Vitale: I feel as if I learned a lot through my research. I read dozens of articles about various studies involving caffeine. I learned that choosing the best information to include is essential. I had at least 30 articles to sort through and pick out what information was the most important. Q: How has the Honors Program enhanced your GWU experience? Vitale: I was able to meet a ton of different people outside of my team, who I spend most of my time with. The Honors Program also allowed me to go on some neat trips and present some of my work. I was able to go to Washington, D.C., and Memphis, Tenn., with some great people. Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. Gardner-Webb emphasizes a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics to prepare students to become effective leaders within the global community. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
News Article Gardner-Webb’s Godbold College of Business Hosts Pitch Competitions for College and High School Students Top Prize for College Students is $2,000; Five High School Winners Receive $1,000 Each BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Godbold College of Business is hosting a day of business pitch competitions on April 24. Activities begin at 9 a.m. in Hamrick Hall’s Blanton Auditorium on the Gardner-Webb University campus. The event includes the second annual Dawg House […] Office of University Communications | March 26, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb Assistant Professor Dr. Wilson Hawkins Receives President’s Early Career Award Honor Recognizes Scholarship, Instruction, Professional Development and Service BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs has announced the recipient of the President’s Early Career Award for 2024. Receiving the honor is Dr. Wilson Hawkins, assistant professor of physics and director of the GWU Honors Program. Since Hawkins’ arrival to the University in 2021, […] Office of University Communications | March 22, 2024
News Article Gardner-Webb University Senior Art Majors Display Their Works in Ali Pouryousefi Gallery Show by Isabel Gallimore, MaryEvelyn Murray and Megan Addington on Exhibit Through April 12 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Works by Gardner-Webb seniors Isabel Gallimore, MaryEvelyn Murray and Megan Addington will be featured in the Ali Pouryousefi Gallery in Tucker Student Center through April 12. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday […] Office of University Communications | March 22, 2024