news-category: Academics

GWU Honors Student Presents Research Proposal on Effects of Caffeine on Soccer Midfielders

screenshot of Jordan Vitale presentation

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.

Previous News Article

Student-Athlete Appreciates Skills Learned While Participating in the GWU Honors Program

Next News Article

Through Honors Research, Isaac Tuttle, ’20, Discovers Fascinating Character of A.C. Dixon

Related News

  • News Article

    The Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn Jr. Elected First African American Chair of Gardner-Webb Board of Trustees

    In his New Role, Pastor, Teacher and Leader will Focus on Transparency, Accountability and Communication BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Rev. Dr. M. Lamont Littlejohn Jr., pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Shelby, N.C., is a trailblazer “Pro Deo et Humanitate” (for God and humanity). A three-time graduate of Gardner-Webb and the first African American chair […]

    Lamont Littlejohn
  • News Article

    Lily Streeton Wins $2,000 Prize in Gardner-Webb Godbold College of Business’ Dawg Pitch Competition

    Event Held During Entrepreneurship Week with Additional Competitions for High School and Community College Students  BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Gardner-Webb University Godbold College of Business recently hosted Entrepreneurship Week. The event was highlighted by business pitch competitions for high school and community college students as well as Gardner-Webb students. Community partners—Uptown Shelby Association, Cleveland County Economic […]

  • News Article

    Sigma Zeta National Math and Science Honor Society Inducts 31 New Members

    Gardner-Webb University Beta Tau Chapter Also Recognizes Seniors and New Officers BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Beta Tau Chapter of Sigma Zeta National Honor Society held its induction ceremony recently. A group of 31 students were honored as new members, and the new officers were installed. Graduating seniors were also recognized. New members received membership certificates, and […]

    a group shot of the new members of Sigma Zeta