Student Story

I wanted to bridge the gap between my running interests, sports nutrition, and exercise science research.”

Ian Pierce is an Exercise Science major at Catawba College and a recipient of the prestigious IMPACT Funding Award. The IMPACT program—short for Inspiring Meaningful Pursuits to Accelerate Co-curricular Transformation—was established to empower students to engage in transformative experiences beyond the classroom. By supporting internships, research, creative projects, travel, and service-learning opportunities, the program enables students like Ian to broaden their horizons, pursue their passions, and make a lasting impact.

With the support of the IMPACT Funding Award, Ian set out to design a research project that combined his interests in running, sports nutrition, and exercise science. As he explored potential locations to study the effects of altitude training on endurance athletes, he determined that Albuquerque, New Mexico, provided the ideal environment for his research.

He said, “I wanted to bridge the gap between my running interests, sports nutrition, and exercise science research. This led me to come up with this project idea, invite the Men’s Cross-Country team to participate in this research project and build a study that involved testing the effects of altitude training on endurance athletes in many different aspects. When looking for other places to test the effects of Altitude on endurance athletes, I found Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be the best spot for us.”

With Albuquerque set as the ideal location, Ian and his team dove into their research, immersing themselves in the difficult training and testing process.

“A typical day of research consisted of a lot of training with the participants since they were in their summer buildup for the upcoming Cross-Country Season. The tests varied slightly on the day, but in total, we completed several different tests, such as hydration tests, lactate tests, and V02 Sub Max tests before and after. On three separate occasions, we also did food recalls. Most days, the subjects would only have to worry about completing their journals, a hydration test, and possibly a lactate test, depending on whether it was a workout.”

Through this research experience, Ian not only gained valuable scientific insights but also deepened his connections with his teammates.

“Overall, it was a great experience and taught me so much. It was easier for me since they were all my teammates, and I had already known them before this. I never thought I would have, but I learned more about them and was lucky enough to explore part of the country with them. I learned a lot from the research I completed, but it was great to have this opportunity out there with some very close friends and see the different states and cultures,” he said.

Ian’s research experience was not without its challenges. In fact, he encountered a few but was able to resolve them.

“Yes, we did face a few, but none of them were major. For example, some of the results were errors the first time we did blood lactate testing, but with practice and research, I figured out what I was doing wrong and resolved it. There were some other similar issues that were also easily resolved,” he said.

Ian’s experience in New Mexico has greatly influenced both his academic and career goals by giving him a new perspective on sports research.

He said, “It has provided a new perspective on sports research and what it takes to do it. I have already spoken with my advisor and plan to have a career centered on sports, with maybe some research there as well. Along the way, I learned tons of different protocols and other things. That has taught me so much about sports research that I would have never known if it wasn't for this opportunity.”

This hands-on experience not only deepened his understanding of sports research but also reinforced the knowledge he gained in the classroom.

“My Sports Performance and Nutrition Classes have been crucial to understanding at least half of the information I was exposed to. Dr. Bowser has done a tremendous job mentoring me and helping me set up this opportunity for myself and some other fabulous Catawba College staff.”

Ian’s advice to fellow students interested in similar research opportunities is simple.

He said, “Don't wait; start a research opportunity here as soon as possible. Don't hesitate to ask questions with your advisor or other Catawba faculty or staff. They are here to help you, so why not use them?”

Ian appreciates Catawba’s support, not just in research but also in the opportunities and dedicated faculty that make a difference for students like him.

“I love Catawba College because they have opportunities like these, not just for a few students; everyone can apply. The faculty here are incredibly friendly and helpful; you can get actual guidance. I know many other people at other Universities or Colleges who have yet to have anywhere near the opportunities we have here or the ability to work with professors as we do.”

Ian’s research journey came full circle this past October when he had the opportunity to present his findings to Dr. Bowser’s Nutrition class.