In the George

Fueling for gold: How nutrition impacts strength, speed, and recovery in Olympic athletes

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:31:25 +0000

Fueling for gold: How nutrition impacts strength, speed, and recovery in Olympic athletes Taylor Thomas Wed, 02/18/2026 - 12:31

If our bodies are machines and food is fuel, it is safe to say that elite performance requires high-octane nutrition. As the Winter Olympics continue in Italy, the world watches as top athletes display the highest capabilities of the human body. Behind the scenes, nutritionists and dietitians are working to ensure these athletes are ready to compete at the peak level.

Allison McKay, board-certified sports dietitian, registered dietitian and Clinical Coordinator of the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics at �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health, answers questions about the importance of nutrition in keeping athletes in top shape so they’re ready to go for gold.

Olympic athletes are competing at the highest level. How does nutrition fuel peak performance in training and competition?

Elite performance does not occur by chance; it emerges when multiple variables align to create an environment that supports adaptation, resilience, and execution at the highest level. Nutrition is foundational. During both training and competition, fueling is one of the few performance variables that can be intentionally controlled and strategically manipulated. Like a high-performance engine that cannot run without adequate fuel, the human body depends on sufficient energy availability to sustain workload, support physiological adaptation, and ultimately translate preparation into performance.

Athletes must navigate complex and often competing demands, including high training loads, rigorous travel schedules, jet lag, variable environmental conditions, sport-specific cultural norms, and interpersonal or performance-related stressors. Each of these factors influences appetite, metabolism, hydration needs, and food access. Effective sports nutrition practice requires both scientific rigor and practical adaptability. Sports dietitians must anticipate barriers, individualize strategies, and implement creative solutions to ensure that fueling plans remain feasible, evidence-based, and aligned with the athlete’s performance goals.

What does a typical day of fueling look like for an elite winter athlete, such as a skier, skater, or hockey player?

Fueling strategies for elite athletes are designed to support the full spectrum of performance demands: meeting energy requirements for training and competition, facilitating recovery, and promoting the physiological adaptations that underpin long-term improvement. Meals are intentionally structured around the demands of a given day. Total energy needs may range from 1,500 to 4,000 calories more than the average adult, depending on the athlete’s physical attributes and training schedule. Even within the same athlete, energy requirements can change in the middle of a training cycle. Accordingly, meals must be individualized and adjusted to align with sport-specific demands and performance goals. A high-volume training day will differ from a competition day in both structure and nutrient timing.

Carbohydrate intake before, during, and after exercise helps maintain blood glucose levels, preserve glycogen stores, and delay fatigue. Hydration should occur before, during, and after activity, and electrolyte replacement should be incorporated as needed to support fluid balance and neuromuscular function. Protein intake becomes particularly important in the recovery period.

The amount of nutrients required depends on body size, training intensity, and duration. Meals on a typical training day, for example, an Olympic hockey player may look like a high-carb early pre-training meal, strategic carbohydrate and fluid intake during a two- to four-hour, practice session, a carbohydrate-packed high-protein snack for recovery, and lunches and dinners packed with nutrient-dense carbohydrate sources and adequate protein distribution. This diet is carefully crafted to sustain energy, maintain hydration, and support muscle repair. Pre-competition meals are often adjusted to prioritize easily digestible foods lower in fiber and fat to reduce gastrointestinal distress while still maintaining energy availability.

What role do hydration, timing of meals, and recovery nutrition play in maximizing performance and preventing injury?

Proper hydration is fundamental to performance. In addition to normal daily fluid losses, exercise substantially increases fluid loss through sweat. Sweat plays a critical role in maintaining a stable core temperature during physical activity. When fluid losses (such as sweat) are not adequately replaced, dehydration can occur, leading to increased cardiovascular strain, elevated core temperature, and disruption of metabolic processes. Even a tiny reduction in body weight due to fluid loss can impair cognitive function, reaction time, and neuromuscular coordination, effects that are particularly concerning in sports requiring rapid decision-making and precision, such as skiing or hockey.

Nutrient timing also plays a strategic role in performance and recovery. Optimal refueling ensures that the physiological stress of training translates into adaptation rather than excessive fatigue. Recovery is essential for sustained performance. Heavy training loads can temporarily suppress immune function, increasing vulnerability to illness. Monitoring overall energy intake and micronutrient adequacy is therefore critical. Nutrients that support immune health include omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, folate, vitamins B6 and B12, and vitamin C. While these nutrients are important, excessive supplementation is not advised. The objective is to maintain health and resilience without interfering with the natural adaptive processes that drive improved performance.

How do sports dietitians individualize nutrition plans based on an athlete’s sport, body composition goals, and metabolic demands?

Sports dietitians function as integral members of a multidisciplinary performance team dedicated to optimizing athlete health and competitive outcomes. Sports dietitians anticipate logistical challenges, including identifying appropriate food options and menu availability during travel and strategies to mitigate the effects of jet lag. They translate evidence-based nutrition science into practical, feasible plans that align with competition schedules and training cycles.

Most importantly, no two athletes are identical. Nutritional strategies must be individualized to reflect differences in physiology, performance goals, tolerance, and personal context. Through personalized planning and collaborative care, the sports dietitian helps create the conditions necessary for athletes to perform at their highest potential.

For students interested in working with elite or competitive athletes, what training and skills are essential—and how?

Most organizations that employ sports nutrition professionals require credentialing as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), along with advanced board certification as a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD). The RDN credential requires completion of an accredited didactic program in dietetics, a master’s level degree, supervised experiential practice, successful completion of the national registration examination, and ongoing continuing education to maintain competency. The CSSD credential represents additional specialized training and experience in sports nutrition and requires documented practice hours and passing a board certification examination. Together, these credentials signal both foundational clinical expertise and advanced competency in performance nutrition.

Beyond formal education and certification, effectiveness in elite sport environments depends on more than technical knowledge. Strong communication skills, the ability to collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, cultural humility, discretion, adaptability, and a willingness to travel are essential. Working with elite athletes requires trust, professionalism, and the capacity to translate complex science into clear, actionable guidance under high-performance pressure.

�鶹��Ƶ offers a Master of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Dietetics through the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. This program meets the academic eligibility requirements to pursue the RDN credential and prepares graduates for advanced practice opportunities, including sports nutrition. Prospective students are encouraged to connect with the department to learn more about pathways into this dynamic and impactful field.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: For reporters who wish to speak to Allison McKay about sports nutrition, please email media contact Michelle Thompson at mthomp7@gmu.edu.

Allison McKay, MS, RDN, CSSD, has been a registered dietitian for more than 25 years and has experience providing nutrition education and Medical Nutrition Therapy in hospitals, long-term care facilities and has been a research dietitian in several longitudinal research studies. Prior to working at George �鶹��Ƶ, she worked at the Cancer Research Center at the University of Hawaii and was a consulting Dietitian with Dietitian Consulting Services, LLC in Seattle, Washington. She holds an MS in Exercise, Fitness and Health Promotion from �鶹��Ƶ and is a Board Certified Sports Dietitian.

�鶹��Ƶ �鶹��Ƶ

�鶹��Ƶ is Virginia’s largest public research university. Located near Washington, D.C., �鶹��Ƶ enrolls more than 40,000 students from 130 countries and all 50 states. �鶹��Ƶ has grown rapidly over the past half-century and is recognized for its innovation and entrepreneurship, remarkable diversity, and commitment to accessibility. In 2023, the university launched �鶹��Ƶ Now: Power the Possible, a one-billion-dollar comprehensive campaign to support student success, research, innovation, community, and stewardship. Learn more at gmu.edu.

�鶹��Ƶ College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ

The College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ is the first College of Public Health in Virginia and a national leader in inclusive, interprofessional, public health research, education, and practice. The college is comprised of public health disciplines, health administration and policy, informatics, nursing, nutrition, and social work. The college offers a distinct array of degrees to support research and training of professionals dedicated to ensuring health and well-being for all. The college’s transdisciplinary research seeks to understand the many factors that influence the public’s health and well-being throughout the lifespan.

In This Story

Allison McKay MS, RD, CSSD

Key Takeaways

Board-certified sports dietitian Allison Mckay details the critical role of nutrition in fueling the world's top athletes.
Olympic athletes require a carefully curated diet including carbohydrates, high-quality proteins, and precise hydration to achieve peak performance.
Sports dietitians are uniquely trained to provide evidence-based guidance to help athletes achieve their goals.

Topics

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Research

Alumni

In the George

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and George �鶹��Ƶ researchers

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:30:46 +0000

Walkability initiative is a win-win partnership for Alexandria City residents and George �鶹��Ƶ researchers Taylor Thomas Mon, 01/26/2026 - 09:30

In This Story

Iulia Fratila, PhD

“Imagine living in a place where you can comfortably send your child and their friends on a safe route to your local library on foot or by bike. How about being able to engage in physical activity by simply accessing an expansive network of trails that might connect parks to local suburbs? This is what walkability looks like—and walkability is public health,” said social science researcher Iulia Fratila, an assistant professor in the Department of Global and Community Health at �鶹��Ƶ.

Fratlia participated as a cohort member of the 2025 Virginia Walkability Action Institute (VWAI) and was awarded $9,000 in funding to enhance a local park in Alexandria, Virginia. In partnership with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities (RPCA), Fratila and third-year undergraduate social work student Bryce Neuman devised the plan for the Alexandria City Ben Brenman Park project, which aims to encourage walkability, promote physical activity among community members, and improve access to fitness.

Fratlia emphasizes the role of partnerships in bringing sustainable change to fruition. “A partnership like this is a win for everyone involved," she said. "Academic researchers bring knowledge and expertise on the science that shapes health outcomes and the potential prevention efforts and the governmental agencies can bring resources and design structures that support health-promoting landscapes and decision-making.”

Assistant Professor in the College of Public Health Iulia Fratila (left) and Senior Transportation Planner at Equitable Cities Reba Oduro (right) standing in Ben Brenman Park currently, before enhancement. Photo provided.

The goal of the Ben Brenman Park project is to upgrade a trail segment in the south side of the park that has been underdeveloped and underutilized. The anticipated result is more walking and community engagement, healthier residents in the city of Alexandria and surrounding areas, and addressing health and recreation access gaps.

“We need to make sure we are creating and enhancing built environments and infrastructure that make healthier habits like walking and biking a possibility for all,” said Fratlia.

Neuman joined the Ben Brenman Park project to explore her interest in the built and natural environment as an important factor of public health as well as connections to macro-level social work dimensions. Together, Fratlia and Neuman developed the project’s action plan and strategic goals that guided them through the project proposal and implementation process.

Fratlia attended the farmers' market held at the park to distribute QR codes linking to the survey, and the RPCA emailed the survey to the city residents via their newsletter. These data collection methods garnered more than 400 responses. Based on the survey responses, the community identified priorities, including planting native trees and plants and installing adult fitness equipment in the park. Subsequently, the RPCA Urban Planning team created a plan outlining the proposed layout for exercise equipment and tree plantings.

“I am looking forward to being able to see the final product implemented at the park and see that positive change. I’m particularly excited about the addition of native wildlife around the park, and I hope the people who live near and visit the park also appreciate the changes,” said Neuman.

In addition to the pitch and execution of the Ben Brenman Park project, the VWAI program, in partnership with Equitable Cities LLC, involved attending distance learning modules and in-person workshopsfocused on topics such as Placemaking and Tactical Urbanism, the Economic Impact and Sustainability of Active Transportation Investment, Inclusive Community Engagement, Safe Routes programming, and Complete Streets initiatives. This experience allowed Fratila and Neuman to apply public health principles to a real-world built environment project while engaging directly with community members to address their needs and priorities.

The park enhancement project, which has officially been named a case study by the VWAI, is scheduled to be completed in early 2026 and will be installed by the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. The VWAI is a program of the Virginia Department of Health and is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Key Takeaways

George �鶹��Ƶ College of Public Health researchers are partnering with the City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the Virginia Walkability Action Institute to study and improve neighborhood walkability at Alexandria City's Ben Brenman Park, ensuring research is grounded in community-identified needs rather than academic theory alone.
The initiative provides hands-on, real-world research experience for College of Public Health students, integrating applied public health training with community-based data collection and analysis to inform local planning decisions.
George �鶹��Ƶ’s involvement helps translate walkability research into practical policy insights, supporting Alexandria’s goals around healthier, safer, and more equitable streets while positioning the university as a long-term community partner.

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College of Public Health

GCH Research

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In the George

Air Force veteran chooses George �鶹��Ƶ for its ever-evolving environment

Taylor Thomas — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:36:52 +0000

Air Force veteran chooses George �鶹��Ƶ for its ever-evolving environment Taylor Thomas Tue, 01/20/2026 - 10:36

As a chef in the Missile Squadron in the U.S. Air Force, veteran Collin Terling was constantly on the move, traveling four days out of the week to prepare meals for security forces. After completing his military service, Terling wanted a university that could keep pace with his desire for forward momentum. �鶹��Ƶ originally registered on his radar because his sister is an alumna, and he determined it was a perfect fit.

Air Force veteran Collin Terling. Photo provided.

“My favorite thing about George �鶹��Ƶ is that it never stops; it is always trying to improve. I wanted a quality education that could help my long-term growth,” said Terling, who is graduating with bachelor of science in health administration in spring 2026.

Terling is a first-generation student and a part of the George �鶹��Ƶ chapter of the federal Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program, which provides beneficiaries with assistance with tuition, fees, books, and school supplies.

George �鶹��Ƶ has consistently ranked as the number one college for veterans in Virginia. He commends the Office of Military Service for their steadfast diligence in supporting his journey back into higher education.

“George �鶹��Ƶ is a great school for veterans and offers a wide range of programs with endless opportunities for post-military veterans looking to get back into educational pursuits,” Terling said.

Terling decided to pursue a career in health care after seeing individual and systems-level pitfalls in quality improvement for patient care, electronic health records, financing, and integration of artificial intelligence in health. A number of College of Public Health faculty and staff guided him in his degree program planning. He cites Assistant Professor Lee Black, Assistant Professor Stephen Brown (retired), and Adjunct Professor Jerome Bozek for their knowledge and instruction of health care finance, health care law, and medical practice management. Terling states his academic advisor Julio Diaz-Carroll has been an instrumental support as he completes his degree.

“It took me a long time to really figure out what degree I felt aligned with,” he said. "I love problem-solving and hope I can make an impact on helping patients, the community around us, and contribute to the revamping of a struggling health care system."

Terling is doing an internship with UVA Health spring 2026 semester, where he hopes to take a deep dive into the complexities of the health care world and its systems.

“I want to get as much experience as I can working within multiple departments and collaborating with other teams to really get an overarching view of the many different perspectives from patients and health care staff,” Terling said.

�鶹��Ƶ recognized as a top Military Friendly University

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Veterans

Department of Health Administration and Policy

Office of Military Services

George �鶹��Ƶ researchers honored with SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards

Katarina Benson — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:46:48 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ researchers honored with SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards Katarina Benson Fri, 01/16/2026 - 13:46

�鶹��Ƶ’s Xuesu Xiao, an assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science within the College of Engineering and Computing, and Michael S. Bloom, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health within the College of Public Health, were among the 12 recipients honored by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) with 2026 Outstanding Faculty Awards.

Chosen from a pool of 81 nominees and 21 finalists representing the commonwealth’s public and private colleges and universities, the recipients are recognized for their superior accomplishments in teaching, research, and public service. Each will receive a $7,500 award at a March 3 ceremony in Richmond.

“I am thrilled that two George �鶹��Ƶ faculty members have been selected to receive the SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award this year,” said George �鶹��Ƶ Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Ajay Vinzé. “As the highest honor for faculty in the Commonwealth, this award recognizes the exceptional contributions that George �鶹��Ƶ faculty make through research that addresses society’s most pressing challenges, as well as through engaging students in impactful teaching and mentoring experiences that foster student success. In addition, these two award recipients are deeply committed to service, innovation, and leadership in their fields. This honor is richly deserved; together, they showcase the best of George �鶹��Ƶ.”

Xiao directs the RobotiXX Lab and is an assistant professor in the department of Computer Science. Photo by Office of University Branding

Xiao was recognized as a “Rising Star” for his early-career accomplishments. He directs the RobotiXX Lab and works at the intersection of motion planning and machine learning, with a focus on developing highly capable mobile robots that can operate in real-world environments with minimal human supervision. His work has supported search-and-rescue efforts following the Mexico City earthquake, the Greece refugee crisis, and decommissioning efforts at the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan. In 2025, Xiao received the George �鶹��Ƶ Presidential Award for Faculty Excellence in Research.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects Virginia’s commitment to scholarship that serves the public good,” Xiao said. “It strengthens the commonwealth’s research profile, prepares students to address complex, real-world challenges, and recognizes not only my research contributions, but also the broader vision behind them—advancing robotics research with real impact while educating and mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists.”

Gurdip Singh, the divisional dean of the Long Nguyen and Kimmy Duong School of Computing within the College of Engineering and Computing, said George �鶹��Ƶ was fortunate to have such a talented young researcher as Xiao.

“His breakthroughs in robotics are making an impact at conferences around the world and establishing our prominence in this rapidly growing field,” he said. “The test bed at the RobotiXX Lab is the only one of its kind in the region, if not the country.”

Bloom teaches graduate-level epidemiology and mentors graduate students, while conducting research on the health effects and sources of exposure to environmental pollutants, with a focus on human reproduction and fetal development. His work is driven by a commitment to addressing health disparities and supporting vulnerable populations.

Bloom, a professor in the Department of Global and Community Health. Photo by Office of University Branding

A reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist, Bloom was recently elected to a five-year leadership role within the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, where he will serve on the Leadership Committee of the Environment and Reproduction Special Interest Group in a series of roles culminating as chair.

Bloom has co-authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, with research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Fulbright Program.

“Receiving this award is an incredible honor,” Bloom said. “It reflects not only my efforts, but also the support and collaboration of colleagues, students, and mentors who have shaped my journey. This recognition reinforces our shared mission as George �鶹��Ƶ faculty—advancing education, research, and service that make a meaningful difference.”

Melissa J. Perry, dean of the College of Public Health, called Bloom’s recognition “a testament to his exceptional scholarship and unwavering commitment to public health.”

“His expertise in environmental health and his pioneering research on the impacts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals have advanced our understanding of critical health challenges,” she said. “We are proud to have Dr. Bloom as a leader in our college, shaping the future of public health through his research, mentorship, and dedication to improving health for all.”

Bloom said it was humbling to join a long line of accomplished faculty scholars at George �鶹��Ƶ and across Virginia, noting that the award reflects a broader tradition of excellence in teaching, mentoring, research, and public service that continues to shape the future of higher education.

Xiao and Bloom become the 30th and 31st George �鶹��Ƶ faculty to receive SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Awards since the program’s inception in 1987. Recipients of this award are selected by their institutions, reviewed by a panel of peers, and chosen by a committee of leaders from the public and private sectors.

In This Story

Xuesu Xiao

Michael S. Bloom, PhD, MS, FACE

Topics

Campus News

College of Engineering and Computing

College of Public Health

SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award

CPH awards

In the George

�鶹��Ƶ Autonomy and Robotics Center

�鶹��Ƶ leads phase 2 clinical trial for pill to help maintain weight loss after GLP-1s

Taylor Thomas — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:52:49 +0000

�鶹��Ƶ leads phase 2 clinical trial for pill to help maintain weight loss after GLP-1s Taylor Thomas Fri, 01/09/2026 - 10:52

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed obesity treatment, but maintaining weight loss after the medications stop remains a challenge. �鶹��Ƶ is leading a new clinical trial that may help people sustain their results.

The university is one of six research sites across the United States administering a Phase 2 clinical trial of ARD-201, a novel weight-maintenance drug developed by Aardvark Therapeutics that works differently from existing obesity medications. Unlike injectable medications that drive significant short-term weight loss, ARD-201 is being studied for its potential role in appetite regulation and weight maintenance after injectable therapy ends. The oral medication works by activating the bitter taste receptors in the gut and brain without creating an actual bitter taste, signaling the body to eat less.

Lawrence Cheskin. Photo by Emma Anderson.

“It’s almost a survival instinct,” said Lawrence Cheskin, obesity researcher, professor, and past chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, which is leading the George �鶹��Ƶ research site for the trial. “When something tastes bitter, the body assumes there may be a toxin, so you back off.”

By subtly triggering that signal, the drug appears to reduce appetite without the dramatic effects associated with injectable medications. “This isn’t going to cause large weight loss on its own,” Cheskin said. “The question is whether it can help people keep weight off.”

The trial will enroll adults who previously lost weight using injectable medications and have since stopped them. Researchers will track how much weight participants regain over time and compare outcomes with published data showing typical patterns of weight regain after injectables are ceased. The study is an open-label Phase 2 trial, meaning participants know they are receiving the drug, and there is no placebo comparison group.

Earlier research helped lay the groundwork for the current study. A closely related compound, ARD-101, was previously tested for treating Prader-Willi syndrome, a rare genetic condition marked by extreme, chronic hunger. ARD-201 is now under investigation as an oral therapy for broader obesity and weight-management use.

George �鶹��Ƶ was selected as a trial site based on its longstanding expertise in obesity research and clinical weight management, according to Cheskin. If results from this Phase 2 study are promising, they could inform larger, randomized trials to more rigorously test the drug’s effectiveness for long-term weight maintenance.

Thumbnail photo by David Trinks via Unsplash.

In This Story

Lawrence J. Cheskin, MD

Learn more about Research at George �鶹��Ƶ

Topics

Weight Control

Obesity

Department of Nutrition and Food Studies

Clinical Trials

College of Public Health

This veteran’s advice for her fellow former service members considering George �鶹��Ƶ? Do it!

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 14:06:19 +0000

This veteran’s advice for her fellow former service members considering George �鶹��Ƶ? Do it! Taylor Thomas Thu, 11/06/2025 - 09:06

The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy Gale said it first: “There’s no place like home.” Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) student Becca Simon, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, has no doubt she’s found her home in the College of Public Health at �鶹��Ƶ.

Navy veteran and Bachelor of Social Work student Becca Simon. Photo provided.

“Coming out of the military, you leave one community, and you don't really know where to go from there, and it can feel very isolating and very lonely. To make new connections with people can be terrifying. And instead, I found a home in a community. I would venture to say that it's been life-changing,” said Simon.

Simon describes the transition from military to civilian as challenging, but with support from the Office of Military Services, says George �鶹��Ƶ’s unparalleled dedication to veterans deserves its ranking as a top university for veterans in the country.

“I don't think I spoke to anybody in [the Office of Military Services] that wasn't helpful or willing to find answers if they didn't know. They’re up to date on things with Veterans Affairs, and just being so welcoming about coming out from the military and becoming a full-time student,” she said. “New things can be scary and confusing and overwhelming, and they definitely made it easy for me to understand what was required of me, the documents that we needed, and just made the application process much smoother.”

During her time in the Navy, Simon worked as a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, where she regularly interacted with social workers. When searching for where to get her education, she wanted an institution that aligned with her admiration for how social workers approach mental health, conflict resolution, and addressing trauma.

“Most of those people that I admired were social workers, so I started, you know, really asking myself, well, what did I want to do. What direction did I want to go in? Many of the survivor advocates were social workers, and it ignited something that made me think, ‘I wanna do more with this when I get out of the military.’ It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who want to be social workers, who are passionate about the future of social work in this country,” Simon said, who intends to pursue her Master of Social Work here at the college after completing her BSW in 2027.

When asked who her favorite instructor has been so far, Simon explained there was no way to choose. “I adore them all,” she said. “There’s something about each and every one that is my favorite. They're all just incredible human beings and incredible at what they do.”

Simon has very straightforward advice for her fellow veterans considering George �鶹��Ƶ. Two words: Do it!

“You will find your place here, you'll find a home here, you'll find where you belong.”

Topics

Veterans

Office of Military Services

Department of Social Work

social work students

Bachelor of Social Work

Students

In the George

Teaming up: College of Public Health and Athletics partner to support athletes holistically

Taylor Thomas — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 12:57:51 +0000

Teaming up: College of Public Health and Athletics partner to support athletes holistically Taylor Thomas Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:57

A new partnership between the College of Public Health (CPH) and the Athletics Department is taking shape at �鶹��Ƶ, starting with a shared commitment to boost nutrition support for student-athletes.

Photo by Rafael Suanes/George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

“From the start, we saw an opportunity to merge two strengths at George �鶹��Ƶ: our expertise in public health and Athletics’ commitment to student well-being,” said Dean Melissa Perry of the College of Public Health. “This collaboration was part of the vision when we recruited Dr. Martin Binks, knowing his leadership could help connect nutrition science directly to the needs of our student-athletes.”

“At George �鶹��Ƶ, we believe in developing champions in every aspect of life, which means investing in the holistic well-being of our student-athletes,” said Marvin Lewis, assistant vice president and director of Intercollegiate Athletics. “This partnership with the College of Public Health reinforces that commitment by bringing expert support in nutrition, wellness, and education—helping our Patriots thrive in competition and beyond. We’re proud to build this model of collaboration and grateful to the College of Public Health leadership for their shared vision and partnership.”

Currently, the nutrition department is assisting Athletics as they hire a full-time registered dietitian, who will serve as both a direct resource for student-athletes as well as a preceptor for dietetics students completing supervised practice hours in the Graduate Program in Nutrition and Dietetics.

The department is also designing a new athlete-focused section of one of its most popular courses, NUTR 295: Fundamentals of Nutrition. The class will keep its general nutrition framework while folding in case studies and other content tailored to athletic performance, designed in consultation with coaches and trainers.

“Athletics is proactively supporting the whole student, not just their athletic performance. Our department shares that philosophy and is ready to support it,” said Martin Binks, chair of the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies (NFS) at CPH.

On the CPH side, for students enrolled in the MS in Nutrition’s Nutrition and Performance concentration, the partnership opens more doors for applied learning and collaboration. Internships and practicums with Athletics will place them alongside the university’s strength and conditioning staff, trainers, and teams.

Binks has joined the George �鶹��Ƶ Athletics Medical Review Team, a strategically assembled advisory group tasked with evaluating and improving the standard of sports medicine care available to student-athletes. “It’s the first time the College of Public Health has had representation in that process,” Binks noted.

These initial steps lay the groundwork for broader connections between CPH and Athletics in the future. During a September CPH kickoff meeting, faculty and athletics leaders also discussed opportunities in social work and mental-health support, as well as immersive learning using virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance anatomy and physiology education. Additional plans include workshops and seminars on a range of wellness topics related to self-care, sleep, and stress management, as well as topics centered on leadership and life after student athletics.

Thumbnail photo by Ayman Rashid/Creative Services/�鶹��Ƶ.

In This Story

Martin Binks PhD, MBA

Melissa J. Perry, Sc.D., MHS, MBA

Explore George �鶹��Ƶ's College of Public Health

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The brain may not be a muscle, but it still needs exercise

Taylor Thomas — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:09:59 +0000

The brain may not be a muscle, but it still needs exercise Taylor Thomas Thu, 10/16/2025 - 10:09

As we age, keeping our bodies active helps us stay healthier for longer and protects against chronic disease. We can also exercise our brains to prevent age-related mental decline with activities like reading aloud, writing by hand, and simple math exercises.

Photo by Getty Images

The idea of “working out” the mind is core to the StrongerMemory program, a rigorous brain training curriculum developed by the Goodwin Living Foundation and tested by �鶹��Ƶ social workers. Gerontology research specialist Emily Ihara, with co-investigator George �鶹��Ƶ Professor of Social Work Catherine J. Tompkins, found that mental exercise such as preventing age-related mental decline resulted in both self-reported and researcher-assessed improvements in key brain health indicators among older adult participants.

“The StrongerMemory program was associated with both objective and subjective improvements in cognitive functioning among older adults. The components stimulated and strengthened working memory, attention, and decision-making processes,” said Ihara, professor and chair in the Department of Social Work at George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health (CPH).

Unlike previous cognitive exercise programs, which focused on a single aspect of brain health (e.g., memory or attention alone), the activities of this program were specifically chosen to stimulate multiple parts of the brain with the goal of combating progression of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD).

“By combining reading aloud, writing by hand, and simple math exercises, the program engages multiple cognitive pathways, offering broader benefits than single-domain approaches. The results can inform practitioners, policymakers, and families about practical, affordable, non-pharmacological ways to possibly mitigate cognitive decline and promote healthy aging,” said Ihara.

Emily Ihara. Photo by Ayman Rashid/Office of University Branding

Older adults in the StrongerMemory program participated in three daily activities for 30 minutes per day: 10 minutes each of reading aloud, writing by hand, and completing simple math problems. The program was tailored, allowing participants choice in reading material and writing content. For example, some older adults chose to write letters to family. At the conclusion, implementers interviewed participants and conducted tests on memory recall, verbal fluency, attention, dates, and location.

Age-related cognitive decline can include memory loss, lapses in attention, trouble performing daily tasks, and confusion, among others that could be warnings of ADRD. Participants were recruited from older adult living communities, and self-reported cognitive decline but did not have a formal ADRD diagnosis.

Can brain exercises mitigate cognitive decline? A quasi-experimental evaluation of the StrongerMemory program was published July 2025 in Educational Gerontology.

Tompkins, who is also associate dean for faculty and staff affairs, and Hyun Kang from the James Madison University, and a former CPH postdoctoral researcher, served as co-authors of the study. Additionally, several George �鶹��Ƶ and CPH alumni were contributors, including Francesca A. Keesee, MSW ‘23; McKenzie S. Lauber, BSW ’23, MSW ‘24; Catherine M. Magee, MSW ‘23; Kendall Barrett, BSW ‘20, MSW ‘22; Madeline Holden, MSW ‘22; Harveen Pantleay, MSW ‘22; and Gergana N. Hardy, MA Sociology '24.

Read more about the efficacy of the StrongerMemory program:

I Have Decided to Read Out Loud for the Rest of My Life! Cognitive Health and the StrongerMemory Program

Boosting Cognitive Training through Social Engagement: Impacts on Older Adults With Subjective Cognitive Decline

�鶹��Ƶ the researcher

Emily Ihara is a social work and gerontology researcher focused on developing and evaluating community-based interventions that support cognitive health for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Her expertise bridges practice-based innovation and rigorous research methods, with an emphasis on accessible, scalable solutions to pressing challenges in aging societies.

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Emily Ihara, PhD, MSW, FGSA

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$3 million National Institute on Aging grant will provide much-needed support to underserved dementia caregivers

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:11:07 +0000

$3 million National Institute on Aging grant will provide much-needed support to underserved dementia caregivers Taylor Thomas Wed, 10/15/2025 - 09:11

More than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), supported by 12 million unpaid family caregivers whose contributions are valued at $413 billion annually. As the U.S. population continues to age, the number of people with dementia and their caregivers will nearly triple by 2050. Innovative solutions to support family caregivers are urgently needed.

Y. Alicia Hong. Photo provided.

Now, with a $3 million R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), �鶹��Ƶ digital health intervention researcher Y. Alicia Hong is poised to change that. Hong led an interdisciplinary team to develop the Wellness Enhancement for Caregivers (WECARE) as a culturally tailored, digital health intervention to enhance caregiving skills and improve the well-being of dementia caregivers. The new grant will allow her team to further refine WECARE using artificial intelligence (AI) and evaluate it with a randomized controlled trial.

“WECARE is one of the first personalized digital interventions for dementia caregivers,” said Hong, a professor in the College of Public Health's Department of Health Administration and Policy. "Though it is designed for Chinese American dementia caregivers, it can be adapted for other groups and serve the growing demand for digital support for dementia caregivers in an aging society

The seven-week program will provide participants with informational ADRD multimedia content, quiz games, social networking with other caregivers, personalized feedback, and additional individualized resources. WECARE’s success will be evaluated by measuring the depressive symptoms reported by participants. The project also intends to identify barriers to and facilitators of WECARE’s adoption and long-term use.

This resource comes at a critical time as the aging population grows, and more people with ADRD require caregivers. Additionally, most family caregivers have chronic conditions due to prolonged and intensive dementia caregiving, causing an increased need for resources that sustain the health of family caregivers.

Hong’s grant titled “WECARE: A Personalized Intervention for Underserved Chinese American Dementia Caregivers” will take place from September 2025 to August 2030, for a total of $3,088,427. WECARE is directly responsive to NIA’s priority of effective interventions for ADRD-affected populations.

Hong studies the intersection of health services delivery and consumer informatics. Her work explores chronic care and self-care solutions through innovative digital technologies to improve patient-centered outcomes and enhance health care accessibility. Hong’s research focuses on implementation and dissemination science and leveraging digital technologies to enhance health services delivery.

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Y. Alicia Hong, PhD

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Can a mango a day keep diabetes away: A pioneering study shows the benefits of foods with natural sugars versus added sugars

Taylor Thomas — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:31:40 +0000

Can a mango a day keep diabetes away: A pioneering study shows the benefits of foods with natural sugars versus added sugars Taylor Thomas Wed, 09/24/2025 - 13:31

If presented with two snacks, one containing seven grams of sugar and another with more than 30 grams of sugar, choosing the healthier option should be a no-brainer, correct? Well, maybe not. Less sugar is not automatically healthier.

Photo by Luhai Feng/pixababy

For the nearly 100 million adults in the United States who are currently living with prediabetes, a tropical fruit that can reduce the risk of diabetes sounds too good to be true. Tropical fruits contain anywhere between 10 to 50 grams of sugar, with mangos on the high end of the spectrum, making them seem a poor snack choice based on that alone. But research by clinical nutrition researcher Raedeh Basiri indicates that mangos, despite having more sugar than many low-sugar snacks, may offer protective factors for adults with prediabetes.

“It is not just the sugar content that matters, but the overall food context that matters,” said Basiri, assistant professor in �鶹��Ƶ’s Department of Nutrition and Food Studies. This study is the first long-term clinical trial to demonstrate both metabolic and body composition benefits of mangoes in prediabetes.

Simply put, it’s more than the sugar in the food; it’s about the whole food. The sugars naturally found in mangos, and other fruits, are complemented by fiber and other vitamins and nutrients that offer additional health benefits. Food with added sugar, such as breakfast cereals, and even low-sugar snack options, may not have the same nutritional value and can even increase diabetes risk.

“The goal is to encourage people to include whole fruits, like mango, as part of healthy eating behaviors and practical dietary strategies for diabetes prevention,” said Basiri. “Individuals at high risk of diabetes should not only focus on the sugar content of foods, but on how sugars are delivered.”

Basiri and her team split study participants into two groups; one group received a fresh mango daily, while the other group was given a low-sugar granola bar each day. Over six months, researchers measured participants’ blood glucose levels, bodily responses to insulin, and body fat.

At the conclusion of the study, findings revealed that the high-sugar mango (32 grams of sugar) proved more beneficial than a low-sugar granola bar (11 grams of sugar). The group that consumed the daily mango showed improved blood glucose control, enhanced insulin sensitivity, and reduced body fat.

Daily Mango Intake Improves Glycemic and Body Composition Outcomes in Adults with Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Study was published in Foods in August 2025.

This study was funded by the National Mango Board. The authors declare no other potential conflicts of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study, in the collection, analysis, interpretation of data, or the decision to publish results.

�鶹��Ƶ the researcher

Raedeh Basiri is a registered dietitian and an assistant professor in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies at George �鶹��Ƶ’s College of Public Health. Basiri is a clinical nutrition researcher specializing in personalized nutrition therapy and the use of emerging technologies, such as continuous glucose monitoring, to improve outcomes in individuals with prediabetes, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Her work combines randomized controlled trials and large-scale data analysis to investigate how whole foods and dietary patterns impact insulin resistance, glycemic control, sleep, and both mental and gut health. Basiri takes a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach and is deeply committed to chronic disease prevention, collaborative research, and mentoring future professionals.

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