ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï

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 ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-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, ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university. ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-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 ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-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

    ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb Hosts Highway Construction Trades Academy Graduation

    Two-Week Academy Combines Industry Certifications, Hands-On Learning and Job Interviews BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.â€”ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb University recently celebrated the graduation of participants in the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Highway Construction Trades Academy, a two-week workforce development program designed to prepare individuals for careers in the transportation construction industry. Hosted through ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb’s Searight Professional and Continuing Education […]

    NC DOT Training PACE Foothills Workforce Development, graduates, GWU President, Provost and Ted Alexander
  • News Article

    ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb University Launches Open Door Guarantee, Expanding Access to Private Christian Education

    Free Tuition, Mandatory Fees Available to Qualifying Students from Families Earning $100,000 or Less Beginning in Fall 2027 BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.— ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb University is opening new pathways to affordability through its Open Door Guarantee, which will provide eligible students with free tuition and coverage of specified university fees beginning in Fall 2027. Eligible new first-time […]

    Students walking across campus bell tower tucker
  • News Article

    ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb to Host 47th Annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19 for Middle and High School Singers

    Students from Across the Carolinas will Rehearse with Distinguished Conductors Before a Public Concert in Dover Theatre BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.â€”ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï-Webb University will welcome student singers from across North and South Carolina for its 47th annual Choral Clinic on Oct. 19. The daylong event will culminate in a free public concert at 5:30 p.m. in Dover […]

    choral clinic