Featured Projects

Team members from the HERO Initiative lead a diverse and large array of university- and community-based activities designed to promote peak performance, including basic and applied research, lecture-based and hands-on coursework, direct provision of services, and the development of innovative programming for groups and organizations.

Brief examples of these activities are highlighted below: 

Fueling station and cafeteria

Nutrition is critical to peak performance and recovery. We hope to build a Fueling Station in the Field House to serve athletes in those facilities and begin laying the groundwork for a campus cafeteria dedicated to the nutritional needs of high performers. In addition to meeting the nutritional needs of athletes before and after activity, these programs would also collaborate with academics through practicum and course opportunities, work experience, and scientific research. Partnership with a grocery chain could help defray food costs and provide a nutritional resource for our student-athletes.

full-time sports dietician

We are working to create a new, full-time position for a Sports Dietician. Healthy eating habits are essential to perform at a high-level during competition and to prevent injuries over a long season. Hiring a full-time Sports Dietician would elevate the entire department, as this person would oversee the new Fueling Station and Cafeteria, develop customized nutrition plans for teams and individual athletes, and interface with others at the university to generate new training and research opportunities.  

Summer Internship Program

The HERO Initiative is committed to training the next generation of sports scientists, dieticians, strength and conditioning coaches, athletic trainers, and sport psychologists. Our summer internship program provides students with a modest stipend and hands-on experiences under expert supervision to help launch their careers. Course credit for these activities may also be available.