BUCKHANNON, West Virginia –For the second time in as many years, West Virginia Wesleyan students have flexed their intellectual muscle at the annual meeting of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). Exercise Science graduate Holli Bragg ‘23, of Milton, West Virginia, and Five-Year Master’s in Athletic Training junior Connor Hollen ‘24, of Buckhannon,  West Virginia, accompanied by their faculty mentor, Dr. Greg Popovich, each presented research posters, with Hollen taking home top honors for the undergraduate research poster category.

Hollen’s poster was entitled, “Exploring the novel concept of intra-nasally administered creatine.” Bragg presented a follow-up to her previous study on dietary habits of collegiate volleyball players, while Dr. Popovich shared a case study on poor nutrition resulting in orthopedic injury.

Hollen reflected on the moment and the recognition for his original idea, “Being awarded first place was surreal,” he said.  “It made me realize that no matter where you are from, and no matter how small the idea, you could be recognized on an international stage. All the faculty within The School of Exercise Science and Athletic Training—and especially Dr. Popovich—welcome your ideas and can help you present them in a professional manner. This experience has reinforced that I am on the right path for my future. I cannot wait to present at a professional meeting again.”

West Virginia Wesleyan President Dr. James Moore added, “I’m so proud of our faculty and students. Once again, this shows the great value that we place on undergraduate student resources here at West Virginia Wesleyan College.”
For Dr. Popovich, the magnitude of the moment was not lost on him.

“For Connor, our program, and our College, this represents a major accomplishment whereby we are successfully competing with Tier 1 research institutions not in monetary terms, but in intellectual currency. For this to be the 20 th anniversary of this meeting and with some of my own mentors present to witness the event, it was nothing short of an amazing experience.”

In addition to the poster session for which he received a cash award, Hollen also competed in the innovative “Research Blitz,” a contest to convey research findings in 60 seconds or less. Sixteen presenters were selected to participate.
The ISSN meeting took place in Fort Lauderdale, Florida from June 15-June 17.

Hollen will spend the remainder of his summer testing his hypothesis as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grant.

In 2022, senior in Exercise Science, Callie Boddy ‘22, was also awarded first place at ISSN for her presentation on cheat meals during prolonged weight loss.

ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for more than 130 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. The Princeton Review ranked Wesleyan one of its 2022 Best Colleges in the Southeastern Region of the United States. U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best College Rankings designated Wesleyan a “Top 20” Best Value – Regional Universities (South) and one of the “Top 75” Regional Universities (South). WVWC offers students more than 40 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, and nursing; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 70 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others. For more information, visit wvwc.edu.