Jennifer A. Kurtz

Dr. Jennifer A. Kurtz serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology within Appalachian State University's Beaver College of Health Sciences, where she directs both the Sports Nutrition & Performance Laboratory (SNAP) and the Departmental Honors program in Kinesiology. Certified as a Sports Nutritionist (CISSN), Exercise Physiologist (ACSM CEP), and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS), she bridges academic research with practical athletic application.

Her educational foundation includes:

• Ph.D. in Kinesiology-Exercise Physiology (Nutrition Concentration) from Georgia State University
• M.S. in Health and Human Performance from Georgia College and State University
• B.S. in Exercise Science from Georgia College and State University

Dr. Kurtz's research program investigates the physiological mechanisms linking nutritional interventions to athletic performance outcomes. Her laboratory specializes in metabolic exercise testing to evaluate nutrient timing strategies, ergogenic aids, and hormonal responses during training and competition. With particular focus on women's health across the athletic spectrum, her work develops preventative nutrition approaches that enhance both immediate performance and long-term metabolic health through precise physiological assessment.

Analysis of her 2021-2024 publications reveals consistent investigation into evidence-based sports nutrition, with prominent themes including supplement efficacy (quercetin, citrulline, taurine), Ramadan fasting impacts in team sports, and validation of commercial nutrition products. Her research spans diverse athletic contexts from cycling time trials to basketball and soccer performance, always connecting biochemical mechanisms to practical field applications.

Dr. Kurtz actively mentors 12 current student researchers across graduate and undergraduate levels, with projects including:

• Quercetin supplementation effects on oxidative stress in menopausal women
• Beetroot juice impacts on female athlete performance
• Muscle damage and recovery mechanisms
• Climbing performance optimization

The SNAP Laboratory operates within Appalachian State's Leon Levine Hall of Health Science, providing state-of-the-art facilities for metabolic testing and physiological assessment. Dr. Kurtz cultivates a collaborative research environment that integrates exercise science, nutrition biochemistry, and performance analytics to address real-world challenges facing athletes and active individuals.