Interdisciplinary collaboration bridges academic theory and athletic performance
Students in Belmont's exercise science department are putting theory into practice through a collaborative program that benefits both their education and the University's athletic teams.
Under the guidance of Dr. Erin Feser, assistant professor of exercise science, students are gaining hands-on experience analyzing performance metrics for Belmont athletes, preparing them for careers in human performance while providing valuable data to the University's coaching staff. "It makes for a really great pairing between our department and the athletic department," Feser said.
The initiative, which began last fall, represents the College of Pharmacy and Health Science’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and experiential learning. Students work with Coach Lee Scott, director of sport performance, to collect and analyze data that helps optimize athletic training programs.
Feser serves as a bridge between the academic and athletic departments. Her expertise helps guide both data collection and analysis.
"The athletic department has the equipment we need to collect this data, but using this technology effectively requires specialized expertise," she explained. "My role is primarily guiding the analysis of collected data rather than the daily data collection itself."
The collaboration centers on monitoring athlete workload and recovery, using tools like force plates to gather metrics about power and vertical jump capabilities. These measurements provide insights into not only how athletes are improving in their capabilities following training but how they're recovering from competitions and training.
"Recovery is an important piece of performance," Feser noted. "Understanding the workload required during game play helps coaches make decisions about what can be done during practice time."
Students with various levels of experience participate in different capacities. Underclassmen handle data entry for specific teams, while senior students take on greater responsibility by evaluating weekly reports and ensuring accuracy. A graduate student in sport administration serves as a liaison between the academic department and coaching staff. This tiered approach allows students to gain responsibilities aligned with their academic progress.
"This project has been a great opportunity for students who are interested in working with athletes or higher performing individuals,” said Feser. “They've been able to observe how the concepts we talk about in the classroom are actually played out in the sport performance world.”
While the collaboration slowed during the competitive season, both departments plan to continue and potentially formalize the relationship. Students have expressed strong interest in remaining involved.
The partnership exemplifies Belmont's emphasis on internal collaboration that benefits multiple University constituents. For Feser, this type of cross-departmental work is a no-brainer.
"It only makes sense to leverage our expertise to help the athletic department," she said.
Beyond the immediate benefits to athletic teams, the program creates a valuable pipeline of experience for students. As they move from data collection to analysis and eventually to leadership roles, these future professionals gain both technical expertise and collaborative skills that aren't easily taught in a classroom setting alone.
“That’s what makes this kind of project so meaningful,” Feser said. “You get to watch students grow into their potential — stepping up, taking ownership and realizing what they’re capable of beyond the classroom.”
Learn more about the program in this story