Dr. Karpinski is an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian and is a Professor and Chair of the department of Nutrition at West Chester University. She is a board-certified specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD).  Dr. Karpinski earned her BS at West Chester University in exercise science and played field hockey and lacrosse.  She earned her Master’s degree from Immaculata University and her PhD from Rutgers University with her doctoral research project involving the athletes at WCU. Dr. Karpinski is a member of ASPDA, the Sports and Human Performance dietetic practice group, and PINES.  She has presented many times to many different groups on the topic of providing collegiate sports nutrition services on a budget, advocating for the critical need of sports dietitians in all college programs.  She was the editor-in-chief for “Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals”, 6^th edition.

In addition to her teaching and Chair responsibilities, Dr. Karpinski developed a comprehensive Sports Nutrition program as part of the WCU Sports Performance Team.  Under the supervision of Dr. Karpinski, a combination of undergraduate students, graduate students, and dietetic interns provide nutrition education and fueling program for the WCU athletes.  A food first, evidence-based approach helps guide student-athletes towards making healthier food choices that will properly fuel them for their specific sport. The Nutrition Education Program includes: Q & A sessions, team talks, individualized counseling, cafeteria tours, grocery store tours, restaurant/convenience store lists, cooking demos, diet analysis, energy/macronutrient needs calculations, dietary supplement reviews, and Bod Pod testing/interpretation. The Fueling Program involves providing healthy snacks to the athletes either at practice or for games and to support meeting their calorie and nutrient needs at key times during the day.