Dr. Karpinski is an exercise physiologist and registered dietitian and is currently an Associate 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. In addition to her teaching and Chair responsibilities, she provides nutrition education and services to the athletes at WCU and mentors undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in sports nutrition, and is a preceptor for Dietetic Interns wishing to do a sports nutrition rotation. Dr. Karpinski served on the Executive Committee of the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition dietetic practice group (SCAN) as the Director of Sports subunit from June 2013-May 2016. She is a member of ACSM, PINES, and CPSDA. 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 is the editor-in-chief for “Sports Nutrition: A Handbook for Professionals”, 6th edition, which was just published in September 2017. She is the incoming Chair of SCAN for 2020-2021.
Dr. Karpinski developed a comprehensive Sports Nutrition program as part of Student Athlete Success initiative. Under the supervision of Dr. Karpinski, a combination of undergraduate students, graduate students, and dietetic interns provide nutrition education and fueling, as well as conduct research 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 Fueling Program involves distributing healthy snacks to the athletes either at practice or for games and “Go Bags” for healthy snacking on the bus for away games – or for athletes who are running from practice straight to class for the evening. The Nutrition Education Program includes: Q & A sessions, team talks, individualize counseling, cafeteria tours, grocery store tours, restaurant/convenience store lists, cooking demos, kitchen makeovers, diet analysis, calculation energy/macronutrient needs, dietary supplement reviews, and Bod Pod testing/interpretation.
