This award is given to a nutritionist in recognition for their breakthroughs and contributions in field of nutritional research for athletes.
Dr. David Church is a physiologist and muscle biologist with over 50 peer-reviewed publications and multiple invited talks at regional, national, and international conferences. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Biochemistry from DePauw University, where he also played varsity football and baseball. Following this, he was an athletic performance intern at Baylor University, where he also studied exercise and nutritional biochemistry. He obtained his PhD from the University of Central Florida with a focus on how to enhance human performance through exercise and nutrition. Dr. Church completed his post-doctoral training in the use of stable isotope tracer methodology to measure human metabolism. His primary research focus is ameliorating catabolic and pathological conditions. He currently is an Assistant Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and serves as the Assistant Director for the Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity. He is passionate about human performance and is involved in research investigating metabolism and the regulation of muscle. Additionally, he is active in various organizations such as the National Strength and Conditioning Association, the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the American College of Sports Medicine, and the American Physiological Society.
Download the Press ReleaseBe a current member of the NSCA |
Nominee is active member and contributor to NSCA |
Has publication record in areas of nutrition (sports nutrition, ergogenic aids, etc.) |
Not awarded this award previously |
Additional requirements listed in the General Awards Criteria, include but not limited to, two years of consecutive membership*, be nominated by a member in good standing and nominees will be sent a criteria sheet to fill out that must be returned before the required deadline.
*Consecutive membership is counted back from the date the award is to be conferred.
2022 - Adam M. Gonzalez, PhD, CSCS,*D | ![]() |
2021 - Grant Tinsley, PhD, CSCS,*D | ![]() |
2020 - Andrew Jagim, PhD, CSCS,*D | ![]() |
2019 - Bill I. Campbell, PhD, CSCS | ![]() |
2017 - Michael Ormsbee, PhD, CSCS, FACSM, FISSN | ![]() |
2016 - Chad M. Kerksick, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D | ![]() |
2015 - Colin Wilborn, PhD, ATC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, FISSN | ![]() |
2014 - Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD, CSCS,*D, FISSN | ![]() |
2013 - Joshua Hingst, RD, CSCS, CSCCa, USAW | |
2012 - Marie A. Spano, MS, CSCS | |
2011 - Joel T. Cramer, PhD, CSCS,*D, NSCA-CPT,*D, FNSCA | |
2010 - Richard B. Kreider, PhD | |
2009 - Nicholas A. Ratamess Jr, PhD, CSCS,*D | |
2008 - Jeffery R. Stout, PhD, CSCS,*D | |
2007 - Andrew C. Fry, PhD, CSCS, FNSCA | |
2006 - Michael H. Stone, PhD | |
2005 - Jose Antonio, PhD, CSCS | |
2004 - Joan M. Eckerson, PhD, CSCS | |
2003 - Jeff Volek, PhD, CSCS,*D |
Excerpt from the NSCA Reaserch Committee Policies and Procedures (updated 7/2019):