September 26, 2024 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
James Stampley just wanted to continue playing his sport when he joined Louisianna State University’s football team as a freshman walk-on. The fullback quickly became an essential member of the line up – securing a starting position for the next three seasons, which included the 2011 SEC championship and 2012 BCS national championship games.
And he just wanted to optimize his health and athletic performance when he dipped his toe into the world of exercise science. Always passionate about using the latest training methods, Stampley decided to pursue a degree in kinesiology with the goal of becoming a strength and conditioning coach.
“As I delved into research, I became increasingly aware of the negative impact of sedentary behavior and other lifestyle factors on the overall health of the general population,” he says. “I also recognized how athletic training interventions could mitigate some of these risk factors. As a result, I decided to pursue a career in research and education.”
LSU’s Ph.D. in Kinesiology program provided a great opportunity to explore his research interests. Stampley interned in the Kinesiology Bioenergetics Lab and conducted research in the Exercise Physiology Department. He was recognized by the university with the Economic Development Assistantship Award and Don Franks/President’s Challenge Fellowship Award and by the SEC with the Emerging Scholars Award.
During this time, Stampley’s expertise evolved to focus on the short- and long-term metabolic and bioenergetic adaptations humans make in response to exercise, dietary and medical interventions. He’s particularly interested in changes in skeletal muscle for high-stress populations (e.g., athletes, military, first responders).
Another area of interest involves developing new interventions to achieve peak physical performance while mitigating age-related health declines. Finally, Stampley investigates the singular and overlapping effects of prolonged sitting and physical inactivity on both skeletal muscle and whole-body physiology.
“I chose the Arnold School to pursue my research because I recognized its immense impact on the public health and exercise science community,” he says of joining the Department of Exercise Science (EXSC) as a research assistant professor through the Bridge to Faculty program this fall. “By adding my unique insight and expertise to an already exceptional team, I hope to help continue its tradition of excellence in academic success and research innovation.”
"James brings such incredible energy and positivity to the department," says EXSC chair Shawn Arent. "Not only has he received exceptional training in his area, but he brings a level of real-world experience and application that is too often missing in academia. I believe that USC can provide the perfect climate for him to thrive."