On this episode we’re joined by Jordan Troester, Director of Performance and Sports Science at Oregon Athletics department. Jordan discusses his work at Oregon Athletics and Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Oregon, what it’s like to be a sports scientist, he shares his advice to runners and debunks some common misconceptions about sports science and sports science research.  

Topics 

• Inside the day-to-day of directing performance and sports science [1:08] 
• The game-changing “profile load and monitor” model in applied sports science [3:49] 
• Driving innovation with the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance [7:01] 
• Winning strategies for race day prep [11:21] 
• Strategies to boost your health and performance that go beyond cardio and strength[17:30] 
• Innovations reshaping athlete training and recovery [21:31] 

Guest 

• Jordan Troester, Director of Performance and Sports Science at Oregon Athletics 

Resources 

• Oregon Athletics, learn more about University of Oregon’s athletics department and the integrated support systems in place to help student-athletes thrive, from sport performance, recovery, to academic development and leadership training. 
• Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, explore the groundbreaking research initiative here at Oregon that brings together scientists, coaches, and clinicians to help advance research in human performance through collaboration in movement science, sports science, recovery, and injury prevention. 
• GSUN, find out more about the Global Sport University Network, a summit where universities from around the world come together to share research, practices, innovations that contribute to the advancement of sports science, athlete development, and human performance education. 

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts 

On this episode we’re joined by Lauren Hallett, associate professor at the University of Oregon’s Department of Biology. Hallett discusses her ongoing work to enhance the climate resiliency of Oregon’s hazelnut farms, which account for 99% of the country's hazelnut production. With the support of a $2 million federal award, Hallett and her lab have designed an agricultural practice using native cover crops and basalt dust amendments to set a new standard for sustainable hazelnut farming. 

Topics 

• Hallett’s first experience partnering with hazelnut farms [1:02] 
• The benefits and challenges of growing hazelnuts in Oregon [3:20] 
• How to make hazelnuts climate-resilient with native cover crops [5:12] 
• What farmers and growers think of native cover crops [13:00] 
• Investigating basalt as a climate-mitigating alternative to lime [17:04] 
• The current barriers preventing widespread adoption of native cover crops and basalt on hazelnut farms [21:36] 
• The need to personalize farming solutions and avoid ‘one-size-fits-all’ [25:28] 

Guest 

• Lauren Hallett, associate professor in the Department of Biology, the Environmental Studies Program, and the Institute of Ecology and Evolution 

More Information 

• Hallett Lab, learn about Hallett and her team’s research projects in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management 
• U.S. Department of Agriculture awards $2 million to the UO to work with local hazelnut farmers, read more about the research and partnerships discussed in this episode. 
• [VIDEO] Benefits of Native Cover Crops, listen to UO’s Marissa Lane-Massee discuss the benefits of native cover crops in hazelnut farms 
• 99% of U.S. hazelnuts are grown in these eight Oregon counties, learn more about the Oregon hazelnut farming industry. 

Quotes from the Episode 

• “Climate shocks, like the heat dome in June of 2021, can be really hard on orchards, especially on baby trees. And so, increased heat waves and drought...will challenge the sustainability of the industry overall.” 
• “We've been developing cover crop mixes, and we're especially using mixes that use native plants to help improve the soil and reduce runoff and erosion. And having plants on the ground also lowers the temperature of the soils, which is really important as we look towards future heatwaves.” 
• “This one is a newer idea for us, but we've started trialing basalt dust amendments as a replacement for liming in orchards...The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has viewed basalt dust amendments as potentially one of the most powerful natural climate solutions but also the one with the biggest uncertainty.” 
• “For now, and I would imagine for a long time, the viability of the practice will require partnerships between interested growers and conservation-focused organizations that will subsidize the seed cost.” 
• “There's also a cultural component — to a lot of growers, they like the aesthetic of a bare and clean orchard floor. And so, when I say native plants flowering in orchards are beautiful, it's a perfect example of beauty in the eye of the beholder, right? To me they are, but tastes vary.” 
• “There's no one-right-cover-crop...so while a lot of our tact has been trying to build up these native species cover crops, we're also trialing other kinds of best case, more affordable, conventional — but maybe also unconventional — cultivated species that that could help fill this matrix of different reasons to have cover crops: different needs, different constraints." 

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts 

On this episode, we’re joined by Keely McMahon, an alum of the School of Journalism and Communication’s advertising program. Keely shares about her experience studying at the SOJC and how her studies prepared her for success working behind the scenes of the 2024 Big Ten Football Championship Game.

Topics

• Why Oregon? [0:48]
• Student experience in the SOJC [2:05]
• Navigating post-graduation [3:15]
• The day-to-day as a junior strategist [7:12]
• Lessons from the SOJC [8:12]
• Behind the scenes at the Big Ten Championship [11:05]
• Key lessons and insights [12:37]

Guest

• Keely McMahon, BS ‘23 (advertising)

Resources

• SOJC undergraduate advertising program, learn more about the advertising program within the School of Journalism and Communication, where you can build creative and strategic skills for a future in the advertising industry.
• Ad Team, discover more about the hands-on opportunities offered by Ad Team from building mock campaigns to competing in the National Student Advertising Competition.
• School of Journalism and Communication, explore the UO’s School of Journalism and Communication and the many resources and experiences it provides to guide students in journalism, advertising, media studies, and public relations majors to grow their storytelling, media, and strategic communication skills.
• After Hours, check out this student organization for SOJC advertising students focused on creative collaboration and building a portfolio through workshops, a mentorship program, and a weekly newsletter helping students explore the resources provided at the UO.
• Duck TV, learn about the professional practicum for broadcast students at the SOJC. At Duck TV, students get hands-on experience in television studio production, anchoring, and field reporting and shooting.

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

On this episode, we’re joined by Sam Berman, a double Duck and alum of the Lundquist College of Business’s master of business administration program. Sam talks about her experience working behind the scenes of Oregon’s beach volleyball and indoor volleyball teams and the Women in Flight program, and how those opportunities propelled her into her current role working at the College Football Playoff.

Topics

• Interest in sports business [2:26]
• Defining moments from Sam’s experience [7:15]
• Working at the College Football Playoff [12:00]
• Crafting your story [15:21]
• The importance of making connections and networking [18:47]

Guest

• Sam Berman, BS ‘22, MBA ‘24 (sports business)

Resources

• Oregon Women’s Beach Volleyball, learn about the team, buy tickets to a match, and more.
• Oregon Women’s Volleyball, learn about the team, buy tickets to a match, and more.
• Women in Flight, learn about the program and how it raises awareness and financial support for Oregon’s women’s athletic programs.
• Warsaw Sports Business Center, discover the first-ever Sports Business Center designed to help students gain hands-on experience and develop skills in the growing industry of sports business within the Lundquist College of Business.
• Oregon MBA Sports Business specialization, learn about the unique opportunities to build your network and get hands-on experience in the sports industry.
• Lundquist College of Business, explore opportunities to gain valuable insights into the world of sports business within the Lundquist College of Business.

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

On this episode, we’re joined by Kai Jones, a second-year master of business administration student and a player development graduate assistant for Oregon Athletics. Kai talks about her work behind the scenes of player development and how her experiences have inspired her career aspiration to become a director of player development.

Topics

• Why Oregon? [1:23]
• What is player development? [2:58]
• Education, experience, and player development in action [8:16]
• Mentorship vs. sponsorship [12:21]
• Tips for success [18:16]

Guest

• Kai Jones, second-year MBA student (Sports Business)

Resources

• National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), learn about the professional association serving intercollegiate athletics administrators by offering networking opportunities, professional development, and resources for leadership in player development in college sports.
• National Association of Academic and Student-Athlete Development Professionals (N4A), explore the organization under NACDA focused on connecting academics to developing students’ interest and abilities for student-athlete development.
• Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA)

On this episode, we’re joined by Bennett Metcalf, a senior majoring in media studies and an intern for the @GoDucks creative team. Bennett shares his experience working behind the scenes of some of the Oregon Athletic teams and how the experience has shaped his time at UO and his career goals.

Topics

• Why Oregon?  [0:39]
• GoDucks intern experience [3:20]
• Connecting coursework and hands-on experience [8:00]
• Takeaways from the experience [9:28]
• Advice for aspiring social media interns [10:50] 

Guest 

• Bennett Metcalf, class of 2025 (media studies) 

Resources 

• @GoDucks Creative Team, current University of Oregon students can submit their application for the internship program.
• Undergraduate Media Studies Program, learn about the program and opportunities to build your communication skills within the School of Journalism and Communication.
• Oregon Athletics News and Social Accounts, follow your favorite teams and get the latest news and updates from Oregon Athletics.

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts 

On this episode, we’re joined by Giana Swift, a senior majoring in sports business and marketing and a marketing intern for the Oregon Athletic department. Giana discusses her behind-the-scenes work at Oregon Athletic events and how her experiences inside and outside the classroom have influenced her time at UO and shaped her career aspirations. 

Topics

• Why Oregon?  [1:14]
• A look inside the Oregon Athletic Dept.  [3:27]
• The power of mentorship [15:30]
• Turning lessons into leadership [19:33]
• Tips for student success [22:19] 

Guest

• Giana Swift, class of 2025 (sports business and marketing) 

Resources 

• Warsaw Sports Business Center, discover the first-ever Sports Business Center designed to help students gain hands-on experience and develop skills in the growing industry of Sports Business within the Lundquist College of Business.
• Undergraduate Sports Business Program, explore the program and opportunities to gain valuable insights into the world of Sports Business within the Lundquist College of Business.
• Undergraduate Media Studies Minor Program, learn about the Media Studies Minor and opportunities to build your communication skills for a career in media within the School of Journalism and Communication.
• Oregon Athletics News and Social Accounts, follow your favorite teams and get the latest news and updates from Oregon Athletics.
• Super Duck Fan: Baby Duck, learn about the charming story of University of Oregon’s favorite fan, Baby Duck Avery.

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts 

On this episode, we’re joined by Nick Willett, associate professor in the UO Department of Bioengineering, and Bev Smith, executive director of Kidsports, to discuss the physical and mental health benefits of sports for youth. They recap their panel conversation on the topic from the Global Sport University Network’s inaugural summit in September 2024 and go into greater detail about the partnership between Kidsports, the UO Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, and the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance.

Topics

• What is Kidsports [0:58]
• Physical education [3:15]
• Kidsports partnership with Wu Tsai Alliance [6:50]
• Meeting children where they are [9:06]
• Coach training at Kidsports [15:18]
• Importance of physical activity for kids [19:58]

Guests

• Bev Smith
• Nick Willett

More information

• Global Sport University Network (GSUN)
• Inaugural GSUN summit
• Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance
• Kidsports

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

On this episode we’re joined by Jen Doty, associate professor at the University of Oregon’s Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services. Doty shares advice and resources on how parents can help kids safely navigate online spaces like social media.   

Topics 

• Is kids’ screen time a problem? [1:25]
• How much time kids spend on screens [4:03]
• A helpful framework for parents [6:47]
• Pros and cons of monitoring software [11:45]
• Resources to help parents determine appropriate content [15:11]
• Signs that a child’s technology use is a problem [18:25] 

Guest 

• Jen Doty, associate professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology 

Resources 

• Common Sense Media, a nonprofit group that provides information about kids and digital media, including ratings and reviews of movies, TV, games and apps.
• Family Media Plan, an interactive website created by the American Academy of Pediatrics to guide parents in setting up house rules that match their child’s developmental age and their family’s values.
• Wait until 8th, an organization that helps families in a community work together to delay internet-enabled smartphones until at least the end of 8th grade. 

Quotes from the Episode 

• “The research actually doesn’t show ... any association between screen time and teens’ mental health. I think part of what’s happening here is for some kids it might be a problem and for others it could actually be a help.” 

• "Tweens, 8- to 12-year-olds, are spending over five hours a day on screens, and teenagers are spending over eight hours a day.” 

• “Our own research has shown that talking with kids about technology, having those active conversations and establishing house rules ... has been shown to reduce cyberbullying, risky online behaviors and sexting behaviors.” 

• “Every family ... has to make their own decision, but whenever you do give kids a phone, I would strongly suggest some training and monitoring so that you know they’re using it in a responsible way.” 

• “I can’t emphasize enough how important face-to-face relationships are and the critical role parents and caregivers play. Even if kids are ahead of you developmentally when it comes to technology, socially they have a lot to learn and they learn that in our face-to-face relationships.” 

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts 

On this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Kathryn Ackerman, Jennifer Langton, and John Strong. They recap their keynote conversation on the female athlete from the Global Sport University Network’s inaugural summit in September 2024 and expand on questions they weren’t able to get to during the summit. 

Topics:

• The digital athlete [3:49]
• Importance of collaboration [5:50]
• Bridging two worlds [10:39]
• Supporting female athletes in adolescence [15:38]
• Emerging technology and research [21:03] 

Guests:

• Dr. Kathryn Ackerman
• Jennifer Langton
• John Strong 

More information:

• Global Sport University Network (GSUN)
• Inaugural GSUN summit
• Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance 

Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts