KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 17, 2026

Kennesaw State University students will share their findings at the Georgia Capitol Feb. 17, providing key insights from research projects.

Modeled after the annual Posters on Hill event in Washington D.C., the Posters at the Georgia State Capitol gives students an opportunity to present their research to state officials, policymakers and Georgia’s constituents in a professional environment.

“This event shows government officials the value of research and helps sharpen our students' communication skills,” Executive Director of Undergraduate Research Amy Buddie said. “This is a chance for KSU students to network with others around the state who also value undergraduate research.”

Here’s a look at the projects KSU students are presenting this year: 

Acute Metabolic and Perceptive Responses to a Multi-Ingredient Pre-Workout Supplement and CrossFit®-Style Exercise

Presenter: Wil King, Exercise Science

Faculty Advisor: Gerald Mangine

Co-authors: Chris Staples, Jacob Fanno, Ashley Hines, James Henley, Wysmark Chaves, Jacob Grazer, Tiffany Esmat, John McLester, and Gerald Mangine

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your presentation? 

A: Pre-workout supplements are often marketed to contain ingredients that limit fatigue and improve focus and performance. A unique aspect of CrossFit is that it combines multiple types of exercise (e.g., cardiorespiratory, weightlifting, plyometrics, etc.) into a circuit, with the goal of challenging the athlete in a unique way each time.

Our study looked at how a commercially available pre-workout supplement affected subjective perceptions of effort and objective metabolic responses to training in CrossFit athletes.

Q: What does it mean to you to have this opportunity to present at the Capitol?

A: I am very excited that I was one of the students selected to represent our university at the Capitol this year. With the importance of nutrition and fitness becoming an increasingly popular topic of conversation, I look forward to the opportunity to open that dialogue with our local legislators.

The Relationship Between Undergraduate Research Participation and Educational Outcomes

Presenter: Amelia Baker, Master’s in Public Administration; Audrey Beilharz, Psychology

Faculty Advisor: Amy Buddie

Q: Can you provide a brief overview of your project?

A: This project examines how participation in funded undergraduate research programs at Kennesaw State University relates to student success both before and after graduation.

Using retrospective data from the Offices of Undergraduate Research and Institutional Research, we analyzed academic outcomes such as retention, progression, and GPA for students who participated in funded research programs between 2019 and 2024. We also examined post-graduation outcomes, including employment and further education, using LinkedIn profile data.  

The study includes students from multiple funded programs, such as the First-Year Scholars Program, Summer Undergraduate Research Program, and Peer Ambassadors Program.

Overall, the project aims to understand how funded undergraduate research contributes to academic achievement, career readiness, and long-term professional success.

Q: What does it mean to you to have this opportunity to present at the Capitol?

A: Having the opportunity to present this research at the Capitol is especially meaningful because I have personally seen the impact that undergraduate research can have on students, both in my own academic and professional journey and through my work with other student researchers.

Participating in undergraduate research helped me build confidence, develop critical skills, and better understand my career goals. I have seen similar growth in many students I have worked with across different disciplines. Being able to share data that reflects these experiences, and to do so at such an important event, allows me to advocate for the continued support of undergraduate research programs and highlight their role in fostering student success and long-term career development.

— Story by Alyssa Ozment

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.