Kinesiology doctoral student Patrick Wilson has been awarded a Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship for the 2013-2014 academic year from the University of Minnesota’s Graduate School. The (DDF) program gives the University’s most accomplished Ph.D. candidates an opportunity to devote full-time effort to dissertation research and writing during the fellowship year. The award includes a stipend of $22,500 for the academic year.
Wilson’s research is titled, “Selected Issues related to Carbohydrate and Endurance Exercise Performance.” His advisers are Dr. Stacy Ingraham and Dr. Li Li Ji.

Dissertation Abstract
The effects of carbohydrate on endurance exercise have been studied for decades. Recommendations for carbohydrate intake during exercise lasting > 60 minutes range from 30-90 grams/hour. These recommendations are based almost exclusively on mechanistic laboratory research. While mechanistic laboratory research is needed to study physiological pathways, field and applied laboratory research is requisite to determine if these interventions translate during competition. This dissertation will examine the effects of ingesting mixed carbohydrate sugars on performance and gastrointestinal distress during prolonged exercise. A cross-sectional field study and an experimental randomized crossover study will be used to address the current research limitations.