RESEARCH LAB
Dr. Hirsch runs The Sustain Lab at The University of South Carolina - exploring how nutrition and exercise to sustain health and performance across the lifespan.
Sustain Lab
The Sustain Lab is a research lab at University of South Carolina. Grounded in practical, real-world approaches to movement and nutrition, the lab focuses on how these strategies impact skeletal muscle, metabolic health, and overall physical performance.
At the heart of our research is a commitment to women’s health. We’re especially interested in understanding female physiology and developing evidence-based strategies that support women through key life transitions. Current projects examine exercise and nutrition approaches to managing menstrual symptoms, as well as nutrient timing strategies that support cardiometabolic health, preserve muscle, and promote healthy aging through the menopause transition.
Research Areas of Focus
Nutrition and Training
Evidence-based approaches to fueling, training, and adaptation—designed to support strength, performance, and long-term health.
Hormone-Informed Strategies
Research that accounts for hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle and menopause, helping inform smarter training and nutrition decisions for women.
Recovery and Performance
Exploring how recovery, nutrient timing, and training load influence performance, resilience, and sustainable progress.
Physiological Health
Focused on metabolic health, muscle function, and cardiovascular outcomes that support both performance and overall well-being.
Lifespan Wellness
Studying how exercise and nutrition can promote strength, vitality, and healthy aging across every stage of life.
health technology
Exploring how health technology can enhance research, personalize interventions, and advance the future of women’s health and performance.
Sustain Lab Team
Katie Hirsch, PhD, EP-C, FISSN
Principle Investigator
Callie Unrein, MS, EP-C
Doctoral Student
Sarah Rhoades
Masters Student
Collaborators
Shawn Arent, PhD
University of South Carolina
Abbie Smith-Ryan, PhD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
David Church, PhD
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Arny Ferrando, PhD
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Malia Blue, PhD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Mel Sulaver, RD
Nutrition by Mel
Partners
Let's Collaborate
Dr. Hirsch and the Sustain Lab partner with mission-driven organizations pushing the boundaries of human performance through better science, smarter tools, and evidence-based innovation.