The choice to study nutrition and exercise physiology at the University of Missouri was a personal one for senior Will Lingle. His interest in the human body wasn’t limited to the classroom – it first sparked in the gym.  

“During COVID, I got pretty overweight and I wanted to lose a lot of it,” he said. “So I really got into the fitness space.” 

That’s what led Lingle to choosing his major. He’s pursuing a career in dentistry but wanted to learn more about the body as a whole before specializing in a certain part of it.  

“I knew NEP would encompass that and would help me gain access to a healthcare career,” Lingle said.  

Turning a love for lifting to a love for learning 

Going into college, Lingle knew he wanted to major in something he was inherently passionate about. 

“I wanted to specialize in stuff that I was interested in,” he said. “I was interested in the nutrition, the healthcare, the physiological aspect.” 

Lifting weights sparked that passion, which Lingle was then able to build upon through the knowledge he gained in his classes. 

“We learn about the human body from head to toe,” said Lingle. “But we have a specific emphasis as far as how the body responds physiologically to exercise.” 

Lingle knew exactly what he needed to keep him engaged and academically successful, and nutrition and exercise physiology gave him exactly what he was looking for.  

“I need classes that are more hands on, that are actually interesting to me,” he said. “Not only do you learn more in those classes, but you’re more likely to go home and fixate on it and preach it to others.” 

A hands-on approach to health and fitness 

Working with Catherine Peterson, an associate professor in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, has been one of the highlights of Lingle’s academic experience.  

“It gave me a chance to work in the actual nutrition field and apply that knowledge to a group of younger students that I was able to help out,” he said. “That was the first time I was really able to take what I learned and help a group of people.” 

He said working with talented professionals in the industry has been very rewarding. 

“The whole thing with all the NEP classes that I found really cool is that you’re constantly learning, and you’re able to pick these professors’ brains who are super smart,” Lingle said.  

The hands-on opportunities Lingle received throughout his undergraduate experience have even helped him on his personal fitness journey. Learning about how the body’s neural system affects weightlifting has helped him push the limits of what his body is capable of in the gym.  

“Early on, a lot of strength gains come from your nervous system adapting, not just building muscle,” he said.  

Lingle explained that as you train, your body becomes more efficient at recruiting muscle fibers and coordinating movement patterns, allowing you to handle heavier weight over time. 

“If you go to bench press 200 pounds, your body isn’t used to that stimulus,” Lingle said. “But over time, your nervous system adapts, and you’re able to recruit more muscle and move the weight more efficiently.” 

Using fitness to fuel his future 

Although Lingle’s chosen course of study is not a common path to dental school, he said what he’s learned has fully prepared him for the next steps in his academic career. 

“The material in NEP contributed to my wanting to go to dental school,” he said. “You still have to take classes like physics, biochemistry and organic chemistry.” 

Lingle’s advice to students who are interested in following an unconventional path to their career is to simply pursue what you’re passionate about.  

“At the end of the day, you’re here to learn,” he said. “So pick an undergraduate major that you’ll actually enjoy and get something out of.” 

Through NEP at Mizzou, Lingle has achieved his next goal. He will attend dental school at the University of Missouri-Kansas City in the fall.  

“Trust your gut and do your research,” he said. “If something truly feels right, then you’re absolutely on the right path.”