{"id":13625,"date":"2026-06-10T09:05:31","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/?post_type=campus_story&#038;p=13625"},"modified":"2026-06-10T09:05:32","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T14:05:32","slug":"giving-back-through-science-rowan-wagners-journey-in-exercise-science-at-uw-superior","status":"publish","type":"campus_story","link":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/story\/giving-back-through-science-rowan-wagners-journey-in-exercise-science-at-uw-superior\/","title":{"rendered":"Giving back through science: Rowan Wagner\u2019s journey in exercise science at UW\u2011Superior"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/06\/SUP_exercise-science_Rowan-Wagner-5_900x600.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/06\/SUP_exercise-science_Rowan-Wagner-5_900x600.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of UW-Superior student Rowan Wagner\" class=\"wp-image-13626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/06\/SUP_exercise-science_Rowan-Wagner-5_900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/06\/SUP_exercise-science_Rowan-Wagner-5_900x600-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/378\/2026\/06\/SUP_exercise-science_Rowan-Wagner-5_900x600-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Rowan Wagner\u2019s path to exercise science at the University of Wisconsin\u2011Superior is rooted in a lifelong connection to athletics \u2013 and a desire to help others stay healthy and active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Wagner, majoring in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsuper.edu\/program\/exercise-science\/\">exercise science<\/a>&nbsp;with a minor in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsuper.edu\/program\/health-minor\/\">health&nbsp;<\/a>felt natural. Active in sports from an early age, he developed a curiosity about how the body works, especially after experiencing injuries himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve been involved in athletics pretty much my whole life, and I\u2019m kind of injury\u2011prone,\u201d he said. \u201cThat put me in the realm of strength and conditioning, athletic training and physical therapy. I\u2019ve had so many people help me along the way, and I want to give that back to others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"UW-Superior: Student Profile - Rowan Wagner\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OErnA6EkjE4?start=21&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-program-built-around-performance-and-lifelong-health\"><strong>A Program Built Around Performance and Lifelong Health<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UW-Superior\u2019s exercise science program helps students understand how the human body works and how movement, health, and performance are connected. Through hands-on classes and real\u2011world learning experiences, students build skills in research, leadership, and assessment that prepare them for careers in health, fitness, and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students graduate with a holistic understanding of wellness as they explore the intersection of science and human performance \u2013 preparing them for careers in clinical exercise physiology, health and fitness fields, or for entry into graduate programs such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, athletic training and physician assistant studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Wagner, the curriculum has expanded his understanding beyond athletics alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019re learning how the body works \u2013 how to maximize both performance and overall health,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about sports. It\u2019s about helping people stay healthy for the rest of their lives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-looking-ahead-prosthetics-orthotics-and-human-adaptation\"><strong>Looking Ahead: Prosthetics, Orthotics and Human Adaptation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>That academic foundation has helped shape Wagner\u2019s future goals. He is particularly interested in pursuing a career in prosthetics or orthotics and says his coursework has changed the way he thinks about how the body adapts to injury and limb loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019ve really learned how different parts of the body function together,\u201d he said. \u201cEven if someone loses an arm, the muscles can still contract. Understanding how those muscles and signals work makes it possible to control prosthetic devices.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opportunities to apply classroom learning are supported by facilities such as the Kessler Exercise Physiology Laboratory in UW\u2011Superior\u2019s Health and Human Performance Department. The multifunctional lab allows students to conduct research and practice techniques aligned with their coursework and career interests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students also complete a formal capstone project, working closely with faculty mentors to synthesize theory, concepts and skills into real\u2011world applications \u2013 demonstrating their readiness for professional practice or further study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faculty-support-that-makes-a-difference\"><strong>Faculty Support that Makes a Difference<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now in his third year, Wagner credits UW\u2011Superior faculty for playing a major role in his success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cEvery professor I\u2019ve had has been amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019ve helped me with classes, internships, job shadowing opportunities and letters of recommendation. They genuinely want you to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That support has helped Wagner make the most of pairing his exercise science major with a health minor, which has further strengthened his academic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The health minor provides a strong foundation in wellness through coursework in physical activity, nutrition, mental health and behavior change. It complements a wide range of majors and prepares students to promote wellbeing at both the individual and community level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-nutrition-athletics-and-whole-body-wellness\"><strong>Nutrition, Athletics and Whole\u2011Body Wellness<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As a student\u2011athlete with the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsyellowjackets.com\/sports\/mens-soccer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yellowjacket men\u2019s soccer(opens in a new tab)<\/a>&nbsp;team, Wagner has seen firsthand how closely nutrition and performance are connected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHow you treat your body outside the gym \u2013 especially through diet \u2013 has a huge impact,\u201d he said. \u201cUnderstanding how muscles work and how they need different nutrition really helps, especially when working with athletes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That connection between science, lifestyle and long\u2011term health is one of the reasons Wagner values the broad focus of the exercise science program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-finding-community-at-uw-superior\"><strong>Finding Community at UW\u2011Superior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond academics, Wagner describes UW\u2011Superior as a welcoming environment both socially and professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cMy experience here has been amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cFrom my teammates and classmates to my professors and the campus environment, I haven\u2019t regretted being here once.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As he looks ahead, Wagner encourages students who are curious about fitness, science or health to explore exercise science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ll never know unless you try it,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you like learning how the body works and how to keep yourself healthy, it\u2019s a great program \u2013 not just for a career, but for your own future health.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-about-the-programs\"><strong>About the Programs<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>UW-Superior\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsuper.edu\/program\/exercise-science\/\">exercise science<\/a>&nbsp;program provides the knowledge and skills to prepare you for a successful career in clinical exercise physiology, health and fitness fields. The program also lays the groundwork for entrance into graduate school for careers in exercise physiology, athletic training, physical therapy, occupational therapy, physician\u2019s assistant and many other allied health careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within UW-Superior\u2019s&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/uwsuper.edu\/program\/health-minor\/\">health&nbsp;<\/a>minor, coursework in physical activity, nutrition, mental health and behavior change allows students to develop practical knowledge to support personal wellbeing and promote healthier communities. This minor complements a wide range of majors and prepares students to apply health concepts in diverse professional settings. The minor \u2013 available both on campus and online \u2013 complements majors such as exercise science, sports and recreation management and related fields, enhancing your career readiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Written by UW-Superior<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Link to original story: <a href=\"https:\/\/uwsuper.edu\/about\/news\/giving-back-through-science-rowan-wagners-journey-in-exercise-science-at-uw-superior\/\">https:\/\/uwsuper.edu\/about\/news\/giving-back-through-science-rowan-wagners-journey-in-exercise-science-at-uw-superior\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rowan Wagner\u2019s path to exercise science at the University of Wisconsin\u2011Superior is rooted in a lifelong connection to athletics \u2013 and a desire to help others stay healthy and active. For Wagner, majoring in&nbsp;exercise science&nbsp;with a minor in&nbsp;health&nbsp;felt natural. Active in sports from an early age, he developed a curiosity about how the body works, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":13626,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","institution":[110],"story_category":[147,146],"class_list":["post-13625","campus_story","type-campus_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","institution-uw-superior","story_category-community","story_category-research-innovation"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campus_story\/13625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/campus_story"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/campus_story"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13625"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"institution","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/institution?post=13625"},{"taxonomy":"story_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wisconsin.edu\/all-in-wisconsin\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/story_category?post=13625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}