Rachel Yang, M.S.
Graduate Student, Department of Health and Kinesiology
Area of Study: Exercise Physiology
Email: jhy2@illinois.edu
Education & Professional Experience
- 2022 B.S., Food Science and Human Nutrition; Human Nutrition – University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, IL)
- 2023 M.S., Food Science and Human Nutrition; Professional Science Master – University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, IL)
- 2023-2025 Assistant Director of Food Security – University of Illinois Campus Recreation (Urbana-Champaign, IL)
About
Rachel’s research interest is in the area of nutrition and exercise performance. Specifically, she is invested in the opportunity to promote longevity through nutrition, including optimal protein metabolism, and exercise intervention.
Hobbies
I really enjoy learning fictional languages. I have spent years mastering languages like Klingon (from Start Trek) and now currently focused on learning Na’vi (from Avatar).
Zan Zupancic M.S., CD
Graduate Student, Department of Health and Kinesiology
Area of Study: Exercise Physiology
Email: zanz3@illinios.edu
Education & Professional Experience
- 2015 B.S. Food Science and Nutrition (University of Ljubljana)
- 2018 Practical exchange, Muscle Metabolism Maastricht (M3) research unit
- 2019 M.S. Nutrition (University of Ljubljana)
Credentials
- Clinical dietitian (2020)
About
Zan has a research interest in performance and clinical nutrition and exercise physiology, particularly related to protein metabolism.
Hobbies
I fancy myself as a pop-tart connoisseur. I truly enjoy tasting the various flavors (i.e., standard to seasonal flavors) of these toaster pastries. I get particularly excited about the limited edition flavors. Also, as noted by my picture, I like green folders.
Gena Irwin, M.S
Graduate Student, Department of Health and Kinesiology
Area of Study: Exercise Physiology
Email: genai2@illinois.edu
Education & Professional Experience
- 2017 B.S., Clinical Physiology; General Biology – Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA)
- 2017-2019, Cardiac Rehabilitation Aide – Virginia Mason (Yakima, WA)
- 2022-2024, Nutrition Intern – Vandal Athletics (Moscow, ID)
- 2024 M.S., Movement and Leisure Science, University of Idaho (Moscow, ID)
About
Gena’s research interests include protein timing, protein intake, and body composition. She is also interested in contributing to research on female health, exercise, and nutrition. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and playing with her German Shepard, Cleopatra.
Hobbies
I have a general interest in interpretive dance, particularly at zoos. The wildlife really seems to connect with the music, movement, and pure emotion. Favorite Quote: “Dance like no one is watching”.
Calvin Chen, MS, RD
Graduate Student, Department of Health and Kinesiology
Area of Study: Exercise Physiology
Email: cw148@illinois.edu
Education & Professional Experience
- 2018-2022 B.S., Nutrition – China Medical University (Taichung City, Taiwan)
- 2023-2025 M.S., Sports Science – National Chung Hsing University (Taichung City, Taiwan)
- 2025 Mitacs Globalink Research Internship – Iovate/Muscletech Metabolism & Sports Science Lab (Toronto, Canada)
About
Calvin’s research interest is in understanding how resistance exercise and dietary protein intake regulate skeletal muscle health and performance, and how to optimize these outcomes.
Hobbies
I love professional wrestling, WWF in the 80’s was my particular favorite. “Oooh yeah! Cup of coffee in the big time, yeah!” -Macho Man Randy Savage.