Alumni Spotlight: Drew Gonzalez
From Student to Passionate Researcher: ESS Program Shapes Leaders in Exercise Science
Charlcee Cervantez || April 2, 2025
Drew Gonzalez, Ph.D., has turned a passion for exercise and nutrition into a career dedicated to improving the health and fitness of first responders. His journey, marked by perseverance and impactful research, began at Texas State University and has propelled him to a tenure-track assistant professor position at Sam Houston State University starting in Fall 2025.
Gonzalez's interest in research sparked during his undergraduate years, but it wasn't until he met Dr. Matt McAllister at Texas State that his path became clear.
"After we did the firefighter study with Lake Travis, I had a few participants just tell us that they appreciate our efforts to research them and how the study we did helped them in several ways within the context of their health and fitness, and that sold me," Gonzalez said. "I just loved the fact that the work I was doing was having a meaningful impact. I want to impact my community. I do not want to research just to research. That community impact is huge to me."
Gonzalez, who transferred to Texas State for his undergraduate degree and then stayed for his master's in Exercise and Sports Science (ESS), credits the program and its faculty with shaping his success.
"The ESS program is a top-tier program and there is a great set of faculty and the environment is always exciting in Jowers and around the city of San Marcos," he said. "I truly do owe it to the ESS program for giving me the ability to excel at so many experiences – I completed several research projects there with Dr. McAllister."
He emphasized the autonomy the department allowed, enabling him to pursue research, an internship with Mark Steele and Lance Sewell where he earned his CSCCa SCCC, and independent studies concurrently – all experiences that typically constitute separate master's tracks.
"They were all always supportive and gave me a voice or a seat at the table," Gonzalez said, mentioning Dr. Ron Williams, Dr. McAllister, Dr. Kevin McCurdy, Dr. Duane Knudson, Dr. Ting Liu, and Dr. Stacey Bender as particularly influential. He also valued the opportunity to teach Personal Fitness and Wellness classes, which he said helped him develop his teaching style and confidence.
Gonzalez's research with McAllister, now a mentor, colleague, and friend, focuses on improving the health and fitness of first responders. Their five-year longitudinal data collection has yielded several peer-reviewed papers and provided mentorship opportunities for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. This research initiative also led Gonzalez to start the Tactical Athlete Research Unit (TARU) at Texas A&M University, where he recently completed his postdoctoral studies with Dr. Rick Kreider, a leader in sports nutrition.
"Now none of this would have been possible without Texas State. That ESS program and Matt's mentorship prepared me very well," Gonzalez said.
Beyond his work with McAllister, Gonzalez is collaborating on research projects with institutions like the University of Alabama, Oklahoma State University, Frontline Health, Fort Worth Fire Department, and Bond University in Australia. He is also pursuing creatine research for firefighters.
For students considering the ESS graduate program at TXST, Gonzalez offered advice: "Be yourself, do the most, stay busy, ask questions! Network early."
He emphasized the importance of networking, even suggesting reaching out to potential collaborators via social media.
"Get to know the networks of those at TXST. They will help you excel," he added. "Get involved early and in as much as you can. It is the time to burn your candle at both ends. It will be worth it one day.”
Gonzalez remains committed to TXST and welcomes the opportunity to serve as a resource for the ESS program. For those wanting to connect with Gonzalez he can be contacted via email.