Chris Bach

Chris Bach, Ph.D., CSCS, was named the assistant director of the NAPL in July of 2017 after serving as a postdoctoral research associate. Prior to his work in the Nebraska Athletic Performance Laboratory, Bach served as a research assistant with the Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine at Florida State University where he focused on performance enhancement and the development of elite athletes.

Bach earned his bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Cellular, and Molecular Biology (2010) and his master’s degree in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise Physiology (2012) at the University of Tennessee. He then earned his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology at Florida State University (2016) where his work focused on the integration of exercise training, nutrition, and environmental factors to improve body composition and athletic performance in athletes. Additionally, Bach is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).

Bach’s interests currently focus on the physiological aspects of athlete training and performance. He works with coaching, performance, and athletic medicine staffs on the implementation of GPS, heart rate monitors, and other technology to help monitor training load, optimize training and recovery, and reduce the risk of injuries. This work has led him to collaborate with researchers on both a national and international level.

 Selected Articles

• Baur, D. A., Vargas, F. C. S., Bach, C. W., Garvey, J. A., & Ormsbee, M. J. (2016). Slow-absorbing modified starch before and during prolonged cycling increases fat oxidation and gastrointestinal distress without changing performance. Nutrients, 8(7), 392. DOI: 10.3390/nu8070392.
• Baur, D. A., Bach, C. W., Hyder, W. J., & Ormsbee, M. J. (2016). Fluid retention, muscle damage, and altered body composition at the Ultraman Triathlon. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 116(3), 447-458, DOI: 10.1007/s00421-015-3291-9.
• Bach, C. W., Brown, A. F., Kinsey, A. W., & Ormsbee, M. J. (2015). Anthropometric characteristics and performance capabilities of highly-trained motocross athletes compared to physically active men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 29(12), 3392-3398. DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000000988
• Ormsbee, M. J., Ward, E. G., Bach, C. W., Arciero, P. J., McKune, A. J., & Panton, L. B. (2015). The Impact of a Pre-Loaded Multi-Ingredient Performance Supplement on Muscle Soreness and Performance Following Downhill Running. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition,12(2), 1-9. DOI: 10.1186/s12970-014-0063-6.
• Ormsbee, M. J., Bach, C. W., & Baur, D. A. (2014). Pre-exercise nutrition: The role of macronutrients, modified starches and supplements on metabolism and endurance performance. Nutrients, 6(5), 1782-1808. DOI: 10.3390/nu6051782.
• McKune, A.J., Bach, C.W., Semple, S.J., & Dyer, B.J. (2014). Salivary cortisol and α-amylase responses to repeated bouts of downhill running. American Journal of Human Biology, 26(6), 850-855. DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.22605.

Professional Presentations

• Bach, C.W. (May 2016). Inflammation Science: Understanding Adaptation to Exercise, Nutrition, and Recovery Interventions. Invited guest speaker. Oral presentation at Collegiate and Professional Sports Dietitians Association National Conference. Kansas City, MO.
• Bach, C. W., Baur, D. A., Hyder, W. S., & Ormsbee, M. J. (July 2015). Effects of a Multistage Ultra-Endurance Triathlon on Body Composition and Glucose Control in a Type 1 Diabetic Athlete: A Case Study. Poster presentation at National Meeting, National Strength and Conditioning Association. (National)
• Bach, C.W., Miller, E.A., Gorman, K.A., Spicer, M.T., Eckel, L.A., and Ormsbee, M.J. (May 2015). Effect of Nighttime Eating on Next Morning Hydration Status and Running Performance in Female Endurance Athletes. Poster presentation at annual meeting, American College of Sports Medicine, San Diego, CA. (National).
• Bach, C.W. (December 2014). Sports Nutrition: Substrate Metabolism and Performance. Presented to University of Southern Mississippi as invited guest lecturer.
• Bach, C.W., Dyer, B.J., and McKune, A.J. (May 2014). Salivary cortisol and α-amylase responses to repeated bouts of downhill running. Poster presentation at annual meeting, American College of Sports Medicine, Orlando, FL. (National).
• Bach, C.W. (July 2013). Exercise at Altitude. Presented at University of KwaZulu-Natal as visiting international lecturer. Durban, South Africa.
• Bach, C.W., Conger, S.A., Flynn, J.I., Thompson, D.L., and Bassett, D.R. (May 2013). Effect of a Bacteriological Filter on VO2max Measured by a Computerized Metabolic System. Poster presentation at annual meeting, American College of Sports Medicine, Indianapolis, IN. (National).