Bridget Sopena

Principal Physiology Researcher | Run Research

Professional Overview
Bridget Sopena is an accomplished sports scientist and physiology researcher with over a decade of experience in the field of athlete performance. She currently serves as the Principal Physiology Researcher at Run Research, a leading research and innovation hub within Brooks Running. Bridget's expertise spans sports science, exercise physiology, and the application of cutting-edge research to enhance the performance and well-being of athletes.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Principal Physiology Researcher at Run Research, Bridget leads a team of sports scientists and researchers in conducting groundbreaking studies on the physiological factors that influence running performance. She is responsible for designing and executing research protocols, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable insights that drive product development and athlete support initiatives at Brooks Running.

Under Bridget's leadership, the Run Research team has made significant contributions to the understanding of running biomechanics, the effects of environmental conditions on endurance performance, and the optimization of training and recovery strategies for competitive runners. Her work has been instrumental in shaping the company's product development roadmap and informing its athlete support programs.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Bridget held the position of Manager, Athlete Performance at Run Research, where she led a multidisciplinary team in providing comprehensive support to elite and recreational runners. Before joining Brooks Running, she served as a Senior Sports Scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, where she conducted research on the nutritional and physiological factors that influence athlete performance and recovery.

Bridget's early career experience includes roles as a Sports Scientist and Contractor at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, as well as a Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant at Eastern Illinois University. She also gained valuable experience as a Cardiac Rehabilitation Intern at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and as a Youth Soccer Instructor at the Bloomington Parks & Recreation Department.

Academic Background
Bridget holds a Master's degree in Exercise Science from Eastern Illinois University, where she specialized in exercise physiology and sports science. Her graduate research focused on the physiological adaptations to exercise training and the impact of environmental factors on endurance performance.

Areas of Expertise

• Exercise physiology

• Sports science and research

• Athlete performance optimization

• Running biomechanics and injury prevention

• Sports nutrition and supplementation

• Data analysis and research translation

• Team leadership and collaboration

Professional Impact
Bridget's work has been recognized by her peers and industry leaders, and she has presented her research at numerous scientific conferences and industry events. Her findings have been published in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of sports science.

Through her leadership at Run Research, Bridget has played a pivotal role in shaping Brooks Running's product development and athlete support initiatives, helping the company to deliver innovative and evidence-based solutions that enhance the performance and well-being of runners worldwide.

Conclusion
With her extensive experience, strong academic background, and collaborative leadership style, Bridget Sopena is poised to continue making significant contributions to the field of sports science and athlete performance. As the Principal Physiology Researcher at Run Research, she is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in running and helping athletes of all levels to reach their full potential.