OUR TEAM
Sam Goldenstein PhD
Associate Principal Scientist
Responsibilities:
Development and execution of research focused on increasing health and performance in females across the lifespan and adolescent athletes
GSSI Teammate Since:
2025
Area of Expertise:
Female physiology, hormones
Education:
BS, University of Missouri (Exercise Science and Nutrition); MBA, Grantham University; MS Texas State University (Exercise and Sport Science); PhD, University of North Carolina at Greensboro (Exercise Physiology)
Athletic Background:
Competitive cyclist in road, gravel, and cyclocross. She currently enjoys cycling, strength training, hiking, and active, outdoor travel.
Scientific Background
Samantha is an Associate Principal Scientist at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) in Bradenton, FL, specializing in exercise physiology and women’s health. Her work focuses on optimizing health and performance, with expertise in female physiology, hormones, and energy availability.
She previously completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM), where her research focused on optimizing Warfighter health and performance, including studies on hormonal regulation, energy balance, thermoregulation, and human performance in extreme environments.
She holds a PhD in exercise physiology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where her research focused on energy availability and hormone changes across the menstrual cycle.
Sam is a retired Army Master Sergeant with over 20 years of leadership experience and has worked as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, coach, and exercise physiologist with diverse populations, including wounded, ill, and injured Warfighters, para-athletes, recreational athletes, and competitive endurance athletes.