McKenzie is a first-year Ph.D student in the Exercise Science program. McKenzie was born and raised in Texas but moved to Jackson, MS to pursue her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science at Mississippi College. She remained at MC to receive her Master’s degree in Applied Exercise Physiology, during which she taught undergraduate exercise physiology labs.
McKenzie ran collegiate cross country and track which led to her interest in researching endurance athletes. Her thesis explored the relationship between blood glucose levels and affect in long-distance runners using continuous glucose monitors. She hopes to continue research in substrate utilization and its influence on mental fatigue in athletes as she begins her doctoral program at MSU.