Experience over age: How Heidi Campo found her edge in graduate school

Strength forged through experience

Campo's professional journey began back in 2005, coaching swimmers and triathletes before diving into strength sports such as bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strongman. By 2012, she had opened her own coaching business, which quickly grew into the first and largest strongman gym in Salt Lake City, Utah. Along the way, she earned her Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification, interned at the University of Utah's Olympic Sports Athletic Performance Center, and even trained in Iceland under "World's Strongest Man" champions Magnús Ver Magnússon and Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson.

Those experiences taught Campo two lessons that became the foundation of her graduate studies: "I can do anything I set my mind to," and "I knew exactly what I wanted to get out of my master's program, and I knew exactly how to get it." It was that mindset that led her to UHCL and to the next level of her career.

Drawn to UHCL because of its connection to NASA

Campo was drawn to UHCL's Exercise and Health Sciences program because of its affiliations with NASA through spaceflight human optimization and performance. "I chose UHCL specifically because of Dr. William (Bill) Amonette and the connections with NASA," she said. "I knew that if I wanted to achieve the goals I had set for myself, I needed to surround myself with the highest caliber of mentors I could find."

Once on campus, Campo found that UHCL faculty were not only experts but also mentors who cared deeply about student success. "The faculty here is unlike anything I have experienced anywhere else. It feels more like a family than anything," she said. "Dr. Amonette is exceptionally compassionate and understanding. Dr. (Joseph) Hazzard has been an exceptional mentor in my professional development. Dr. (Jason) Bentley guided my creativity and allowed my projects to evolve. Dr. (Zachary) Bell has helped me discover another level of professionalism and grit I didn't know I had, and Dr. (Robert) Brown made biostatistics fun and comprehensible. This whole team really is something else."

Discovering the power of research

At UHCL's Health and Human Performance Institute (HHPI), Campo found the ideal space to combine her experience and curiosity. Her involvement in research gave her a new perspective on what it means to study the science of performance.

"Without a doubt, the most impactful experiences I have had so far at UHCL have been getting involved with research," she said. "I never really understood the complexity and depth of research before. I now have a profound understanding and respect for the research process. I can't imagine not approaching problems like a scientist."

Redefining what it means to be a student

The transition from business owner to full-time student was not simple, but Campo met it with her signature focus and discipline. "I felt really nervous about going back to school at 35 years old, but I want to encourage every 'older' student reading this - age is an asset," she said. "I love going to school now that I have the stability, support, and life skills to better navigate my graduate education."

Campo said that her success did not come from talent alone, but from structure and resilience. "You must be able to say no to things that are not going to benefit your goals and values," she said. "When I'm working, I am very intentional and focused. I deleted social media from my phone, and I don't waste any of my time. I am either busy doing things that make me better or make me happier."

Turning preparation into purpose

As she prepares to graduate at the Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony and begin her subsequent PhD program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the fall of 2026, Campo reflects on how UHCL has helped her grow professionally and personally.

"UHCL has been the safe incubator for me to experiment, make mistakes, learn from them, and grow," she said. "The stakes will only go up from here, and I am grateful for my time to be in such a positive learning environment."

Campo hopes her journey inspires future students to make the most of their time at UHCL. "Get involved. Don't just show up to class and do the bare minimum," she advised. "If you truly want to stand out on a résumé or in your industry, you need to get involved with opportunities and realize your potential."

Raising the bar at any age

Looking ahead, Campo carries forward the lessons she has learned at UHCL and the spirit of progress that defines her.

"Simply put, progress inspires me," she said. "We stand on the shoulders of giants, and everything we do as academics pushes humanity forward to a better future."

Heidi Campo is proof that no matter where you start or how much you have already achieved, it is never too late to raise the bar higher. Because at UHCL, students not only earn degrees, they discover purpose, build resilience, and rise.

For more information about UHCL's Exercise and Health Sciences program, visit www.uhcl.edu/human-sciences-humanities/departments/psychological-and-behavioral-health-sciences/exercise-health-sciences/. For more information about UHCL's Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony, visit www.uhcl.edu/academics/commencement/.