Dan Benardot, PhD, RD, LD, FACSM, is a full professor at Georgia State University (GSU) specializing in sports nutrition. He earned his doctorate in human nutrition and health planning from Cornell University in 1980 and is a registered and licensed dietitian. His primary research focuses on energy balance and nutrition issues related to young athletes. At GSU, he cofounded and directs the Laboratory for Elite Athlete Performance, which supports athletes in optimizing their nutrition for peak performance.

Benardot has an extensive background in working with elite athletes, having served as the national team nutritionist for USA Gymnastics. He played a crucial role in supporting the gold-medal-winning women's gymnastics team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and the U.S. marathoners at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. He also contributed to the nutrition plans for marathoners selected for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. His expertise has led him to work with national team figure skaters and to serve as an officer of the USA Figure Skating Sports Medicine Society. Benardot's research has been funded by several prestigious organizations, including the United States Olympic Committee and the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.