I graduated from the University of Essex with a first class honours degree in Sports and Exercise Science, receiving awards for the most outstanding final year project and the most outstanding performance for the Sports Science degree. I began my research career by studying for an MSc by Dissertation at the University of Essex investigating the vascular responses to breaking up sedentary time. I then moved to Liverpool John Moores University to begin a PhD investigating the effect of prolonged sitting on cerebrovascular and cognitive function funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).
I am currently a lecturer in Sport and Exercise Physiology and Group Director of the Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (PAtCH) research group. I am also the Director of the Sport and Exercise Science teaching and research laboratories.
My main teaching responsibilities are in the areas of Sport and Exercise Physiology and Physical Activity and Health. I am module leader for Level 5 Physiology of Training and Adaptation, Level 5 Principles of Exercise and Physical Activity for Health, and Level 6 Research Project modules. I also supervise students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and am an academic tutor providing support to students throughout their time at the University.
Modules I teach:
- Laboratory and Field-Based Testing in Sport and Exercise
- Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise
- Physiology of Training and Adaptation
- Principles of Exercise and Physical Activity for Health
- Research Paper
Courses I teach:
- Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons)
- Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc(Hons)
I am the Group Director of the Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (PAtCH) Research Group.
My main research interests are investigating the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on physical and mental health. My previous research has specifically focussed on investigating the effects of sedentary behaviour on cardiovascular health, using transcranial and vascular Doppler ultrasound to assess changes in cerebral and peripheral vascular function during prolonged sitting periods or using active break interventions. My research aims to contribute to understanding the negative health consequences of sedentary behaviour and to explore the effects of interventions to reduce sitting on cardiovascular health.
My current areas of research include:
- Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and menopause
- Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and osteoarthritis
- Golf participation and health
Academic achievements
APS select award from The American Physiology Society for the best recently published article in physiological research; ‘Regular walking breaks prevent the decline in cerebral blood flow associated with prolonged sitting’; 2018.
Runner-up Best Graduate Presentation at the 3rd Okanagan Cardiovascular and Respiratory Symposium 2018
Excellent Progress Award 2016-17, Liverpool John Moores University Research Degrees Committee
1st Place Oral Presentation at the Liverpool John Moores University Faculty of Science Research Day 2016
Runner-up of the Undergraduate Human and Exercise Physiology theme Physiological Society Poster Competition at the International Union of Physiological Sciences (IUPS) Congress 2013
Rob Clarke Undergraduate Abstract Award at the IUPS Congress 2013
Human Performance Unit Project Prize from the University of Essex for the most outstanding final year project in a Sports Science degree 2013
Richard Watson Prize from the University of Essex for the most outstanding performance on a Sports Science degree 2013
Physiological Society Prize from the Physiological Society for the best final year project 2013
Recent publications
I am a Member of the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) and am a Member of the CASES Division of Physical Activity for Health Committee.
I am a Recognised Associate Research Supervisor from the UK Council for Graduate Education.
I am Chair of School of Science, Technology and Health Research Ethics Committee.
I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and hold a Postgraduate Certificate with Distinction in Academic Practice.
I am an Editorial Board Member for Scientific Reports. Furthermore, I have completed peer reviews for journals including Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Experimental Physiology, Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, and Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism.
