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 Senior Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science and Course Leader for the Sport and Exercise Science BSc. I am also the Group Director of the Physical Activity and Cardiovascular Health (PAtCH) research group and 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
- Advanced Physiology of Sports Performance
- Research Paper
Courses I teach:
- Sport and Exercise Science BSc(Hons)
- Sports and Exercise Therapy BSc(Hons)
My main research interests are investigating the effects of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on physical and mental health. My previous research has specifically focused on investigating the effects of sedentary behaviour on cardiovascular health, and physical activity during menopause and its impact on cardiovascular disease risk.
My current areas of research include:
- Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and menopause
- Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and osteoarthritis
- Golf participation and health
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 Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) 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.
