Next Steps After Swansea
After finishing my undergraduate degree, I took a year to work and travel before applying to a masters course. I ended up moving to Manchester and completed my MSc in Sport & Exercise Physiology.
Current Role
PhD candidate at Manchester Metropolitan University
I’m currently a PhD candidate at Manchester Metropolitan University, looking into Corticomuscular Adaptations Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture and Rehabilitation. My role involves designing and managing research projects, recruiting clinical and healthy participants, running PPIE sessions, leading data collection, analysing data, presenting at conferences, and supporting teaching through lectures and lab classes. This work is in collaboration with a leading ACL reconstruction surgeon and aims to improve understanding of brain–muscle dynamics after injury and surgery.
Impact of Swansea
Studying in high-quality labs and learning from leaders in their fields had a huge impact on my development. I gained hands-on experience throughout my degree — including a second-year research internship that sparked my passion for scientific research. I also studied abroad at the University of Texas at Austin and contributed to a global women’s rugby union survey project in my final year. The breadth of opportunity and support within SPEX genuinely shaped my academic pathway.
Advice
Take opportunities. There is so much happening at university — you can’t do everything, but the access to people, equipment, and experiences is unique, so make the most of it.
Make opportunities. If you want to try something, ask. Share your ideas, contact supervisors, volunteer, put yourself forward. This is your chance to explore and grow, and taking initiative will open doors.