What is your field of research?
My research spans the fields of Sport and Exercise Sciences, education, and public health, with a strong focus on practical applications to improve physical activity and well-being. My early research was wide-ranging, initially with a performance analysis project with Swansea City FC during my undergraduate studies, and later progressing to a Master’s dissertation on a physical activity-based reading and writing intervention for children. My PhD, a mixed-methods study, explored children’s fitness, motor competence, and physical activity patterns before, during, and in recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Currently, as a researcher at the Welsh Institute of Physical Activity, Health and Sport (WIPAHS), I collaborate closely with stakeholders to address key health and well-being questions. This collaborative approach allows me to co-produce research that directly benefits communities and addresses health inequalities across Wales. For example, I am working with a local health board to assess healthcare professionals’ competence and confidence in providing physical activity guidance to paediatric patients and their families. Another ongoing project evaluates a youth leadership programme in Bridgend to assess its impact on young participants. Through these projects, my work aims to make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of people across Wales.
How did you become interested in the field?
I have always been an active person, engaging in sports as a participant, coach, and official whenever possible. This lifelong involvement naturally sparked my interest in Sport and Exercise Sciences. Alongside my passion for sports, I have a strong commitment to working with children. Having worked in schools in some of the most deprived areas in the UK, I’ve witnessed firsthand the significant health inequalities and lack of opportunities for physical activity that many young people face. These experiences fuelled my desire to delve deeper into research that could help address these disparities and create lasting, positive change in communities. My goal is to contribute research that not only highlights these issues but also brings practical solutions to improve access to physical activity and health for all.
How did you come to work at Swansea University?
After completing a BSc in Sport Science at Swansea University in 2014, I was captivated by both the university and the city. Although I returned to the Midlands for a few years, I was drawn back to Swansea in 2018 to pursue and complete a PhD. During my doctoral studies, I had the privilege of collaborating with members of WIPAHS, which strengthened my connection to Swansea University and the mission of WIPAHS. When a Research Assistant position with WIPAHS became available, it felt like a natural next step to apply. I’ve now been in this role for three years and thoroughly enjoy my work at Swansea University through WIPAHS.
What do you hope to achieve with your research?
During Post-Doctoral Appreciation Week, I created a video showcasing a research project focused on the development and implementation of WIPAHS. This initiative, which I spearheaded in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) Europe network through an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Fellowship, aims to serve as a model for similar national institutes. I hope the outcomes of this project will provide a blueprint for other countries to establish comparable institutes, streamlining and enhancing research efforts in physical activity, health, and sport to achieve greater national impact.
What practical applications could your research have?
I aim for all of the research I conduct to have a practical or policy application, something that is key to the vision of WIPAHS; not conducting research for research’s sake. Some practical applications include the production of other national institutes of physical activity, health and sport across the world, improvements to physical activity programmes and reductions in health inequalities.
What is next for your research?
I wish to continue developing novel research questions with stakeholders and ensuring that these are answered in a rigorous manner and provide practical or policy applications.
Career History
I am currently a dedicated researcher specialising in children’s physical activity, fitness, and motor competence. My academic journey began with a First Class BSc in Sports Science from Swansea University, followed by an MSc in Physical Activity, Exercise, and Health Practices from the University of Gloucestershire, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education from Newman University; together with becoming a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Most recently, I completed a PhD in Sports Science at Swansea University, where I focused on children’s fitness, physical activity, and motor skills in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.
My professional experience is diverse, spanning roles in both applied and academic settings. I have worked as a Health Mentor, Regional Manager, and National Impact Manager for Evolve, a social enterprise that seeks to improve the health and well-being of children. In these roles, I oversaw Health Mentors across the West Midlands and South Wales, implemented high-quality training programmes, managed CPD, and led impact reporting to measure the organisation’s national impact. In addition to my work with Evolve, I have held roles as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with TSR Cricket, where I developed individualised programmes for young athletes, and as Head Goalkeeper Coach for England Hockey’s West Midlands programme. My earlier experience with Swansea City Football Club as an Intern Performance Analyst provided me with practical insights into elite sports performance, further fuelling my passion for sports and exercise sciences.