Donald is a Research Associate, working with Dr Lewis James to examine examining oral rehydration strategies following exercise in the heat. He is also working towards the completion of his thesis as part of his Ph.D. research, examining the effects of blood-flow restriction interventions on exercise performance and muscle physiology.
Donald graduated from Loughborough University with a First-Class Honours Degree in Sport and Exercise Science (BSc) in 2016, and in 2017 graduated with distinction in Exercise Physiology (MSc). He also supports teaching in undergraduate and postgraduate modules, having worked at the university as a technical tutor in Exercise Physiology, and is an associate fellow of the higher education academy.
Donald is completing the write-up of his PhD research at the University, examining the effects of blood flow restriction interventions on exercise performance, skeletal muscle morphology and the peripheral vasculature. Furthermore, Donald has expertise in high-resolution respirometry and has used this to examine mitochondrial function in his own research and in collaboration with additional projects.
During his tenure at Loughborough University, Donald has worked with the Sports Development Centre to support the Men’s Hockey First time as a Strength and Conditioning (S&C) Coach, as well as having previously worked as an S&C coach in professional Rugby at Nottingham R.F.C.