My research is aimed at understanding physical activity relationships in health and disease. I have a particular interest in the role of exercise in reducing the risk of chronic lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disease.
My research also explores the interaction of exercise with appetite, energy balance and weight control, and individual variability in appetite and metabolic responses to exercise.
I hope the research I am involved in helps to improve health and wellbeing for the benefit of all by increasing understanding of the role of physical activity in facilitating healthy weight control and the prevention of chronic disease.
I originally came to Loughborough to study for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science. I stayed at the University to complete a MSc in Exercise Physiology a year later, followed by a PhD investigating the effect of acute exercise and diet manipulations on postprandial metabolism in young people.
I commenced a Post-doctoral Research Associate position at Loughborough in March 2015 as part of the ‘Leicester – Loughborough Diet, Lifestyle and Physical Activity Biomedical Research Unit’.
In April 2017, I continued my role as a Research Associate, and since April 2020 as a Senior Research Associate, contributing to projects aligned to the lifestyle theme of the NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.
In the future I hope to continue along an academic trajectory by maintaining and developing my research activity and ultimately securing a lectureship at a research-intensive institution.
The experiences and opportunities that Loughborough provides will be invaluable for me to achieve my future research ambitions. Central to this is working with fantastic colleagues, both at Loughborough and other institutions, as part of a vibrant and supportive research environment.
My role provides a variety of avenues for me to develop as a researcher, which are vital for a career path in academia including conducting original and publishable research, learning new research skills and techniques, teaching on undergraduate modules and supervising research students.
My advice for someone thinking of undertaking research at Loughborough is to find an area you are passionate and enthusiastic about as it is a long-term commitment. Make the most of every opportunity and don’t be afraid of making mistakes or of failure in order to learn and develop as a researcher.