I currently work at the Centre for Sports, Exercise and Life Sciences at Coventry University and am affiliated with University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. I am a clinical exercise physiologist and registered British Association of Sport and Exercise Scientist. I predominantly work with people with cardiovascular disease and aim to improve health, wellbeing, quality of life, vascular function and physical activity through exercise interventions and clinical trials. I’ve moved a lot for postgraduate research and work! Since 2013 I’ve lived in Portsmouth, London, Hull, Selby, Sydney, Manchester, Coventry and Sandbach.
What is your main area of research / clinical expertise?
My main area of research is in people with a condition called peripheral artery disease, which is an atherosclerotic process mainly affecting the lower limbs. I also work across vascular surgery and undertake clinical assessments and research in people with venous, carotid and aortic disease. We are currently working on several projects for people with peripheral artery disease including high-intensity exercise and home-based programmes.
What is your motivation to be a member of the BOSEM team?
I was motivated to become a member of the BOSEM team back in 2018 as I wanted to ‘give back’ to the scientific community and support the publication of SEM research. Now, in 2021 we are a united team working towards common goals, supporting each other and being SEM advocates. The journal is striving forward, and it is an exciting time to be a part of it and be able to bring ideas to the table.
What is a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?
From an academic perspective, I was really proud to be a co-investigator of a National Institute for Health Research – Research for Patient Benefit grant accepted in 2019. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the study was paused but we can finally start again! From a clinical perspective, I am always really proud when our patients complete their exercise rehabilitation programmes and we can see real improvements in their health and wellbeing.
Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work?
My PhD supervisor Professor Chetter had an incredible work drive; balancing academia, research and being a vascular surgeon. He instilled in me good clinical practice, how to do research, and gave me a lot of opportunities during my PhD which has led to where I am today.
What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
My favourite way to unwind after a busy day during the week is going to the gym, putting on my headphones and ‘disappearing’ into my own world. Recently I’ve taken up golf and I also enjoy going for 9 holes after work, unfortunately, the British weather doesn’t always accommodate! After a busy week, I open my wine app, pour a glass (usually red) and pretend to be a wine aficionado.