Fiona's Profile
Job title
Lecturer in Sport
Academic qualifications
PhD Sport and Exercise Science, MPhil Sport and Exercise Science, PG Cert in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science
Professional recognition / membership
• Higher Education Academy (HEA Fellowship Status) • International Society of Biomechanics (ISB full member) • International Society of Posture and Gait Research (ISPGR full member) • Sports Therapy Association (Affiliate member)
Telephone
Profile
I am a multi-disciplinary lecturer and researcher with specialised skills and experience in biomechanics, physiology and psychology. I undertook my undergraduate and postgraduate studies at Aberystwyth University, including a PhD in Sport and Exercise Science.
I joined University College Birmingham in 2021 as a Lecturer in Sport after spending 10 years working in industry, during which I held roles in data and student support and welfare management in a range of settings in charity, private and public sectors, including Higher and Further Education. Many of these experiences inform and influence my current teaching and pastoral practices in my current role at University College Birmingham.
Teaching
At University College Birmingham I have held module lead roles across several modules on the undergraduate programme, including Exercise Science for Sports Therapists (1603), Exercise Instruction for Sports Therapists (2181) and Personal Development and Evidence-based Practice (2179) for BSc Sports Therapy.
I also contribute to teaching across other modules including Graduate Advantage (OT172), Research for Sports Therapists (783) and Exercise as Medicine (1607). I act as an individual tutor for students enrolled on the BSc Sports Therapy programme, and provide project research supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Research interests and scholarly activity
Fiona's research background is predominantly in the multi-disciplinary evaluation of exercise-based falls prevention interventions in older adults, which was the focus of her postgraduate research studies.
Her current interests are investigating relationship between hormonal fluctuations through the menstrual cycle and measures of proprioception, balance and co-ordination, in female populations across the lifespan. This research is intended to inform earlier preventative approaches to falling that may occur in later life - particularly in female populations who have a longer life expectancy and higher incidence of falls and related injuries than their male counterparts. ORCID ID: 0009-0002-1670-8778
External engagements
Outside of my work at University College Birmingham I am a host for 'Women in Sports Therapy' podcast, and also representative of my professional body the 'Sports Therapy Association'.
I also deliver short courses covering the foundations of biomechanical principles.