Â鶹MV

My interest in Sport and Exercise Psychology developed through my experiences as an athlete and led me to complete an MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology. I went on to deliver sport psychology consultancy to a wide range of athletes and coaches, whilst I completed my PhD at Bangor University, Wales investigating the coaching of psychological skills and coach behaviour change interventions with Sport Wales. In my first permanent academic position at the University of the West of Scotland, I began to investigate physical activity, cognition and health behaviour change of children and other vulnerable groups (e.g., elderly and disadvantaged adults).

I have also led psycho-physiological research projects researching the relationships between cognitive and physiological processes associated with refereeing, high intensity training and endurance performance. I started working at QMU in 2022, where I continue to investigate cognition and behaviour change in physical activity and sports contexts. I am currently developing research to understand more about physical activity, mental health and learning, with a particular focus on the use of the play, the outdoors and blue spaces as tools for learning and improved cognition, and mental well-being.

I conduct research using both qualitative and quantitative approaches and I have expertise in psychometric measurement and validation. I enjoy partnering with organisations seeking to improve health, well-being and diversity via sport and physical activity.

Affiliations (including memberships) to other organisations:

• Fellow of Advance HE
• Member of British Psychological Society
• Member of the British Association of Sport and Exercise