Biography

I joined the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Portsmouth as a senior lecturer in biomechanics in 2009, following several years as a lecturer at Exeter University. I obtained my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees from Brunel University and my PhD from Loughborough University (2005) in computer simulation modelling. I have worked extensively with many sports organisations including British Gymnastics and UK Athletics and have provided scientific support to many athletes. I have worked on many funded research and innovation projects in collaboration with external industry partners and companies. Outside of academia I enjoy several sports, particularly pole vaulting, gymnastics and snowboarding.

Research interests

My research interests focus on experimental testing and musculoskeletal modelling of humans as they interact in different environments, incorporating soft tissue dynamics where appropriate. I have applied this area of research to the lower extremity by investigating the effects of compression garments on sporting performance and i have investigated the fundamentals of upper body soft tissue (breast) motion to inform product design and performance implications. I also apply my research area to how humans interact with sports surfaces or changing environmental features (stairs, escalators, uneven terrain) to understand how these effect musculoskeletal loading. Finally, I also apply my research area within challenging environments to understand how the human body responds. (for example, the load experienced by a racing car driver during high cornering speeds)

I have been a reviewer for many journals submissions in several academic journals including: Journal of Biomechanics, Journal of Applied Biomechanics, Journal of Sports Science, Human Movement Science and Journal of Human Kinetics. I currently supervise 6 PhD students and I have also acted as an external examiner for several PhD theses.