Biography

I joined the Department of Sport and Exercise Science in August 2014 from the University of Limerick, Ireland where I had been teaching for the previous three years. I graduated from the University of Limerick with a BSc. in Sport and Exercise Sciences (2004) and subsequently completed my Ph.D in Artificial Neural Network analysis of motor skill performance in 2009 under the supervision of Dr Ross Anderson. This PhD research was awarded scholarship funding by the Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology (IRCSET). Following completion of my Ph.D thesis I moved to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where I worked in the biomechanics and motor control laboratories as a Post-doctoral researcher in the Department of Kinesiology. While at U Mass I became an NSCA certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist.

Research interests

My current research interests are primarily focussed on the use of dynamical systems theory methods in the evaluation of human movement. My PhD research used Artificial Neural Network computer simulation in conjunction with dynamical systems theory analysis methods to predict the performance outcome of a rowing stroke. Currently my research is examining the use of dynamical systems theory analysis methods in the evaluation of the metabolic cost of movement patterns. My research also examines the stability and variability of the coupling of the locomotor and respiratory systems. I also currently work with the Graduate Entry Medical School in the University of Limerick on a project examining Biomechanical analysis of spinal immobilisation during prehospital extrication.