Supervisory Interests and Research

My area of clinical specialisation is musculoskeletal (MSK) care and thus I am interested in supervising research related to musculoskeletal care, health promotion and exercise prescription. I am also interested in conceptual research exploring understandings of abstract ideas such as the therapeutic alliance, person-centredness and holistic care. My research interests also include qualitative research in broader healthcare settings (for example, I am currently supervising phenomenological research in persons living with HIV, homeless persons and persons living with breast cancer) and research integrating art, health and science. I have experiences of conducting and supervising research using quantitative and qualitative methodologies.

Scholarly biography

After completing a BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy in 1994, I worked in the NHS and private practice until starting as a lecturer- practitioner in 1999. In 2000 I took a full-time academic post alongside part-time clinical work in private practice. I became a full member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP) in 1999 and completed an MSc Manipulative Physiotherapy in 2001. I completed a PhD investigating the biomechanical and analgesic effects of lumbar mobilisations in 2014.

I am a Principal Lecturer and course leader for the MSc Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy. I teach students from undergraduate to postgraduate (including doctoral) level, am experienced in course and module leadership, development and external examining. I regularly review articles for various journals and am social media editor for Musculoskeletal Science and Practice Journal.

I am actively engaged in both teaching and research and co-lead the School Specialist Interest Group for Phenomenology. I am a member of the university's research and enterprise centre of excellence, the Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Devices. I continue to practice clinically in the university’s ‘Physiotherapy at the Leaf’ clinic, treating persons with musculoskeletal complaints.

Approach to teaching

"Research supervision is one of my favourite aspects of work. I supervise post-graduate (including doctoral) level research. It is always a special moment when a student I have been supervising has their work accepted for publication or for a conference presentation”

“I remain in contact with many students long after they have completed. Many alumni become mentors for students on post-registration clinical placements and are leading aspects of musculoskeletal physiotherapy national and international”