I have been working at the University of Bath since finishing my PhD here in 2007. It has been exciting to be a part of the development of the Department for Health since then, and get involved in expanding the scope and size of both our research groups and the programmes that we offer to students while making sure that the Department remains an enjoyable and positive place to work. We take great pride in the inter-disciplinary environment we have created, and the possibilities that this opens up to us in challenging our thinking and promoting innovation. Since starting my academic career at the University of Bath I also have greatly benefited from the many opportunities to take on leadership or development roles and the training, support and mentorship that has been provided to help me succeed.

I joined the University in 2010 as a Senior lecturer with an interest in examining sport, physical activity and physical/health education from a critical/socio-cultural perspective. Engaging in family life while fulfilling my career aspirations is hugely important to me. The Department have always been supportive of my varied caring responsibilities alongside my ongoing professional development. Working at Bath provides me with opportunities to engage with excellent students, researchers from different disciplines and health professionals/user groups.

I joined the University of Bath in 2012 as a Research Associate, and in 2014 I became Lecturer in Biomechanics at the Department for Health. Such an important career step was surely facilitated by the supportive and positive culture within the Department for Health. During my time as a Lecturer I was able to benefit from many opportunities and research support from the Department for Health that allowed to establish my current research portfolio and international collaborations. Also, I become a father in September 2017, and I always felt supported by the Department which promotes flexible working hours and highly considers parenting responsibilities.

I started at the University as a Lecturer in 2012. Coming straight to the role from a PhD, I found the University and Department to be incredibly supportive of early career academics. This support has continued throughout my period of maternity leave and I’m excited to be re-joining the team this month. During my time at the University, I have particularly relished the opportunities to build interdisciplinary research collaborations, engage with external partners relevant to my work, and deliver my teaching as part of an integrated and enthusiastic programme team.

I joined the University of Bath as a Lecturer (teaching specialist) in 2018, coming straight into the role from a PhD. The University and Department for Health have been incredibly supportive during my early career, and the positive culture amongst staff has made for an exciting transition from research to teaching. Importantly, the Department encourages and supports early career academics in undertaking leadership roles, creating an environment with opportunities for progression and career development. Professional and personal interests are valued and celebrated, meaning that I can continue to pursue my own sporting aspirations outside of work.