Staff profile

I am a second year PhD Researcher, co-supervised by Dr. Kimberly Jamie and Prof. Martin Roderick within the Department of Sociology, and the Department of Sport & Exercise Sciences. I returned to Durham University in 2019, having previously worked in Commercial and Brand Communications Research. I hold a First Class Undergraduate Degree in Sport, Exercise, and Physical Activity BA (Hons), an MA in Applied Social Research, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Social Research Methods (PGCert), with Distinction. My Doctoral research is funded by the ESRC NINE DTP, within the Health and Well-being Pathway. Alongside my academic endeavours, I am passionate about better understanding mental health and well-being inequalities, and developing inclusive environments for sport and physical activity. I am a keen Park Runner, a devoted Five-a-side Footballer, and a studious Musical Theatre enthusiast.

Field of Study

My Doctoral research uses qualitative research methods to examine the mental health and well-being experiences of male professional athletes working within four team sports. My thesis seeks to explore the social, psychological and emotional challenges faced by athletes when navigating their performance-focused careers. Findings will extend academic and applied understandings of the complex communicative structures and practices of professional sport, with a focus on better understanding the lived experiences and help-seeking behaviours of male athletes relating to mental health and well-being.

Research Group

• Health and Social Theory

• Homophobia and Discriminatory Language
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Visual and Poetic Research Methods
• Narrative Inquiry
• Sociology of Sports Work
• Mental Health, Illness & Help-Seeking Behaviours
• Working Lives of Professional Athletes
• Player Care, Inclusivity & Well-being
• Men and Masculinities in Sport
• Gender and Sexuality in Sport