Biography

I am an Associate Professor in Applied Biomechanics & Women's Health at the University of Portsmouth and a member of the internationally recognised Research Group in Breast Health. My research focuses on understanding how breast anatomy and biomechanics influence health, comfort, physical activity participation and occupational performance, with the aim of informing evidence-based approaches to product design, policy and practice.

I joined the University of Portsmouth in 2007 as a Research Assistant and Associate Lecturer, having previously completed a BSc (Hons) in Sports Science at Portsmouth and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics at the University of Chichester. I completed my PhD in 2013, investigating the breast support requirements of female recreational athletes, and have held academic positions within the School since 2011. I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Over the past decade, my work has contributed to advancing understanding of breast health issues, including breast pain, bra fit and breast support, and the impact these factors have on physical activity, exercise and occupational performance. More recently, my research has expanded into the application of breast biomechanics within occupational and defence settings, exploring how breast support and upper-body equipment influence comfort, performance, wellbeing and inclusion for women working in physically demanding roles.

I work closely with industry, healthcare and public-sector partners to translate research into practical solutions that improve women's health and enhance the design of products, systems and environments. My research aims to ensure that women are better represented in evidence-based approaches to health, safety, performance and equipment design.

Research interests

My research sits at the intersection of biomechanics, women's health, ergonomics and human performance. I am particularly interested in understanding how breast anatomy and movement influence health, physical activity participation, occupational performance and quality of life.

My research interests include:

• Breast biomechanics and breast health
• Breast pain, bra fit and barriers to physical activity
• Functional breast support for sport, exercise and occupational settings
• The influence of breast support on movement, performance and comfort
• Women's health and ergonomics in physically demanding occupations
• Interactions between breast support, personal protective equipment (PPE) and load carriage systems
• Female-centred design and evaluation of occupational and defence equipment
• Human performance, wellbeing and inclusion in occupational environments
• Translation of biomechanics research into industry, healthcare and policy applications

I am particularly interested in collaborative and interdisciplinary research that supports the development of evidence-based products, services and interventions that improve women's health, participation and performance across sport, occupational and defence contexts.