Past PhD Students
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Dr Bryan Taylor -
Post-doctoral Research Fellow,
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine,
Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota, USAResearch interests: 1) The pulmonary circulation in healthy ageing; 2) The pulmonary circulation and pulmonary congestion in heart failure; 3) Extreme-physiology testing; 4) Exercise tolerance and expiratory muscle fatigue in healthy humans.
Title of PhD thesis: Expiratory muscle fatigue in healthy humans: implications for exercise tolerance.
Year of graduation: 2007
CSMHP experience: “I had a fantastic experience at the CSMHP, during which I was able to collaborate with several members of staff with differing expertise to produce high quality research. The environment within the Center promoted productivity, with several avenues of support from all of the team. I was able to forge many good and lasting friendships with my fellow PhD students, something that went a long way to me successfully obtaining my PhD. In short, I enjoyed my time at the CSMHP at Brunel immensely, and would not be in the position I am now without the help and support of its staff and students.”
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Dr Dale CannavanAssistant Professor of Physical Education and Exercise Science
Washington State Director, National Strength and Conditioning Association
Collage of Arts and Sciences
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle, USAResearch interests: 1) In vivo muscle and tendon adaptations to different training stressors; 2) The effects of posture on muscle amnesia and movement dysfunction (lower and upper crossed syndrome).
Title of PhD thesis: Acute effects of static stretching on neuromuscular force production and tendon stiffness.
Year of graduation: 2008
CSMHP experience: “I completed both my MSc and PhD at CSMHP under the guidance of Dr. Anthony Blazevich. During this time I was involved in many separate research topics, both as a researcher and subject. This developed my knowledge and understanding of both Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology, and the close interaction between the two. My experiences were enhanced with state-of-the-art equipment, specifically ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Without these tools, my research would not have been possible. I have fond memories of Brunel and have made many close friends and I’m thankful for my time there.”
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Dr Danielle AdamsNetwork Sport Psychologist
Sportscotland Institute of SportResearch interests: performance under pressure and choking, attentional processes of elite athletes, priming.
Title of PhD thesis: Exploring the attentional processes of expert performers and the impact of priming on motor skill execution.
Year of graduation: 2011
CSMHP experience: “I believe that the particular environment of the CSMHP hugely facilitated the development of both my skills and ideas and was integral to the completion of my PhD. The support was second to none and being surrounded by such a wealth of expertise was stimulating and incredibly motivating. Overall working within the CSMHP was a very enjoyable experience.”
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Dr Emma HartPostdoctoral Research Fellow
Department of Anesthesia
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USAResearch interests: 1) Sex differences in cardiovascular regulation in exercise and disease, 2) Arterial blood pressure regulation in hypertensive older men and women, 3) Origins of neural hypertension, 4) Influence of changes in brain blood flow on autonomic function
Title of PhD thesis:
Year of graduation: 2007
CSMHP experience: “I completed my PhD in 2007 at the CSMHP. The centre provided me with all the learning opportunities I could want and more. Without the support of the internationally renowned staff and the students, I do not think I would be in the position I am today. The CSMHP provided an environment for personal and professional growth which I would be at loss without. I really enjoyed my time at the CSMHP.”
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Dr Eric StöhrResearch Assistant Physiology
University of Wales Institute Cardiff (UWIC)
Cardiff School of Sport, Cardiff, UKResearch interests: Cardiac function during exercise, chronic cardiovascular adaptations to exercise and epidemiology.
Title of PhD thesis: The effect of heat stress, dehydration and exercise on global left ventricular function and mechanics in healthy humans.
Year of graduation: 2011
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CSMHP experience: “I experienced the CSMHP as an incredibly stimulating research environment that was driven by individuals with outstanding expertise in their fields of research. Furthermore, the CSMHP is incredibly well-equipped and, therefore, facilitates diverse opportunities to conduct state-of-the-art research. Studying at the CSMHP has provided me with the perfect start into my academic career and I look back at my time there with pride and joy.”
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Dr James Pearson
Post-doctoral Research Fellow
Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine
Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Texas, USA.Research interests: 1) Mechanisms of thermoregulation during prolonged space flight, in skin graft patients and during a hot flash in post menopausal women, 2) Effects of heat stress and an orthostatic challenge upon ventilation, 3) Thermoregulatory control and orthostatic tolerance with heat stress and hypohydration
Title of PhD thesis: Haemodynamic responses to heat stress and dehydration in resting and exercising humans: Implications for the regulation of skeletal muscle blood flow.
Year of graduation: 2010
CSMHP experience: “My experience at the CSMHP broadened my horizons. I was surrounded by an environment that enabled me to develop and expand upon my own ideas and also to learn from the vast experience of the senior researchers. I really enjoyed studying for my PhD at the CSMHP.”
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Dr Lisa GriffithsSenior Lecturer - Sport Science
Buckinghamshire New University,
High Wycombe, UKResearch interests: Applied exercise physiology, health and exercise, corporate wellness
Title of PhD thesis: The application of respiratory muscle training to competitive rowing.
Year of graduation: 2010
CSMHP experience: “During my time at Brunel University, CSMHP provided a unique learning experience with internationally renowned staff and state of the art equipment. It also provided opportunities to network with professional bodies (i.e. BASES), national governing bodies and sporting teams/individuals.”
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Dr Mitch LomaxSenior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise Physiology,
Department of Sport and Exercise Science,
University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UKResearch interests: Respiratory muscle function and fatigue (its occurrence, mechanisms and effects) during swimming. Previous research has focused on a number of pulmonary related topics including inspiratory muscle training and warm-ups, and the cardiopulmonary responses to hypoxia.
Title of PhD thesis: An examination of the inspiratory muscle metaboreflex: functional implications and the influence of inspiratory muscle training.
Year of graduation: 2007
CSMHP experience: “I completed both my MSc and PhD degrees at Brunel in what is now the CSMHP. My general experiences and knowledge gained while studying at Brunel have been critical in my career development.”
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Dr Stuart GoodallResearch Associate
Sport Medicine and Human Performance,
School of Life Sciences, Northumbria University -
Research interests: 1) Mechanisms and sites of exercise-induced fatigue during acute hypoxia; 2) Neuromuscular fatigue; 3) Neuromuscular adaptions
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Title of PhD thesis: Central and peripheral determinants of fatigue in acute hypoxia.
Year of graduation: 2011
CSMHP experience: “I feel very privileged to have studied for my PhD at the CSMHP. I have benefitted from working alongside some the most distinguished researchers in their respective fields and other hard working, like minded students. The facilities within the CSMHP make it possible to perform cutting edge research that is recognised in high impact journals. It was a pleasure to study at the CSMHP, providing a great platform for me to build on.” -
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Dr Orlando LaitanoAdjunct Lecturer
Sport & Exercise Physiology,
Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Brazil -
Research interests: 1) Heat stress and muscle redox regulation during exercise in humans; 2) Fluid balance and physical performance; 3) Sweat composition and its impact on health and performance. -
Title of PhD thesis: Effects of heat stress, dehydration and rehydration on circulatory markers of oxidative stress in resting and exercising humans. -
Year of graduation: 2010
CSMHP experience: "I am very proud of having spent part of my PhD at the Brunel University’s Centre for Sports Medicine and Human Performance as an international student. It was a great opportunity to develop my studies under the guidance of Professor González-Alonso along with other outstanding researchers in the field of exercise physiology. The environment at the CSMHP was very friendly and helped me to develop several skills to pursue my career as an independent researcher." -
Dr Christopher West
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
ICORD, Vancouver
Research interests: 1) Spinal Cord Injury; 2) Translational Neuroscience; 3) Cardiorespiratory responses to sub-maximal and maximal exercise; 4) Autonomic spinal circuits
Title of PhD thesis: Effect of abdominal binding on cardiorespiratory function in paralympic athletes with cervical spinal cord injury.
Year of graduation: 2011
CSMHP experience: "I had a thoroughly enjoyable and productive experience during my time at CSMHP. The multi-disciplinary expertise located within the centre allowed me to assess multiple facets of exercise tolerance in Paralympic athletes with spinal cord injury. I was also fortunate to have access to gold-standard assessments techniques to assess both respiratory and cardiovascular function that would have otherwise made my research impossible. During my 4 years at the centre I also made lots of lasting friendships with my fellow PhD students and staff. In summary, my time at the CSMHP provided the perfect foundation for me to begin my research career."
