Collaboratory Researcher Profiles
Project Title: Boxing in the Community – Moving Beyond the Myths of Sports’ Positive Potentials to Reduce Violence
What were you doing before starting this PhD?
In my previous role, I have been working as an Advanced Neonatal Nurse practitioner in the Nottingham Neonatal service at Nottingham University Hospitals.
What motivated you to apply for this specific PhD project?
It ticked lots of boxes for me. I myself have been involved Boxing and had always considered it a bit of therapy for myself. When I saw this PhD opportunity, it really stood out from others had seen in the past. I thought it was such an interesting topic and so relevant in so many communities offering these types of groups across Nottinghamshire. Alongside my familiarity with the sport, I liked the idea of doing research that matters to local communities.
What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research?
Nottingham has a history of crime and violence. In my early 20’s, Nottingham gained the nickname ‘shottingham’ due to the high levels of gun crime in the city. While serious crime has evolved over time, Nottingham continues to have a reputation regarding knife crime and serious youth crime. Research into what works and what doesn’t work to reduce crime is vital moving forward. I want my children and grandchildren to be safe and have the same kind of memories of Nottingham that I did, and hope that this research adds to the evidence of how we can develop and use such programmes to help people at risk of involvement in violence.
What do you hope to be doing in 5 years’ time? (personally and/or professionally)
Honestly like so much in my life so far I have no idea where it will take me. I feel that it will likely involve some form of research. I feel that research examining the intersection of sport and health, best aligns with my future career plans. Although, whatever it is, I hope that I will be contributing to making positive changes for individuals and communities, which aligns well with my nursing background and the professional code of conduct that I have been governed by for almost 25 years.