Profile
Val began teaching and coaching in fitness and sport in 2000. Since then, Val has taught and coached in sports including swimming, football, snowboarding and freestyle snowboarding, weightlifting, running, indoor rowing, and strength and conditioning. Val has a social science background with a First-Class BA (Hons) in Youth & Community Work and a PGDip in Women’s Studies.
After studying a Level 4 qualification in Strength and Conditioning, Val decided to study academically at St Mary’s University in Twickenham. She was awarded a PGCert in Strength & Conditioning (with Distinction) and a PGDip in Sport and Exercise Physiology (with Distinction). Val has a keen interest in both areas.
Val had her first experience working within academia at St Mary’s University in 2022/2023 as a part-time lecturer in Strength and Conditioning. During that time, she was the module convener for Practical Techniques in Strength & Conditioning at MSc level. She also taught on the undergraduate programme in Strength & Conditioning.
Val’s passion for both teaching and research led her to apply for this position at Loughborough University. She primarily teaches on the MSc in Strength & Conditioning as well as exercise physiology modules on undergraduate sports programmes. Val is also currently a member of the SSEHS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion working group.