I completed a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Strathclyde.  During my undergraduate study I developed an interest in research, with particular emphasis on understanding the environmental factors associated with physical activity.  I graduated in July 2009 and moved to the Public Health and Health Policy Section at the University of Glasgow as a PhD student in October 2009, under the supervision of Prof. Richard Mitchell and Dr. Jamie Pearce.

Research

My current research focuses on exploring the role of physical activity as a mechanism by which green space may promote health and narrow health inequalities in Scotland.  This study will involve analysing data from two different datasets.  The use of, and attitudes to, green space as a venue for physical activity will be explored using data from the Green Space Scotland Omnibus Survey.  Variation in use of, and access to, green space among different socio-economic groups will be analysed by combing data on the quantity of green space in a respondent’s neighbourhood with information on the Scottish Health Survey Respondents.  This will permit exploration into whether physical activity is a mechanism through which readily available green space may be associated with narrower inequalities in health.  Finally, the findings will be synthesised from each phase to potentially establish interventions to improve access to green space, considering different demographic and socio-economic positions.

My PhD is funded by SPARColl.

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