Could you tell us about your contribution, Joe?

My Associate Professor application was predicated on an outstanding contribution to Academic Citizenship and Leadership and Research and Innovation, and a significant contribution to Teaching and Learning.

My Academic Leadership and Citizenship was demonstrated through a dedicated, innovative and collegiate approach, which has seamlessly integrated both my research and teaching practice at department, college and university level.

For example, with a clear passion for Postgraduate Research, I began the Postgraduate Research Tutor for Sport and Physical Activity role in 2021. Since then, I have provided leadership, support, and advice to a group of more than 50 doctoral students and associated supervisors across the Health Research Institute.

My research has theoretically conceptualised, practically applied, and empirically tested contemporary sport coaching and performance analysis methods underpinned by the guiding framework of ecological dynamics. I have built an international reputation as a research leader in the fields of Skill Acquisition and Performance Analysis in sport, having publishing more than 45 peer-reviewed research papers in leading international journals. My work supports our research theme to realise world-leading applied scientific and professional impact, with me being an author on a 4* REF2021 impact case study titled: “Improving Elite Coaching and Talent Development through Ecological Dynamics”.

Teaching as a senior lecturer has been a core element of my position having led teaching provision from level 4 to 7 across three undergraduate and three postgraduate degrees. One thing I am particularly proud of is co-authoring peer-reviewed research papers with undergraduate and taught master’s students. I have also led several research-focused placements for students and lead international research exchange programmes such as the SHU-Rouen research school.

What does it mean personally to you to be an associate professor at Hallam?

I have been working towards it for several years and it means a great deal to be awarded the position. For me, a key part of being awarded Associate Professor is having the formal recognition of the quality, breadth and depth of work I have undertaken across both research and teaching.

Tell us a bit about your career story so far.

Hallam has been a significant part of my life having spent 15+ years now at the university in a combination as a former student and now staff member.

I started my undergraduate degree at SHU in Sport and Exercise Science in 2007, followed by my master’s degree specialising in the area of Skill Acquisition and Performance Analysis. During my time studying I worked part-time as a performance analysist for several professional sport organisations. I was awarded a PhD scholarship in 2011 at Hallam where I completed my research in collaboration with Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Having returned from Australia to finish writing my PhD, I took up a short-term maternity cover lecturing position in Hallam’s sport science teaching team. The rest is history as I have been employed by the University ever since.

Alongside my teaching duties, I have a leading role within our Skill Acquisition Research Theme and I am currently one of the PGRTs in Sport and Physical Activity. I continue to work with sporting organisations world-wide on research collaboration and consultancy projects.

If you could go back in time and give yourself some career advice, what would it be?

Build a profile based on your core areas of expertise and interest, focus on projects and opportunities that will aid achieving your career plans and enjoy the work you do – reaching your goals will fill a lot of your time!

What’s next? How do you want to further develop your contribution?

The award of Associate Professor for me is not only about recognition of my achievements to date, but also acts as a catalyst for my future growth. My vision is to continue developing our skill acquisition research themes rapidly growing international research profile, continuing to create world-wide applied impact, while expanding our research themes funding income.