Co(l)laboratory 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 NUH.
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 I 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.
What difference do you hope to make in Nottingham through this research?
Nottingham has a history of crime and violence. This has also changed a lot over the years. As a teen I vividly remember seeing people with guns myself and hearing the stories of gun crime on the rise. This has changed and evolved over the years. It is important that the city acknowledges this issue and that measures introduced are evidenced based and likely to work in making it safer for all. I want my children and grandchildren to be safe and have the same kind of memories I did, and hope that the 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 teaching however. Whatever it is, I hope that I will be contributing to making a positive change for the general public, which fits nicely with my nursing background and the professional code that has been part of my identity for the last 20 years.