Research Experience and Background
I completed an NIHR funded MSc in Clinical Research in 2011 at ScHARR, University of Sheffield. It involved taught modules focusing on Introduction to Research, Statistics, Quantitative Research, Qualitative Research, Systematic Review and Evidence Based Health Care. My dissertation was primary qualitative research investigating patients’ perceptions of nutritional intake prior to hospital admission. I obtained a Distinction for my dissertation and presented it at the British Dietetic Association Research Symposium. Between 2011 and 2013 I worked within CLAHRC-SY as part of the Translation into Action Theme. I was the dietetic investigator on a service evaluation implementing a strategy to improve oral nutritional support within Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This involved developing, educating, and evaluating the success of Ward-Based Nutrition Champions. I was also involved as a research fellow on a dysphagia education research study. This involvement provided experience in research, data analysis and report writing. From 2015 to 2018 I was the dietetic researcher on a feasibility study investigating the Energy Requirements of Spinal Cord Injured Patients. This including co-writing the proposal, and sourcing and securing funding of £30,000 from a commercial partner. I delivered the intervention and have been lead author on manuscript submissions. Between 2019 and 2021 I was the dietetic researcher on a feasibility study exploring the use of ‘myfood24’ (an online nutritional assessment tool) in clinical dietetic practice. My role included recruiting participants and quantitative analysis. I co-authored the peer-reviewed journal article. I attended the NIHR/HEE course on leading a culture of research and innovation in 2019. This was an excellent course that helped me think about how we can grow research and innovation within my department and the Trust and helped me further develop leadership skills. This was invaluable as we headed into the COVID 19 pandemic because I was able to utilise strategies introduced during the course to support my dietetic team. In 2021 I was awarded the HEE/NIHR bridging programme award which allowed me dedicated time to allow for the NIHR Clinical Doctoral and Practitioner Fellowship. I successfully applied and started this in 2024. Between 2022 and 2024 I was seconded onto a team with Loughborough University to produce a systematic review of weight management in SCI. I was a co-author on this review which was published in 2024. From 2016-2024 I was the Research Coordinator for the Combined Community and Acute Care Group at my Trust. This involved working with the Trust Clinical Research and Innovation Office setting up and monitoring all research studies carried out in the Care Group. It gave me substantial experience of the processes involved in running different types of studies including developing protocols, obtaining ethical approval, and meeting time and target requirements. I have published in several peer reviewed journal articles. I have presented my research and clinical updates at conferences including seminal spinal and disability conferences and groups such as MASCIP (Multidisciplinary Association of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals), International mobility conference, national SCI and nutrition study days, paralympic nutritionists, Spinal Injuries Association and the British Dietetic Association Critical Care Conference. Between 2012 and 2014 I took a national role as the Dietitian on the NICE Guidelines Committee for Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Management. I was co-author on the Multidisciplinary Association for Spinal Cord Injury Professionals (MASCIP) guidelines for weight management published in 2018.