My transdisciplinary research collaborations generate new insights into contemporary challenges in health and society. I work from the indigenous philosophy that to understand a phenomenon we must understand it across all four aspects of our being: mind, body, emotion and spirit. This holistic way of knowing inspires students, informs professionals, opens new possibilities for action, extends cultural horizons and mobilises social change.

I specialise in research methodologies that support multisensory engagement, such as arts-based research, autoethnography and narrative inquiry. These centre on storytelling, filmmaking, music and live performances that are engaging and accessible for diverse audiences.

My work is published as peer-reviewed journal articles, films, books and book chapters. It is disseminated internationally through keynotes, conference presentations and invited seminars. 

I serve as an editorial board member for Journal of Autoethnography, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology and Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health. I am a founder member of the International Association of Qualitative Inquiry and a member of the organising committee of the International Conference of Autoethnography. 

I focus on two areas:  

First, physical activity and mental health. This work explores the ways in which physical activity and sport can help some people who are experiencing mental health difficulties. My current project is "Embodiment, consciousness, and the experience of movement: An autoethnography of physical activity and mental wellbeing." 

Second, collaborations which develop and extend arts-based approaches to critical social research. My current project is 'New ways of creating families: Exploring interpersonal relationships, power and abuses of power within online sperm donation."

My research is supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, UK Sport, Sport England, Addiction Recovery Agency, Women’s Sports and Fitness Foundation, Bristol City Council, The Royal British Legion and National Institute for Health Research.

I am an experienced PhD supervisor working with students who use narrative, autoethnographic and arts-based methods across diverse topics. I regularly serve as an external doctoral examiner at universities throughout Europe, USA and Australia.

I teach undergraduate and postgraduate courses in physical activity and mental health and qualitative research methods. 

Mental health through physical activity; LGBTQ+ experience in sport and physical activity; trauma and recovery; autoethnography; songwriting as research; filmmaking as research; arts-based research; narrative research.