PhD studentship: Location, location, location: identifying the trade-off between being active and being exposed to air pollution for children with asthma

Location, location, location: identifying the trade-off between being active and being exposed to air pollution for children with asthma

PhD studentship overview

  • Based at Swansea University
  • Annual tax-free stipend of £15,285 for up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory progress and will cover the UK/EU tuition fees.
  • Funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research
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The health benefits associated with regular physical activity are well established. However, physical activity is likely to be associated with increased exposure to, and intake of, air pollution, negating some or potentially all of these health benefits. Those with asthma are particularly vulnerable to the effects of air pollution, with children most susceptible of all. Consequently, many children with asthma consciously avoid being active due to a fear of triggering an exacerbation. It is therefore imperative that we identify strategies that allow children with asthma to safely engage in physical activity whilst minimising their exposure to air pollution. To do this, we need to understand air pollution exposure patterns in children and their relationship with their health, as well as working with children to co-design an intervention to ensure optimal behaviour change. This intervention is aimed at promoting physical activity in a pollution-sensitive manner for those with asthma. If you would like to discuss this timely, interdisciplinary PhD opportunity funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research, please get in touch with Dr Melitta McNarry.

Supervisors:

  • Dr Melitta McNarry, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University
  • Dr Kelly Mackintosh, School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Swansea University
  • Prof Jonathan Grigg, Queen Mary University of London

In collaboration with:

  • Prof Gwyneth Davies, Swansea University Medical School
  • Prof Paul Lewis, Schools of Medicine and Management, Swansea University

Requirements:

A strong academic record with a 2:1 or higher in a relevant undergraduate degree, or its equivalent if outside the UK. An MSc is desirable but not essential.

Additional desirable criteria are:

  • Experience working with children
  • A good understanding of, and competency with, technology and IT
  • Demonstrable data analysis experience
  • Ability to work independently

Application procedure

Please provide a CV, a personal statement detailing your research interests and reasons for applying for this PhD, degree certificate(s), marks for your degree(s) and 2 written academic references. All documents should be in electronic format and sent via e-mail to: m.mcnarry@swansea.ac.uk

The closing date for applications is: 5th July 2021

Interviews will be held during July 2021.

Funding Notes

This studentship is funded by the Asthma UK Centre for Applied Research. Funding includes UK tuition fees (£4,407 per annum in 2020/2021) for 3 years and an annual stipend at the RCUK rate of £15,285 (2020/2021) per annum. Funding will also be available for conference attendance. This studentship covers UK tuition fees only, eligible EU/international candidates must fund the remainder of the tuition fees.

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