Having just completed my second year BSc Sport Psychology and Coaching Sciences, I started a Student Research Assistantship with the Orthopaedic Research Institute (ORI) at Bournemouth University. I worked closely with the lead researcher Dr James Gavin alongside the Orthopaedic Research Institute team: Tom Wainwright, Tikki Immins and Shay Bahadori; PhD Researchers and Research Fellows.

Since starting, I have been involved in:
• Designing and implementing a testing protocol
• Recruitment for PhD research projects at the Festival of Learning
• Advancing technical skills on systematic reviewing, rigorous literature searching, data analysis and undertaking practical protocols
• Training on the PrimusRS Multimodal Dynamometer, BPMpro, VirtaMed Virtual Reality Surgical Simulator and POWERbreathe devices
• An opportunity to practice Sports Massage Therapy

So far, my experience as a Student Research Assistant has exceeded my expectations. I am hugely grateful to the Student Research Assistantship Scheme, Dr James Gavin and the Orthopaedic Research Institute for providing me with the opportunity to learn from such high-quality professionals within a positive, supportive and inspirational environment.

I would highly recommend the scheme to fellow students looking to progress in their field. Even if you don’t want to work in research after graduating, you are sure to develop transferable skills that can be applied to everyday life.