Staffs Uni-fied Sports Research Alliance (SUSRA)

Health, Wellbeing and Education

Our work within the team focuses on contemporary topics associated to sport and educating future sporting practitioners, whether they be coaches, therapists or PE teachers.

Our aim

A co-operative of academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students based at Staffordshire University. We conduct research, outreach and consultancy activities on the unifying power of sport. We employ a range of innovative methodologies and disseminate our research across several platforms to make a meaningful impact within our local, regional, national and international communities.

With a focus on interdisciplinary research that covers sports coaching, therapy, digital advancements in the teaching of sport, as well as socio-cultural issues of sport, the group aims to work closely with other researchers, sports practitioners, organisations and policy makers across the world to celebrate the unifying power sport has across all communities.

Group leader

Dr Alexander Blackett

Head Of Department-Sport & Science

Researcher in sport coaching, I consult with international sports organisations and national sports governing bodies to improve coach education, learning and development provision. I was awarded The Queen's Award for Voluntary Services in 2017.

Alexander's profile

Researchers within Staffs Uni-fied Sports Research Alliance (SUSRA)

Dr Stephanie Romano-Smith

Lecturer

I am the course leader of Distance learning Sport and Exercise Psychology BSc (Hons) degree programme. I also have teaching responsibilities across undergraduate and postgraduate awards in the area of sport and exercise psychology.

Stephanie's profile

Edward Stanhope

Senior Lecturer

Edward is a graduate Sports Therapist and researcher. He specialises in exercise in people with non-communicable diseases, specifically the effects of exercise in women diagnosed with breast cancer throughout the stages of their care continuum.

Edward's profile

Ashley Gill

Course Director

I am Course Director for Sport and Exercise with oversight of all aspects of postgraduate provision within the department. My role ensures that students have a high-quality experience and that all courses are delivered to a high-standard.

Ashley's profile

Gareth Barrett

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) - Sports Coaching

Gareth is a Sport & Exercise lecturer, coaching practitioner, and researcher in Sport & Exercise and education. His expertise is sports coaching, talent development, coach education & mentoring, technology enhanced learning, curriculum development.

Gareth's profile