What country are you from?

United Kingdom.

Under which Institute are you studying for your PhD?

Institute for Sport Business

What is the full title of your PhD?

Examining the World Anti-Doping Agency from an organisational institutional perspective.

Please give a brief synopsis of what you are researching and why.

There is a paucity of research trying to explain why organisations involved in sport have only paid lip-service to anti-doping initiatives and the gross non-compliance of certain communities in sport. My hope is to understand the organisational and social factors that explain why the World Anti-Doping Agency has struggled to legitimate itself in the sporting world. The theory of organisational institutionalism offers an excellent framework to do this.

Who are your academic supervisors?

Professor James Skinner, Dr Daniel Lock (external), Professor Barrie Houlihan (Loughborough campus).

Why did you choose Loughborough University London to undertake your PhD?

Initially, the opportunity to combine drug use in sport, a topic I am very interested in, with a research studentship was hugely appealing. After visiting the new London campus and meeting the department, I knew this was an opportunity that just doesn't come along every day and applied.

What attracted you to your chosen research field?

To try and understand the ongoing scandals seen in sport from beyond the athletes involved.

What research have you completed so far?

I began my PhD in October 2016 and so far have been trying to identify appropriate research questions. That said, I have had early opportunities to get involved in departmental collaborative research. For example, I am currently involved with a project examining the effectiveness of the National Collegiate Athletic Association drug-testing regime.

Describe a day in the life of a PhD student

Getting into the PhD office in the morning, first priority is checking emails and reading the latest news on sports management. I like to structure my days and weeks with 'to do' lists so that is my next task. Typical work includes reading journals, critical analysis and writing essays. However, there is often high-profile guest talks to attend or journal clubs to learn about things outside of my field.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing rugby, cross-country running and cooking.

How would you describe the research community on campus?

Supportive, diverse and interesting. The community has people from a wide range of backgrounds studying a wide range of topics and all are immensely passionate about their research and this is reflected in the atmosphere.

What advice would you give to prospective PhD students looking to study at Loughborough University London?

Don't do a PhD for the sake of getting a qualification. Find a topic you love and then spend three years immersed in it learning and enjoying every day.