Rebecca Hawkins – Doctor of Philosophy, University of Lincoln

I started my undergraduate degree in 2011, studying Sport & Exercise Science with the School of Sport & Exercise Science. After 3 years, I had enjoyed my time so much, and had developed a keen interest in sports psychology, so decided to stay on to study for a Masters degree within the school.

During my time studying, I was offered some part-time work as a Lab Technician in the Human Performance Centre, and as an Associate lecturer. From this I was fortunate enough to be offered a Lecturing role within the school, which I have done ever since graduating from my Masters in 2015. Within this role I continued to pursue my interest in research, and with career development in mind, decided to start a part-time PhD, alongside my full-time role, in 2017.

Over the last 6 years I have continued to pursue this life-long goal, and have recently successfully defended my PhD thesis. The PhD journey has allowed me to develop fundamentally as researcher, but has also enhanced my teaching, and other aspects of my job role, such as supervision, grant applications, and internal/external research collaborations. I am looking forward to continuing in my role as lecturer and hope that finishing the PhD now provides me with a valuable platform on which I can continue to build my profile as an academic. Thank you to the School of Sport and Exercise Science, and everyone in it, for supporting me on this journey!