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School of Health & Human Performance

Research at the School of Health and Human Performance

A message from our research convenor 

Dr. Siobhan O'Connor

 

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Welcome to Research at the DCU School of Health and Human Performance

At DCU, we are driven by a passion for discovery and innovation in health, injury, coaching, sports science and human performance. Our research pushes the boundaries of knowledge, applying cutting-edge science to real-world challenges. With state-of-the-art facilities—including exercise physiology, biomechanics, psychology, and clinical skills labs—and a multidisciplinary team of experts, we foster impactful collaborations that enhance health, well-being, and performance across diverse populations.

A Snapshot of our Recent Publications

(Note: This is a non-exhaustive list)

Postgraduate Researchers

Postgraduate researchers are the lifeblood of our school. Below are some of the profiles of our postgraduate researchers. 

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Mark Germaine

PhD Student

Email: mark.germaine2@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Leveraging Machine Learning to Predict Key Pregnancy Outcomes Using Electronic Health Records and Historical Pregnancy Data

 

Mark Germaine is a PhD researcher at Dublin City University (DCU), specialising in the application of machine learning to healthcare. His doctoral research, titled "Leveraging Machine Learning to Predict Key Pregnancy Outcomes Using Electronic Health Records and Historical Pregnancy Data", focuses on using algorithms to analyse maternal health data. By identifying patterns and risk factors, Mark aims to predict critical pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational diabetes or associated complications, which could significantly improve maternal and foetal health.
 

 

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Vinicius Faria

PhD Student 

Email: vinicius.faria2@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Effects of sleep manipulation on athletic performance and post-exercise markers of recovery in collegiate team sport athletes

Mr. Vinicius Faria is a PhD researcher at the School of Health and Human Performance. He holds a BSc in Sport Science from the University Center of Formiga (Brazil) and an MSc in Physiological Sciences from the Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil). He has extensive experience in both conducting and supporting research involving human and animal models. His current research focuses on the effects of sleep manipulation on athletic performance and post-exercise recovery markers in team sport athletes.

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Clíona Power

Research Assistant

Email: cliona.power@dcu.ie

Project Title: LifeLab at DCU

 

Clíona Power is employed as a Research Assistant with LifeLab in the School of Health and Human Performance. Having graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education from DCU, Clíona has experience working in various education and policy settings, particularly in disadvantaged areas, and has worked on health literacy interventions with young people. Clíona's research areas of interest include trauma-informed practice, attachment theory, the psychology of mental health and wellbeing and the psychology of endurance athletes, all through co-design participatory methods.

 

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Lynn Allen

Professional Doctorate Student 

Email: lynn.allen22@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Metacognition in Athletic Therapy Education 

Ms Lynn Allen is the Programme Co-ordinator, Lecturer and Placement Co-ordinator on the BSc in Athletic & Rehabilitation Therapy. Lynn has a BSc in Sport Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy from SETU, a Masters in Exercise Physiology from Trinity College Dublin. Lynn is currently undertaking her Professional Doctorate in Elite Performance (Sports) in Dublin City University, examining metacognition in Athletic Therapy Education. Lynn is a Certified Athletic Therapist and a member of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) with over 10 years clinical and academic experience. Lynn is the President of ARTI since September 2022, having previously sat on the board and acted as Vice Secretary and Ethics Chair from 2018. Lynn is also Vice Chair of the Education and Research Committee for the World Federation of Athletic Training and Therapy. Lynn currently sits on the Annual Scientific Committee for the Faculty of Sport Medicine in the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, responsible for organizing their annual conferences. Lynn’s research interests include athletic therapy education, metacognition, clinical reasoning skills, reflective practice and psychology of sport injuries.

 

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Maeve Murray

PhD Student

Email: maeve.a.murray@dcu.ie

Project Title: Contemporary understanding of health and wellbeing in Ireland: health literacy and physical literacy.

Maeve has extensive practitioner experience from 20 years in Physical Education, sports coaching and science. A former higher education Faculty lead in Sport and Exercise Science and Course Lead in Physical Education, sport and youth development and Head of Physical Education in the secondary sector, Maeve has worked across educational institutions to foster a passion for knowledge in health, physical activity and sport.
Maeve works collaboratively in research on health, physical activity and motor skill competency, including active interests in teaching and learning, pedagogy, and wider research in netball performance, sports coaching and science. 
Dedicated to research and enterprise she works collaboratively with education authorities and governing bodies of sport throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Gaining a MSc by Research in measuring and defining children’s movement skills in 2020 from Swansea University, Maeve is currently pursuing PhD studies in health literacy, physical literacy and wellbeing at Dublin City University.

 

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Ciarán Ramsbottom

PhD Student

Email: ciaran.ramsbottom4@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Developing an effective health literacy intervention for DCU students

 

Ciarán holds a BSc in Psychology (2020) and an MSc in Psychology and Wellbeing (2023), both from Dublin City University, where he is currently undertaking a PhD within the School of Psychology under the supervision of Dr Louise Hopper and the co-supervision of Dr Hannah Goss (School of Human Health and Performance). Ciarán’s doctoral research focuses on the development of a health literacy intervention tailored to DCU students. Motivated by a desire to empower students to take ownership of their health, the project aims to equip them with lasting, transferable skills that extend beyond university life. Central to the approach is the active involvement of students throughout the intervention’s design, implementation, and evaluation, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to student needs. Ciarán intends to continue working in health research following the completion of his PhD, with a focus on creating meaningful supports for student populations.

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Lorna Doherty

PhD Student

Email: lorna.doherty37@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Headstart: Revolutionising Concussion Care in Irish Horseracing

Lorna Doherty is a PhD student in the School of Health and Human Performance at Dublin City University, where her research focuses on concussion care within Irish horseracing. Her work explores how concussion is recognised, reported, and managed in this unique individual sport setting, with the aim of improving athlete safety and long-term outcomes. Lorna’s research is driven by a strong interest in athlete welfare and a commitment to enhancing concussion education and awareness across sport. Through her doctoral studies, she is working closely with jockeys and stakeholders in the horseracing industry to develop theory-driven, bespoke concussion education programmes. Her goal is to spark informed dialogue and promote a culture of openness and understanding around concussion, helping to shape safer sporting environments for all.

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John Corrigan

PhD Student

Email: john.corrigan26@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Preventing Injury in Ladies Gaelic Football: The development and implementation of a bespoke evidence-based, national injury prevention strategy for Ladies Gaelic footballers.

 

John graduated with a BSc in Athletic Therapy and Training from Dublin City University (DCU) in 2021. Following graduation, he completed a research assistantship under Dr Siobhán O’Connor, investigating the costs and rates of injury in Ladies Gaelic Football between 2012 and 2020. John has since undertaken a PhD funded by Research Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, focusing on the development of injury prevention strategies for community sport, with a focus on Ladies Gaelic Football. His research to date has employed both qualitative and quantitative methods, and he is committed to integrating the athlete’s voice into his work wherever possible. John is a certified athletic therapist and has served as Treasurer of Athletic Rehabilitation Therapy Ireland (ARTI) since 2022. He lectures part-time in DCU and has been awarded Associate Fellowship by Advance HE, recognising his commitment to teaching in higher education.

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Frank Devereux

PhD Student

Email: frank.devereux2@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Development of a Games-based Injury Prevention Exercise Programme for Post-Primary PE Students

Frank is a part time PhD student in DCU, working on the development of a games-based injury prevention exercise programme which aims to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury in the general adolescent population in Ireland. Frank is also a lecturer in the Department of Health and Sport Science in SETU Carlow on the Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Therapy course, and currently the Vice-President of ARTI, the governing body of Certified Athletic Therapists in Ireland. 

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Maqsood Hussain Shah

Postdoctoral Researcher

Email: maqsood.hussainshah@dcu.ie

Project Title: Retrospective Data Analysis for Concussion in Jockeys 

 

Maqsood Shah holds an MS from the University of Glasgow and a PhD from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, with a multidisciplinary background in communication, artificial intelligence, and data analytics. With experience across diverse research environments, he focuses on applying AI based analytical tools and statistical modelling to solve practical, real-world problems.
Currently, he is working towards his postdoctoral research. The project is aimed at improving the assessment and management of concussion in horse jockeys in Ireland (and beyond). The work aims to combine advanced statistical methods with machine learning techniques to analyse longitudinal data and extract insights that can inform better decision-making. By integrating AI-driven predictions, advanced statistical techniques with clinical understanding, the project seeks to support more accurate and timely concussion management strategies, with potential relevance to other contact sports.
He has published over 10 peer-reviewed papers. Google Scholar profile: [https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NlF-Us8AAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao].

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Hayley Kavanagh

Research Assistant 

Email: hayley.kavanagh7@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: An examination of the current provision, barriers and facilitators to playing badminton for people with disabilities in Ireland

 

Dr. Hayley Kavanagh is a passionate advocate for inclusion in sport and physical activity. She is currently supporting a research project with Badminton Ireland exploring the current provision, barriers and facilitators to playing badminton for people with disabilities in Ireland as a Research Assistant. Hayley recently graduated with a PhD in April 2024 from the School of Health and Human Performance, DCU. Hayley also works as Youth Pathways and Impact Lead at Special Olympics Ireland, where she oversees youth programmes that help children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities develop foundational movement and sports skills. With over six years of experience in inclusive programme delivery, Hayley leads evidence-informed initiatives and works closely with families, athletes, and community partners to ensure programmes reflect the real needs and lived experiences of participants. She is committed to equity in sport and empowering individuals with disabilities to shape how programmes are designed and delivered. Her work bridges research, practice and policy to drive meaningful, long-term impact in inclusive sport.

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Lorna Burke

PhD Student 

Email: Lorna.burke37@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title:  LifeLab: A co-designed health literacy intervention.

 

Lorna is a PhD researcher at Dublin City University, where she earned a First Class Honours degree in Physical Education and Biology. Her doctoral research focuses on the development and evaluation of LifeLab, a school-based health literacy intervention co-designed with adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. Drawing on her experience as a post-primary school teacher, Lorna brings valuable practical insight into the realities of health education in Irish schools. She has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional development through the establishment and leadership of a successful teachers’ community of practice. Central to her research is the co-design of contextually relevant, engaging educational resources and the integration of Photovoice methodology to authentically capture and respond to students’ lived experiences. In 2023, Lorna was awarded the Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship, which supports her continued work on LifeLab through to 2026.

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Kristýna Čočková

Masters in Elite Performance Student

Email: kristyna.cockova2@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Interaction between The Menstrual Cycle and Weight Cutting in Female Combat Sports Athletes

My undergraduate degree in Food and Nutrition from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague provided a foundation to explore my interest in combat sports. During my Erasmus placement, I joined the Irish Strength Institute, where I continued to grow professionally. My current research project, Interaction between the Menstrual Cycle and Weight Cutting in Female Combat Sports Athletes, addresses a significant gap in sport science, which has historically focused on male athletes. I aim to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the unique demands that female athletes face, particularly in combat sports. My wider interests include nutrition, menstrual health, and adopting a complex, individualised approach to performance. Through MSc in Elite Sport Performance, I am committed to integrating scientific knowledge with hands-on expertise to support the health, performance, and well-being of athletes.

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Laura McManus

PhD Student

Email: laura.mcmanus23@mail.dcu.ie

Project Title: Understanding the Carbohydrate-Based Fuelling Demands of Female Soccer 

Laura holds a BSc in Physical Education and Mathematics from Dublin City University, and a MSc in Nutrition and Physiology of Sport and Exercise from Loughborough University. Her PhD focuses on integrating lab- and field- based data collection and advanced data analysis tools to investigate the carbohydrate-based fuelling demands of women’s soccer. Some of her current projects in female soccer players include exploring the inter-relatedness between dietary intake and female-specific health issues, investigating the role of carbohydrate availability on performance and fatigue development, and developing novel ways to predict in-match carbohydrate utilisation using wearable sensor technology. Laura is passionate about conducting high-quality research in female athletes and leads the postgraduate research arm of Míde - an all-island consortium for interdisciplinary research on women in sport, exercise, physical activity and health. Outside of academia, Laura practices as a performance nutritionist with a particular interest in female athletes and field-based team sports. 

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Ollie Milton

Professional Doctorate Student

Email: olliem.physio@gmail.com

 

Ollie is an Athletic Therapist and Physiotherapist from Ireland, currently based in New Zealand. He works for Auckland FC First Team and is a DCU alumnus. Ollie is currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate at DCU, and is interested in investigating the role of screening in injury prevention in elite sport. 

Interested in collaborating on research? Or is your company interested in leveraging our research expertise? 

 

Please contact our research convenor regarding any research opportunities:siobhan.oconnor@dcu.ie