Helen Owton

Helen is a chartered psychologist (BPS) and Senior Fellow (HEA) and completed her PhD in Sport and Health Sciences at the University of Exeter. Helen first joined The Open University in 2012, and prior to joining the Sport and Fitness team in 2015, she was Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader at De Montfort University. She has previously worked at other universities (e.g. University of Exeter, University of Bath, and University of Northampton). Also, she has done various consultancy work with other companies in the UK, Spain, Uganda, and Kenya.

Her research specialisms lie in innovative qualitative investigations of sporting embodiment, sensory dimensions (e.g. thermoception), and gendered sporting experiences covering topics that range from women’s boxing, sportspeople with asthma and abuse in sport. In 2015, Helen received the Qualitative Methods in Psychology ‘CITATION FOR EXCELLENCE’ Award (British Psychological Society) in recognition of her innovative research. Helen has externally examined various postgraduate research theses in and around these areas of interest. She currently supervises a number of PhD students and welcomes applications from future PhD students in the field of Sport and Physical Activity.

After retiring from competing for Great Britain as a national and international competitor in martial arts (3rd Dan Black Belt), she enjoys running, cycling and dance.

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