Natalie Darko

I am Dr Natalie Darko and I am a Lecturer in Sports and Fitness here at The Open University.  I am new to the university as I joined in August 2017. However, I have been teaching sport in Higher Education for a number of years. I am the current chair of E113, Working and Learning in Sport and Fitness Environments

My passion and research interests lie within the areas of sport, sociology, physical activity, equality and health. I have completed various research projects within sport and physical activity focusing on Rugby Union, mental health, masculinities, inequality, the 2012 Olympics, coaching certification, and sports policy in small states. My most recent research has focused on the delivery and evaluation of Type 2 Diabetes interventions. The aim was to raise awareness of the risks of this condition. We also sought to reduce the onset of this condition by encouraging people to take regular physical activity, reduce their sedentary behaviour and improve eating behaviours.

My personal interests are yoga and running. I try as often as I can to exercise and this usually is a family affair that includes my husband and two little girls. 

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