Getting physical

Three UWS PhD students – Aidan Lester, Rhiannon White and Katherine Owen – are undertaking research to increase physical activity in youth, starting with high school students in western Sydney.

All three students completed the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) degree last year and were granted scholarships to conduct their research at UWS with the support of Chris Lonsdale, Thomas Astell-Burt and Rebecca Olson from the School of Science and Health. The students’ projects, funded by an Australian Research Council grant and Australian Postgraduate Award scholarships, will focus on 14 schools in western Sydney, tracking students in years 8, 9 and 10 over two years.

“I have a specific interest in researching physical education,” says Aidan. “My research aims to identify the determinants of physical activity in a way that can help PE teachers to apply teaching practices that work best to promote student motivation and engagement.”

Rhiannon is focusing on how physical activity is associated with mental health and mental illness in adolescents. She is interested in continuing to promote physical activity and mental health when she finishes studying. “I am not sure whether my future involves further research at a university or working with a government organisation, or any other career,” says Rhiannon.

Katherine would also like to work in the health promotion area when she graduates with her PhD. “Over the next three years, I will be examining how physical activity affects students’ engagement during academic classes,” she says.

All three students are enjoying studying and working at UWS, crediting the quiet, supportive and friendly environment as being conducive to their success.