MRC Epidemiology UnitResearch Associate
Behavioural Epidemiology
Left the Unit in 2018
Work and interests
Catherine joined CEDAR in October 2016 as a post-doctoral research associate with the Behavioural Epidemiology programme. Her work in the Creating Active School Environments (CASE) project focused on ways to increase activity levels in youth by adapting the school environment. Catherine left the Unit and CEDAR in July 2018.
Background and experience
Catherine completed her PhD at Michigan State University in May 2016, under the supervision of Dr. Karin Pfeiffer. As part of her doctoral work, Catherine explored the association between cognitive function and physical activity in preschool children, the longitudinal influence of family variables on youth physical activity, and the interaction of puberty and race on cardiovascular fitness in adolescent girls.
Prior to this, Catherine completed her undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Bath, and her masters degree in Physical Activity and Health at Loughborough University.
As part of these degrees, Catherine carried out research projects exploring biological and psycho-social correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour in adolescent girls.
During her time at Michigan State University, Catherine taught several undergraduate courses including lectures and laboratory classes in Exercise Physiology, and Human Anatomy laboratory classes. She also volunteered at the University’s Writing Centre, where she supported the written work of undergraduate and postgraduate students. In the UK, Catherine has previously worked as a research assistant for the MEND childhood obesity programme and as a health and wellbeing physiologist for Nuffield Health.