Hello! I created this page in the hope to network and converse with others of similar academic interests. Currently, I am in the final phase of a PhD at the University of Hertfordshire. My thesis explores the role that physical activity (PA) has during the recovery from mental illness. Specifically, I have used qualitative methods-interviews, focus groups and photo elicitation-to understand people's experiences of PA during their recovery journey. The emphasis here has been on personal recovery (e.g. hope, meaning, identity, and responsibility). It is hoped that this perspective may afford a meaningful interpretation on how a person might benefit from PA - to live well within and beyond the constraints of illness, and in accordance with their personal definition of recovery. In addition, other academic interests broadly include: (a) increasing PA among sedentary and clinical populations; (b) theoretical models of behaviour motivation and change, particularly the transtheoretical model, self-determination theory, and theory of planned behaviour; (c) exercise counselling, particularly motivational interviewing; (d) a social constructionist understanding on PA behaviour, such as power relations during PA consultations; (e) PA evidence based practice and the impact on governmental policies; (f) critically appraising PA literature; (g) the philosophical foundations of social research, particularly concerning critical, participatory and constructivist inquiry; (h) the use of social media and mobile apps in PA and research methods; (i) the practical issues of research, such as participant sampling, rigour, values, and ethics; and (j) I am a big fan of qualitative research methods and multiple forms of representation. In light of the above, I hope that this page may stimulate academic links with others of similar interests. Aside from my academic interests, I love spending time with my family; going on holiday, countryside or coastal walks, cooking and baking, playing games or watching films together. I try to 'practice what I preach'-despite my own PA barriers-I am currently a fan of the 'fitbit one' activity monitor, and I also love the gym, running, and lacrosse. ...................................................................................................... "All the ideas, perceptions, and values that characterise “I” or “me”; it includes the awareness of “what I am” and “what I can do” (Carl Rogers, 1951)