Kate Markey: PhD Researcher and University Teacher at Loughborough University
Kate Markey is a rising star in the academic and sports science community. Based in the United Kingdom, she is currently a PhD researcher and part-time university teacher at Loughborough University. Her research focuses on thermoregulatory responses and their manipulation in elite swimming, a critical area for enhancing performance and safety in aquatic sports. In this article, we delve into her educational background, professional journey, certifications, and the significant impact of her research.
Educational Background
Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science
Kate Markey’s academic journey began at the University of Limerick, where she pursued a Bachelor of Sports and Exercise Science. Graduating in 2022 with First-Class Honours, her strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors in physiology and elite sports performance.
Postgraduate Studies at Loughborough University
Continuing her education, Kate enrolled at Loughborough University in 2022 to pursue her PhD. Her doctoral research investigates thermoregulatory responses and their manipulation in elite swimming. Her studies aim to identify how swimmers can optimize performance while minimizing health risks associated with temperature regulation during training and competitions.
Professional Experience
University Teacher at Loughborough University
Since January 2023, Kate has been contributing as a part-time University Teacher at Loughborough University. Her role focuses on physiology, where she mentors students and contributes to their understanding of complex physiological mechanisms. This position highlights her ability to bridge academic research with practical teaching.
Swim Coaching Experience
St. Fiacc’s Swimming Club
Between 2017 and 2021, Kate served as a Swim Coach at St. Fiacc’s Swimming Club in Carlow, Ireland. She coached both the senior competitive squad and the development squad, playing a pivotal role in nurturing young talent and enhancing their competitive edge.
Swim Ireland
Kate also worked as a Swimming Instructor with Swim Ireland in 2020, delivering coaching sessions for mature swimmers as part of the Swim a Mile event. This opportunity allowed her to further refine her coaching skills and apply her academic knowledge to real-world settings.
Internship at Sport Ireland Institute
In 2021, Kate completed a six-month internship at the Sport Ireland Institute in Dublin. Here, she gained hands-on experience in elite athlete support, strengthening her understanding of sports science applications in high-performance environments.
Research Contributions
Thermoregulatory Responses in Elite Swimming
Kate’s research addresses a crucial issue in competitive swimming: the regulation of core body temperature. Her studies have uncovered significant findings, such as the presence of both hypothermia and hyperthermia in elite swimmers during open water competitions. These dual risks can lead to fatalities and race dropouts, making her research invaluable for athlete safety and performance enhancement.
Collaboration with Supervisors and Institutions
Kate’s work is supervised by Dr. Lee Taylor, a renowned figure in sports science. Her collaboration with Loughborough University’s faculty and participation in events like the European College of Sport Science (ECSS) conference underline her commitment to advancing knowledge in her field.
Certifications and Skills
Kate Markey’s qualifications extend beyond academia, showcasing her practical expertise:
Key Certifications
- Phlebotomy Certification (2024): Enhances her skills in clinical research by allowing her to perform blood sampling.
- ISAK Level 1 Anthropometry (2023): Demonstrates her proficiency in body composition analysis and anthropometry.
- Swim Ireland Level 3 Coaching Award (2022): Reflects her advanced coaching capabilities.
- Associate Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA): Highlights her teaching excellence and commitment to higher education.
Skills
Kate is well-versed in physiology, body composition analysis, and anthropometry. Her expertise in these areas enables her to contribute significantly to both research and practical coaching.
Impact on the Swimming Community
Advancing Athlete Safety
Kate’s research has brought attention to the health risks faced by elite swimmers due to temperature regulation challenges. Her findings not only inform preparation strategies but also emphasize the need for personalized approaches to training and competition.
Bridging Academia and Practice
By combining her academic pursuits with hands-on coaching experience, Kate serves as a role model for aspiring sports scientists. Her ability to translate complex research findings into actionable insights ensures that her work has a tangible impact on the swimming community.
Future Prospects
As Kate Markey continues her PhD studies, her contributions to sports science are expected to grow. Her research on thermoregulation in elite swimming holds the potential to influence training methodologies, competition strategies, and safety protocols on a global scale.
Conclusion
Kate Markey’s dedication to sports science, coupled with her practical coaching experience, positions her as a trailblazer in her field. Her work not only enhances our understanding of thermoregulatory responses in elite swimming but also contributes to the broader goal of improving athlete safety and performance. As she continues her journey at Loughborough University, Kate’s impact on the world of sports science is set to expand, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the field.
