Reflecting on my year studying MSc Sports Engineering at Sheffield Hallam University, I can say with certainty that my experience within the Sports Engineering Research Group has been pivotal in my academic journey.

Growing up, I had two main interests: science and sailing. My fascination with safety in sports began aged 10 – you never forget the first time you’re unexpectedly hit in the head by the boom when sailing.

At my home sailing club c.2012.

If I wasn’t sailing, I was working through my collection of almost every ‘Science for Kids’ kit available in the 2010s, and developing my lifelong need to ask ‘why?’ (much to the annoyance of my parents).

After trying every child’s chemistry set, microscope and telescope I could get hold of, I settled on Physics as a firm favourite. Roughly 10 years later I completed a BSc in Physics at the University of Leeds. After sailing for my university’s team in first year, I tried my hand at rugby during my final year, reigniting my love for sport. During my undergraduate degree, I was particularly interested in mechanics and materials. Applying these topics to sports intrigued me. Seemingly rather naturally, this led me to the MSc Sports Engineering course at Sheffield Hallam University.

The master’s course offered a comprehensive curriculum, covering topics valuable to any budding sports engineer. From numerical programming and measurement techniques to mechanics, and design and innovation. The guidance and support available, along with access to cutting-edge equipment and resources at the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, enabled me to gain valuable insights and develop a strong skill set.

I also had the opportunity to participate in the Alliance for Sports Engineering Education (A4SEE) Innovation Marketplace challenge 2022/2023, set by Labosport, which allowed our team to meet with students from other universities at the first event in Le Mans and the final in Vienna where we presented our group project.

A4SEE final event – Vienna, Austria.

My research project was another highlight of my time at SHU. I investigated the effect of the coefficient of friction of the headform on the impact attenuation ability of the N-Pro rugby headgear. This project was an important moment in my academic journey, as it allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in contact sport and laboratory-based impact testing, solidifying my interest in protective equipment, anthropometric test devices, and enhancing athlete safety.

Laboratory testing during my final project.

I completed the course several months ago (September 2023) and have since graduated. Whilst it is difficult to say goodbye, I am immensely grateful for the doors that were opened by studying at Sheffield Hallam. I am now two months into my PhD at the Sports Technology Institute, Loughborough University, where I am working on the ‘Advanced Impact Testing of Field Hockey Headgear’.

To keep up with Natasha, follow her on LinkedIn. To learn more about our research at the of the Sports Engineering Research Group (SERG) at SHU, please head to our website, check out our MSc Sports Engineering course, or give us a follow on our social media channels, available at the top right of this page or through our linktr.