Stephanie Ankrah
1st Year Postgraduate Student
Birmingham University

 

 

 

What I do: My research project is in Protective Materials for Sporting Applications:  Football Shinguards.  So far, my research has involved me getting to know the equipment, and the current materials available on the market. I have done a survey of a few local teams on their shinguards factors, such as comfort, when they wear them, why they do not wear them sometimes. I am also in the process of doing a literature review and learning the biomechanical and anatomical aspects of the project which I have found really interesting as I have not done any biology since pre-GCSE.

My favourite projects: My favourite part of the project so far has been meeting all the physiotherapists at Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolverhampton Wanderers.I also got to meet some of the players as well and was able to talk to them about their opinions concerning the protective equipment. I am looking forward to the practical tests, once my knee injury allows me, and especially trying out new materials on the consumer.  I am also looking forward to developing ways of testing the materials as past research has tended to have flaws regarding human anatomical properties etc.

Who I work with: Dr Nigel Mills, my project supervisor. I also have contact with Leicester University who have done a similar project, the football club physiotherapists, Dr Trevor Gardner (Sports Science).

Why I enjoy my job: I am a very keen sportswoman and am interested in most types of sport.  I have been able to meet lots of people including Physiotherapists at Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolverhampton. It is very mechanical testing orientated which I also enjoy.

What I studied: Materials Engineering (MEng) with honours Class 1