Biography

Richard completed his MSc and PhD at Loughborough University, and before that, a degree in Psychology at the University of Bristol. His research focuses on four key areas: motivational processes in sport and exercise; physical literacy; applied sport psychology practice; and psychological resilience. He has published 28 peer reviewed academic papers, 2 books and 13 book chapters, as well as reports for state and Federal governments.

Richard is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and has served as Chair of Teaching and Learning in two university departments. His approach to education focuses on stimulating the co-creation of innovative and science-inspired products, as an explicit reaction against casting students as passive consumers of information: helping students to develop the key employability skills of critical, independent thinking, and reflective practice. His teaching spans face-to-face delivery, as well as online and flexible platforms, such as YouTube, Twitter, GoogleDocs (to host open data collection); and blogging platforms to encourage public engagement.

Richard is a qualified sport and exercise psychologist, who has worked with athletes across the full range of levels (from beginners to world champions), and in a range of sports (from athletics and snow-sports to motorsport and officiating). His book “Being a Sport Psychologist” focuses on understanding the role of practicing sport psychologists, and he retains strong links with the AIS and other local service providers. This experience helps to ensure the real-world applicability of Richard’s research, as well as embedding work-integrated learning opportunities in his teaching.

In his spare time he enjoys playing squash and touch football, and spending time with his young family.

Areas of Teaching

Richard teaches all the psychology-related units within the discipline of sport and exercise sciences; including:

* Sport and Exercise Psychology (Year 1, Semester 1)
* Sport and Performance Psychology (Year 2, Semester 2)
* Resilience and Decision Making (Year 3 and/or Masters, Semester 1)

He has also taught, and continues to contribute to the following units:

* Motor Control and Skill Acquisition (Year 1, Semester 1)
* Research Methods for Honours (Honours, Semester 1)
* Research Methods for Masters (Masters in High Performance Sport); and
* Neuromuscular Conditions and Rehabilitation (Ex, Phys. Year 4)

Research Interests

Richard’s research focuses on four key areas:
* motivation;
* physical literacy;
* psychological resilience; and
* applied sport psychology practice

Richard is the HDR convenor for both the Faculty of Health and UC-RISE, and spent two years establishing the research seminars series run by both groups. He also sits on the Faculty of Health Research Committee.