The Making of a Sport Scientist: How hands-on performance research shapes future careers
Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences Senior Lecturer Gaspar Epro
I pursued a career in academia and research primarily to understand the mechanisms behind injuries across different populations. Throughout my academic career, I have actively been involved in coaching as well as providing performance analysis at the highest level of sport. These careers go hand-in-hand, with one complementing and helping the other. This dual pathway helps me to be up-to-date in both worlds, and lets me bring the latest developments straight into the classroom.
How do you help students succeed during their time at LSBU and prepare for their future careers?
My aim is to help my students to build a solid foundation of knowledge and required skills in sport science, particularly in biomechanics and coaching, where my own expertise lies, while also building their confidence to apply these skills in professional environments after graduation. For those heading into coaching or performance analysis, I want them to bring scientific thinking and precision into their work, not just rely merely on practical experience.
What opportunities can students get while studying your subject at LSBU?
Throughout the degree, students get involved in a variety of research projects spanning various fields from human physiology and biomechanics to sport psychology. There are opportunities to gain practical experience performing testing and monitoring with athletes across different levels of sport, from amateur to elite. On top of this, there are placement opportunities, which give students valuable industry and field exposure before they graduate.
Is there anything from your career that you regularly bring into the classroom?
My teaching is grounded in both my research and my experience in coaching and analyzing elite athletes. I supplement this with occasional guest lectures from athletes I've worked with, as well as fellow coaches and performance analysts, giving students direct exposure to the elite sport environment.
What kinds of careers or opportunities could students move into after studying your subject?
Our sport science and sports rehabilitation graduates have a wide range of doors open to them, partly because the degree blends multiple fields like physiology, biomechanics, psychology, nutrition, and data analysis. Direct opportunities include various performance and coaching roles (performance analysis, strength & conditioning, fitness/wellness coaching, talent development), as well as clinical and rehab paths (sports therapy, physiotherapy, exercise physiology), but also applied science / R&D jobs in different human performance-related laboratories, companies, or even professional sports teams. Most competitive roles need additional qualifications or experience, but the course provides the foundation and guidance to choose and build their future career. Every student's path is unique.