Sport and Exercise Science Course Leader Awarded for Doctoral Research

University Centre Peterborough (UCP) is proud to support the ongoing professional development of its staff. This commitment has recently been demonstrated through the success of Aaron Shaheed, Course Leader for Sport and Exercise Science, who received the Best Overall Poster award for his doctoral research at the British Psychological Society (BPS) Division of Sport and Exercise Psychology (DSEP) 2025 Conference.

Reflecting on his achievement and the insights he is bringing back to UCP, Aaron said, “It meant a lot to win the award for Best Overall Poster for my research titled ‘The Person Before the Practitioner: Exploring the Pre-Training Life Stories of Sport and Exercise Psychologists’. This project, which holds deep personal meaning, forms part of my Professional Doctorate at Liverpool John Moores University, expected to be completed in 2026.”

Aaron also highlighted the wider impact of attending the conference, explaining, “Beyond the research, the conference offered profound lessons on the importance of relationships and authenticity within any career. The openness and sincerity demonstrated by the keynote speakers was particularly profound, reinforcing my commitment to embedding these principles in our teaching here at University Centre Peterborough. We believe that for our students, professional skills are vital, but developing their personal character is equally crucial for their future success.”

He added, “The conference showcased a diverse range of contemporary research and promoted an environment of discussion and curiosity. I am now looking forward to using these takeaways to further enrich the Sport and Exercise Science curriculum and ensure students at University Centre Peterborough are equipped with the most current and relevant knowledge to help them in the pursuit of their chosen careers.”

Aaron’s achievement highlights University Centre Peterborough’s ongoing commitment to supporting staff development. By bringing his experiences and insights from the BPS DSEP Conference back into the classroom, Aaron continues to enhance the learning experience for Sport and Exercise Science students, ensuring they benefit from current research, reflective practice and a strong focus on both professional and personal development.