Dr Rebecca Neal
- Principal Academic in Exercise Physiology
- Bournemouth Gateway Building BGB 504, St Pauls Lane, Bournemouth, BH8 8GP
Biography
Rebecca is a Principal Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and is the Programme Leader for the Sport and Exercise Science degree programme. She leads physiology units and supports a variety of other taught elements across the Department of Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences.
Current research areas include supporting applied physiology research in extreme environments like high altitude expeditions and with professional sports teams, like AFC Bournemouth Women's team. She is currently working on internally and externally funded research projects investigating novel tools for the management and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is also looking to incorporate her knowledge of thermal physiology to help develop health strategies for climate change, with a focus on low and middle income countries.
Rebecca is currently leading a Clinical Trial utilising BU's state-of-the-art Institute of Medical Imaging and Visualisation MRI scanner to examine brown fat. In November 2022 Rebecca led an international group of research collaborators on a high altitude expedition, examining physiological, cognitive function and exercise performance... Rebecca was awarded an Early Career Research Seed Award from The British Academy (South-West Hub) to support development of this research and professional practice network.
Previously, she has conducted research in the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth in the areas of Exercise and Environmental Physiology and Sports Performance with the English Institute of Sport, British Triathlon, GlaxoSmithKline and the Ministry of Defence. Other projects include work with the International Ice Swimming Association and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships with Innovate UK and associated commercial groups.
Educated at the University of Birmingham (BSc Hons) and King’s College London (MSc), Rebecca completed her PhD in 2016 at the University of Portsmouth with the English Institute of Sport, entitled: Effect of combined stressors on heat acclimation and temperate exercise.
Current research projects:
- Brown fat and nitrates in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Climate change and women's health
- Acute mountain sickness and cognitive function
- Menopause and exercise
- Cold water immersion and depression
- Development of obstacle course racing
- High altitude hazards
- Wearable technology
Programmes taught:
- BSc Sport and Exercise Science
- MSc Strength and Conditioning
moreExpertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person's work contributes towards the following SDGs:
Good health and well-being
"Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages"
