Open to opportunities

Freja Petrie

@frejapetrie

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PhD sports scientist specializing in brain injury biomechanics, research, and public engagement.

United Kingdom

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What I'm looking for

I seek roles combining applied brain-injury biomechanics research, stakeholder collaboration, and public engagement, with opportunities to lead projects and translate findings into clinical or educational impact.

I am a PhD-qualified sports scientist focused on understanding brain injury mechanisms, particularly in women’s sport, and translating research into practice and public education. I have led multidisciplinary projects, co-founded the E-concussion public-awareness initiative, partnered with the Concussion Legacy Foundation UK, and secured competitive grants to advance concussion and brain-health research.

My work spans biomechanics, assistive technology development, and applied clinical collaborations — from head-acceleration kinematics and neck-strength interventions in rugby to improving communication tools for stroke survivors. I combine rigorous mixed-methods research with stakeholder engagement, teaching experience, and public-facing outreach to ensure research is both impactful and inclusive.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Stroke Research Fellow

Current

University of Central Lancashire

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 1 month)

Collaborating with clinicians, researchers and the public to develop improved communication tools for stroke survivors and enhance provision of stroke-specific end-of-life care.

Qualitative Methods Patient Engagement End Of Life Care Collaboration

Innovation Fellow (Biomechanics)

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

May 2024 - Dec 2024 (7 months)

Collaborated in a multidisciplinary centre to research, develop and test healthcare technologies, leading user-centred studies on catheter usability, on-demand orthotics and sex/gender differences in fall-related brain injury.

User Research Human Factors

Teaching Assistant

Swansea University

Jan 2022 - Jan 2024 (2 years)

Supported undergraduate modules in exercise science and biomechanics, delivering practical sessions and assessment support for modules including Measurement & Analysis and Physical Activity and Healthy Ageing.

Exercise Science Assessments

Research Assistant

Royal Veterinary College

Jun 2019 - Sep 2019 (3 months)

Supported data collection for an RSPCA-funded study in the Pathobiology and Population Sciences Department, contributing to fieldwork and dataset management.

Data Collection Research Support Animal Welfare Fieldwork Data Management

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Swansea University

Doctor of Philosophy, Sports Science

Activities and societies: Co-founded the E-concussion project; Co-founder of the Women’s Rugby Research Group; Public engagement activities and invited talks.

Awarded a PhD in Sports Science in 2024 focused on brain injury mechanisms, concussion management in women's rugby, and translation of research into public engagement and care improvements.

Swansea University

Master of Science, Social Research Methods

Completed an MSc in Social Research Methods via an ESRC Doctoral Training Scholarship with a dissertation on player and coach experiences of pressure to return-to-play post concussion.