Profile
Derek Ball
My CV
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Education:
Dean Grammar School, Bolton
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Qualifications:
BSc Sport Science, Manchester Metropolitan University; PhD Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen
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Work History:
University of St Andrews, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Aberdeen
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Current Job:
Head of Sport Science
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About Me:
I like to think I keep myself active by cycling on a regular basis.
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I live North of Aberdeen with my family. I have two girls, the older one is in High School and the younger will go to the same High School in August. We have two pets, a tortoise (age about 7 yr) and a 15 year old cat. We live quite near to a fantastic beach – walking distance from our house.
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I am the Head of Sport Science at the University and I am based in the University Medical School. We work on a range of topics from how muscle works during exercise through to designing a preparation programme for athletes going to compete in warm/hot environments. I work with both athletes and coaches to try and optimise performance. I am also interested in the impact of exercise and health and work with the doctors in the hospital regarding education of medical students on the importance of exercise for their patients.
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My Typical Day:
I check with my students about current projects we are running and usually spend some time reading up on the latest research and delivering lectures.
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I try and get to work for about 8:30, after getting a cup of coffee I usually make a quick check on my emails and respond to anything urgent. I check my diary for lectures/meetings/deadlines and prioritise these for day. If it’s a Monday or Friday I meet with post-grad students to discuss work for the week (or what they have achieved during the week). I teach across two campuses so some of my day is spent travelling between the two on the University intersite bus.
During the summer and autumn I try and cycle to and from work 3 time per week. It’s a one hour ride each way so by Friday I am usually quite tired after my last journey home.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
We could put an interactive heart pump display into the National Museum of Scotland.
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
approachable, thorough, creative
What did you want to be after you left school?
I couldn’t really decide between dentistry and an engineer, as it is I have ended up doing neither
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Yes, but that was a long time ago
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Tom Waits (who's that??)
What's your favourite food?
Home made pizza
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
taller
Tell us a joke.
Q.What’s pink, fluffy and blue? A. Pink fluff holding its breath
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