James McMahon
The aim of this study is to co-design a ‘proof-of-concept’ of an eHealth intervention (Man-Guard) aimed at increasing physical activity and reducing CVD risk in male taxi drivers. The co-design will be achieved through focus groups with male taxi drivers and overseen by a Project Advisory Group that will provide input throughout.
Read more Read lessMy project is funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE).
What is your ideal Research outcome?
The ideal outcome of this research is to have a proof-of-concept of an online behaviour change intervention that will reduce the risk of CVD in male taxi drivers. Ideally, the proof-of-concept could then be used to apply for funding to develop and test the intervention with male taxi drivers.
Supervisors
Professor David Thompson, Professor Chantal Ski and Professor Kevin Brazil
Why did you choose this PhD and why at Queen’s?
I chose this PhD because of my interest in behaviour change for reducing the risk of CVD and as someone who grew up in Belfast, QUB was always regarded as a brilliant place to study so it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
I was born in Belfast but I studied for both my BSc. in Sport and Exercise Sciences and MSc. in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Liverpool John Moores University
How have you been supported at Queen’s?
While at QUB, I have had the opportunity to present numerous times at internal events and thanks to the graduate school, I have had the opportunity to attend countless training events that have developed my abilities and skills that in turn have developed my abilities as a researchers.
In what ways have you developed at Queen’s?
Academically, I have been able to develop my scientific writing significantly which allows me to cover the most important points and leave out those that may not be of benefit.
As a person, I have become much more resilient and capable of dealing with negatives that are presented to me.
Can you describe the postgraduate community in the School and at Queen’s?
The postgraduate community within the SONM is one of togetherness and you can always rely on others who are maybe ahead of you in the process to give you any advice or help when you need it – all you need to do is ask!
Where do you hope your PhD will lead?
After I finish my PhD, I hope to engage in post-doctoral research and have the opportunity to teach
Anything else you would like to add or advice to new PGR students?
The main advice I would give to new PGR students is to not be too hard on yourself and remember that you were offered this opportunity because you meet the criteria and because your supervisors, or the people who carried out your interview, believe that you have what it takes to succeed.