MRC Epidemiology UnitResearch Site Manager (Ely & Wisbech)
Field Epidemiology
Current work and interests
Colin is Research Site Manager for the clinical testing sites in Ely and Wisbech. In addition he has roles as a Fire Manager, Fire Warden, First Aider, Mental Health Awareness Advocate, Radiation Protection Supervisor, Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessor and Green Impact Group (GIG) chair.
Background and experience
He has over 25 years combined experience of clinical exercise testing and health advice provision and is both a qualified personal trainer through WABBA (World Amateur Body Builders’ Association) and a health trainer (through City and Guilds). Having achieved a Masters degree in Sports Science (Fitness & Health) at the University of Essex Colin worked for BUPA Wellness in London as a health advisor and was responsible for providing clients with relevant accurate health education, as well as motivating them to make positive lifestyle changes.
During his PhD at the University of Exeter Colin worked on two NHS funded studies which involved encouraging clients to make healthy lifestyle choices as part of a pilot diabetes prevention trial; and leading exercise and activity education sessions for subjects involved in a large study of diet and type 2 diabetes. Following the completion of his thesis “Vascular function, body composition, cardiovascular risk and cardiovascular responses to exercise in nine and 10 year old children” Colin took a break from research related activities. Through the environmental charity Groundwork he managed sessional staff to lead sessions designed to improve health, well-being and fitness in different target groups in disadvantaged areas of the north east of England.
The opportunity to return to research and his native Fens came through the MRC Epidemiology Unit back in 2012 and over the last 10 years has undertaking secondments with the GDAR and anthropometry groups and worked on the following studies: CASE, DEMOB, EPIC Norfolk, Fenland, Fenland Covid-19, GLINT, Get Moving, GoActive, ICAN-Northstowe, One Draw Feasibility, PROPELS. He was also the Departmental Safety Coordinator for the MRC Epidemiology Unit until 2023.