Optimising heat acclimation to attenuate physiological and cellular stress in hypoxia

My doctoral research investigated the physiological and cellular responses to acute and chronic heat stress, with a specific focus on heat to hypoxic cross acclimation and cross tolerance. This work included collection of novel physiological data and characterisation of  the heat shock protein gene responses to acute heat stress, the chronic responses made during heat acclimation and the impact this state of 'acquired cellular thermotolerance' has on subsequent systemic hypoxia.

Since commencing my PhD, I have published data in the form of peer-reviewed research papers within leading journals in the wider field of human physiology including heat stress and heat acclimation, sex differences in physiological and heat shock protein responses to heat stress, acute and chronic responses to training in hypoxia, intermittent sprint performance, ergogenic aids to improve endurance performance, and whole body metabolism in both the field and laboratory (see ). I have also been privileged enough to present my doctoral and associated research at a number of international conferences (ICSEMIS, 2012; ASPETAR Training and Competing the heat, 2014; ECSS 2015, 2016; ICEE 2015; PPTR 2016) with work allied to my PhD winning several young investigator awards.

My current, and future work continues to determine mechanisms by which environmental stress can augment sport and exercise performance, however a future direction allied to improving health is emerging.

Dr Neil Maxwell

Associate Professor Peter Watt

Job title: Lecturer in Physiology
Organisation: Brunel University London

The completion of a PhD encapsulating a range of integrative physiological techniques, statistical analyses, project management and ultimately impactful publications was essential in securing a position as a lecturer in physiology. These elements underpin an ability to combine research informed teaching, impactful research and experimental work, and manage administrative tasks associated with a position in academia.