The Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine is proud to recognise the recent Doctor of Philosophy graduate Dr Chris McLellan. Not only did Chris complete his Doctorate, but he was also the first candidate to start and finish the program at the Faculty.
Chris commenced his Doctorate in January 2007 on a part-time basis, whilst also maintaining a full-time teaching load within the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine.
“I was exploring Neuromuscular, biochemical, endocrine and physiological responses of elite Rugby League players to the demands of competitive match-play” said Dr Chris McLellan.
After choosing to complete a PhD to further his academic career and pursue research interest, Chris was faced with some challenges.
“During my thesis, I often found it quite difficult having to collect saliva and blood samples from elite rugby league players immediately post-match” said Chris.
However, the experience was also a rewarding one.
“It was great to have the opportunity to present the first systematic examination of the demands of elite rugby league for peer review and thereby increasing our understanding of the rigors of elite contact sport” said Chris.
Even after completing a Bachelor of Exercise Science, Master of Physiotherapy and now his four-year Doctorate, Chris is looking forward to the future.
“The studies that comprise the PhD represent the start of many future research that will investigate the demands of match-play in elite contact sports” said Chris.
On behalf of the Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, we congratulate Chris on his outstanding achievement.
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