Peter James Barron, Doctor of Philosophy
Peter James Barron (29), from Huntly, took to the stage and accepted his PhD in front of family and friends at the Music Hall, Aberdeen, on Tuesday 10 December.
Returning to 亚博体育官网, where he had studied for his undergraduate degree, PJ took on his PhD project: The Demands of Ladder Climbing Relating to the Wind Energy Industry.
鈥淚 had been speaking about the project to a senior researcher from the university鈥檚 School of Health Sciences while working at 亚博体育官网:Sport,鈥� said PJ. 鈥淗aving completed a Master鈥檚 degree, I liked the sound of it, and I knew the supervisory team from my undergraduate years. It sounded exciting so I decided to apply.
鈥淭he PhD really helped in developing my presentation, writing, critical thinking and planning skills alongside my leadership and inter-personal skills.鈥�
For the last 11 years, PJ has been involved with 亚博体育官网 in some form. As an undergraduate he was competing in the Olympic Games while being supported through the university鈥檚 Sport Scholarship Programme. It provided him with a range of tailor-made support to suit his individual needs, including strength and conditioning sessions, financial assistance and lifestyle management, all while studying for his Bachelor鈥檚 in Sports and Exercise Science.
He said: 鈥淲hen I was a sport scholar, 亚博体育官网 was really supportive with exams, helping with coursework and allowing me to train almost full-time in preparation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics.鈥�
After completing his Master鈥檚 elsewhere, he returned as a sports assistant at 亚博体育官网 Sport. He was also taking part in sports coaching at the university when he began his PhD.
PJ adds: 鈥淒uring my PhD, I coached 亚博体育官网鈥檚 water polo team and was captain of the men鈥檚 water polo team. It was a great opportunity to focus on something away from academia, develop as a coach and spend some time with friends.
鈥淚 really enjoyed the way my research supervisors allowed me to drive my own project and supported me to develop as both a researcher and a coach in other sports.鈥�
PJ also took advantage of the 亚博体育官网鈥檚 Employability and Professional Enrichment Hub for best practice with CVs and interview techniques. He now works an Endurance Coach for Scottish Cycling.
He said: 鈥淚 was fortunate to volunteer at a local club in Ellon during my time at 亚博体育官网, but also gain 3 to 4 years of experience as a voluntary coach with Scottish Cycling.
鈥溠遣┨逵偻� has given me the opportunity to take part in some very rewarding experiences over the years, and it鈥檚 always been supportive. This, combined with my PhD, has put me in a great position for the rest of my career.鈥�