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India Middlebrook

BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science

India Middlebrook professional photo

I feel as though Edge Hill has helped shape me as an individual. It helps you recognise qualities in yourself that you never knew you had.

I’m quite a homebird at heart. Part of my decision to come to Edge Hill was because it was close to home and I could still be near my friends and family. So, I never imagined for one minute that, in my second year, I would be flying off to Brazil on my own to carry out research in an overseas university.

As soon as I came to an open day, I felt that Edge Hill was right for me. I instantly loved how bright, vibrant and modern the campus is and the facilities here are second to none. I really enjoy learning about the science that underpins sport and exercise, and being able to choose modules that particularly interest me is great.

I’m happiest when I’m in the labs. When I first started here and saw all the specialist equipment, I thought it would be reserved for PhD students or staff. But undergraduates are able to get hands-on, practical experience of using it as well, which is brilliant for building up your skills and confidence and making you more employable.

My tutors have been a huge help and support over the years. They are all experts in their fields, and are there to help you at any time. They don’t spoon-feed you, but you feel like they really care and want you to succeed. It was one of my tutors that suggested the research trip to Brazil. He recognised how much I loved working in the physiology lab and had a contact at the University of Sao Paulo who was looking for people to help with a research project. He persuaded me to apply and told me about the Student Opportunity Fund, which helped me with the costs of the trip.

Travelling alone was terrifying and exciting and took me completely out of my comfort zone. My time in Brazil was an amazing experience. I never thought going to university would include experiencing another culture and working alongside PhD and Masters students doing something I love. I’m so grateful for such an incredible opportunity.