Experience

Tom graduated from the University of South Wales with a First class honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science. Following his graduation in 2016, Tom began his PhD at the Neurovascular Research Laboratory which was supported by the JPR Williams Research Fellowships. Tom was awarded his PhD in February 2022 titled 'Neurovascular implications of life-long exposure to contact in rugby union; the link to cognition.'

During the completion of his PhD, Tom also fulfilled an hourly paid lecturing role at USW, delivering several modules including: Exercise Prescription, Exercise Physiology, Sports Nutrition, Foundations of Strength & Conditioning, Introduction to Sport Science for Coaching, Introduction to Sports Coaching and Research Methods. Tom further delivered a Human Anatomy & Physiology module at Cardiff Metropolitan University on a fixed term basis and was further employed as a part-time Research Assistant at the Neurovascular Research Laboratory, University of South Wales.

In 2020, Tom was appointed Lecturer in Biomedical Science at USW.

Teaching interests

Tom is Course Leader for BSc (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science.

Tom is module leader for the following modules:
Foundation Human Physiology for Chiropractors (CH0S04)

Exercise Prescription - Non-referred populations (SR1S179)

Clinical Physiology I (CH1S17)

Clinical Physiology II (CH2S14)

Tom contributes to the following modules:

Dissertation (SR3D005)

Applied Professional Project (SR3D004B)

Research interests

1. Concussion as a model of accelerated brain ageing
2. Molecular, cerebral-haemodynamic and clinical implications of impact on brain health
3. Physical activity as a model of longevity and improved brain health
   
   Research website: https://exercise.research.southwales.ac.uk/

Personal twitter handle: Tom_0wens

Research twitter handle: USW_Oxygen

Other Interests

Sport Scientist - Madison Saracen Factory Mountain Bike Race Team

Welsh Language Coordinator - USW

Professional Memberships
Physiological Society

Grant Applications
2023 – Funding for three-year PhD Student Scholarship, Research Innovation Group, University of South Wales - £70,000 (Written by T. Owens, C. Marley & DM Bailey; Awarded July 28th, 2023)

2022 – University of South Wales Staff Conference & Development Fund (Sport) - £1,442 (September 2022)

2022 – University of South Wales Staff Conference & Development Fund (Chiropractic) - £1,156 (August 2022)

2019 – Physiological Society travel grant - £300 (June 19th 2019).

2018 – JPR Williams Research Fellowships grant - £14,200 (Written by DM Bailey and T Owens; Awarded to D.M. Bailey, February 9th 2018)

2018 – University of South Wales postgraduate travel grant - £1,000 (August 27th 2018)

2018 – Physiological Society travel grant - £500 (March 8th 2018)

TV & Media Appearances

2023 – Sky Sports documentary “Rugby Concussion: Turning The Tide”

2023 – BBC news item (breakfast, lunchtime, evening, late-night – 27/08/2023) related to research of concussion in retired rugby players. Online articles available in English & Welsh

2022 – Professional Mountain Bikers Take Fitness Tests In The USW Exercise Physiology Lab - Filmed for USW Sports Degree web page and social media pages

2021 – BBC news item (breakfast, lunchtime, evening, late-night – 30/08/2021) related to research of concussion in professional rugby players. Online article available here.

2021 – The Truth About Improving Your Mental Health - Filmed for BBC 1

2020 – Research From The Rugby Pitch, The Conversation

2020 – Rugby Union: The Invisible Injury - Filmed for YouTube Documentary

2020 – The Great British Intelligence Test - Filmed for BBC 2 Horizon

2019 – Linking Concussion and Dementia: USW Research IMPACT - Filmed for 2019 USW Impact Awards

2018 – Developing our understanding of concussion in sport - Written for USW Sports Degree web page

2018 – How to Stay Young (Series 2, Episode 3) - Filmed for BBC 1

2017 – Research into sports-related concussion - Filmed for USW Sports Degree web page

Awards, Achievements & Nominations

2023 – Best Lecturer, Winner of Winners, Student Choice Awards, University of South Wales Students Union

2022 – Best Abstract, 6th Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport, Amsterdam - for subject area: Residual/Long term effects

2022 – Nomination for Best Lecturer (FLSE) – University of South Wales

2020 – Best presentation, University of South Wales Postgraduate Student Presentation Day.

2019 – Research Student of the Year, University of South Wales IMPACT Awards.

2018 – Best presentation, International Conference on Concussion and Sports Neurology, Venice, Italy.

2018 – Best presentation, University of South Wales Faculty of Life Sciences and Education Conference.

2017 – 2^nd prize presentation, University of South Wales Postgraduate Student Presentation Day.

2013-2016 – Sports Scholar (mountain biking), University of South Wales.