About

I am a lecturer within Sport, Outdoor and Exercise Science specialising in sport and exercise nutrition, and the programme leader for our BSc Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health programme. Having spent several years working in elite sports, I am able to bring a wealth of applied experience into the classroom and help students understand how theory is put into practice. I also undertake regular applied nutrition work through the University's Human Performance Unit helping athletes reach their performance goals.

Teaching responsibilities

I lead and teach Nutrition and Metabolism in Sport and Exercise at level 5, Advanced Nutrition and Metabolism in Sport and Exercise at level 6 and Nutrition for Public Health at level 5. I am also the module leader for International Public Health Nutrition at level 6. I supervise students with research projects at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Regularly, I contribute to other modules within the department at all levels as a guest nutrition lecturer.

Research interests

My research is predominantly focused on the relationship between sport and exercise and immune function. I am interested in how nutritional interventions can help reduce the number of infections athletes suffer and improve overall immune function. By supporting an athlete’s immune system, the athlete is less likely to miss training and competitions due to illness, and train to their full potential. I am currently supervising a PhD studentship investigating the physiological and biochemical basis of long-Covid. 

Membership of professional bodies

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy - University of Kent
• Post Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCHE) - University of Kent
• PhD in Training, Nutrition and Exercise Immunology - University of Kent

Experience in industry

I have spent a number of years working in sport as an applied practitioner - starting my career in non-league football and progressing, most notably, to elite football (Arsenal Football Club) and rugby union (England RFU). In addition to this, I have experience working in a variety of other sports including athletics, fencing, cycling and swimming.

Recent publications

Anthropometry and performance characteristics of recreational advanced to elite female rock climbers. Giles, D., Barnes, K., Taylor, N., Chidley, C., Chidley, J., Mitchell, J., Torr, O., Gibson-Smith, E., & España-Romero, V. (2021)

The effect of Chlorella pyrenoidosa supplementation on immune responses to 2 days of intensified training. Chidley, C. and Davison, G. (2018)

Carbohydrate supplementation does not blunt the prolonged exercise-induced reduction of in vivo immunity. Davison, G., Kehaya, C., Diment, B. and Walsh, N. (2015)

Nutritional and Physical Activity Interventions to Improve Immunity. Davison, G., Kehaya, C. and Jones, A.W. (2016)

Please see my ResearchGate profile for a full, up-to-date list of publications.