HDR Scholarship - Menstrual cycle management in female athletes

Applications now open. A PhD scholarship is available to initiate and conduct research on the topic 'Menstrual cycle management in female athletes’

Project Supervisor

Additional Supervision

Location

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Research topic

Although high quality research is lacking, it is generally assumed that the menstrual cycle affects exercise performance of female athletes. This may be due to the occurrence of menstrual symptoms such as pain, fatigue, bloating, gastrointestinal symptoms, and mood disturbances which are reported by 70% of female athletes. Survey-based research suggests that these menstrual symptoms may affect exercise participation and performance, but direct evidence of this causal link is currently lacking. In addition, there is also a lack of research investigating the use of management strategies for menstrual symptoms in female athletes. This research is required to establish guidelines and recommendations that will support the health and well-being of female athletes and allow them to perform at their best across all phases of the menstrual cycle.

Project aim

This PhD project aims to investigate the link between menstrual symptoms and exercise performance and investigate menstrual cycle issues and management strategies used by female athletes. To address these aims the project will include laboratory-based studies and mixed method research.

Important dates

Applications close 5pm, Friday 10 March 2023

Benefits

This scholarship is available over 3 years.

  • Stipend of $33,500 per annum tax exempt (2023 rate)
  • Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
  • International students only:  Tuition fees offset for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible you must:

  • be either a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
  • meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
  • be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.

Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.

Additional desirable criteria include:

  • background in exercise physiology and/or sports science or similar.

How to apply

Please email a CV and cover letter to Dr Rhiannon Snipe. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.

Contact us

For more information about this scholarship, please contact Dr Rhiannon Snipe

Dr Rhiannon Snipe
Email Dr Rhiannon Snipe
+61 3 924 46737