Heidi Stevens

Job title

Trial Coordinator, University of York

Why Teesside and why this course?

I chose this course as I wanted to use my Michelin-star chef skills to try something new in the world of food. I visited the campus and met the staff, who were very welcoming and positive. It is such a friendly campus, with a contemporary look and excellent facilities. I was apprehensive as I had worked as a pastry chef for 18 years and had not been in education since 1992. I was also a lone parent and lived 28 miles away, but the staff reassured me I would get all the support I needed to overcome these barriers. They stayed true to their word and were there for me every step of the way, and I graduated with a first-class honours.

Best part about studying at Teesside?

The whole cohort was super friendly and supportive – I met some friends on the course who are now friends for life. I really enjoyed the sports nutrition module where we used the lab facilities. This module motivated me to start running and improve my fitness. I also began a social enterprise with another student centred around food waste and healthy eating – we were given funding by the University and supported to attend Welcome Week.

How did uni help prepare you for your career?

I gained a strong skillset for a career in health research. The module on systematic reviews supported my dissertation on clinical case management for traumatic injury. I gained knowledge of qualitative and quantitative analysis, which I’ve applied since graduating. I also conducted a paid research project with Middlesbrough Council, giving me practical experience that boosted my confidence and provided additional income – a great support as a student and lone parent.

Tell us about your career since graduating

After completing my research with Middlesbrough Council, I became a research associate at Teesside University, working on a funded project evaluating the clinical link between nutrition and BMI for individuals with severe mental illness or learning disabilities. After earning a funded Master of Public Health at the University of York, I worked at the Mental Health and Addictions Research Group. I’m now in the final year of a funded PhD at Teesside, conducting a mixed-methods analysis of the community mental health transformation plan and healthy weight management for people with severe mental illness, in partnership with a North East primary care network.

Tell us about your current role

I’m a trial coordinator for the Mental Health and Addictions Research Group at the University of York. I’ve worked on a range of studies around the central theme of mental health, with NHS partners and the Movember charity. My duties vary from site set-up to participant recruitment, so no two days are the same. I supervise and mark master's dissertations, contribute to the Athena Swan working group on educational materials for healthcare professionals, and have written for Fuse and the Mental Elf. I’ve also published journal articles and occasionally guest lecture on nutrition at Hull York Medical School, and public health nutrition at Teesside University.

Ambitions for the future?

After my doctorate, I plan to gain more research experience before applying for my own research programme on mental and physical health, possibly through a fellowship. It’s important to me that my work benefits those needing extra support to live healthier lives.

*Course now known as BSc (Hons) Nutrition