CLAIRE BLENNERHASSETT

CLAIRE BLENNERHASSETT is a Senior Lecturer in Nutrition and Health at Edge Hill University (EHU), affiliated with the Medical School Health Research Institute. She holds a PhD in Sports Nutrition from EHU (2018) and has extensive NHS experience as a registered dietitian specializing in pediatric and adult weight management. Her research focuses on food insecurity, veganism, food sustainability, and sports nutrition, with a particular emphasis on ultra-endurance athletes' dietary strategies. She coordinates research modules across Applied Health and Social Care programs and leads the Exercise, Diet, and Health Promotion module.

Education:

• BSc Sport and Exercise Science (Edge Hill University, 2007)
• PGDip Nutrition and Dietetics (University of Chester, 2009)
• PGCert Sports and Exercise Nutrition (Coventry University, 2012)
• PhD Sports Nutrition (Edge Hill University, 2018)
• PGCert Teaching in Higher Education (Edge Hill University, 2019)

Research Interests: Claire investigates food insecurity among university students, vegan dietary transitions, plant-based diets for sustainability, and nutrition strategies for ultra-endurance athletes. Her work combines qualitative and quantitative methods to address complex health and food-related behaviors.

Awards:

• British Dietetic Association General & Education Trust Travel Grant (2020)

Teaching & Grants: Claire leads multiple modules (e.g., HUG2314, HEA4444) and has contributed to projects like the Pathways to Veganism initiative (2018–2019). She actively engages in interdisciplinary research through the Centre for Human Animal Studies.