About
Dr. Kate Russell is an Associate Professor in Physical Education at the University of East Anglia (UEA), based in the School of Education & Lifelong Learning. She holds dual roles as Chair of the University Research Ethics Committee and Chair of the Gender and Sexually Diverse Relationships Section at the British Psychological Society. Her expertise spans LGBTQIA+ inclusion, mental health, mindfulness, and gender/sexuality studies in educational and sport contexts.
She earned an MA in Teaching Mindfulness from Bangor University and is a Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist. Her research explores intersections of gender, sexuality, and wellbeing in sport, education, and professional environments. Current projects include ESRC-funded work on mindfulness in schools and Joyce Morris Legacy-funded studies on early-years wellbeing programs. She leads the Mental Health Trainee Teacher Project examining wellbeing support for education trainees.
Key research themes include LGBTQ+ identities in sport/exercise, mindfulness-based interventions, and qualitative research methodologies. She supervises PhD students focusing on gender/sexuality, mental health, and mindfulness applications in educational/sport settings. Her teaching includes modules on sport advocacy and mindfulness pedagogy, with upcoming roles as Course Director for the MSc Professional Practice in Sport (2025).
Media engagement includes BBC contributions on football culture and sexual abuse prevention. Collaborations span international projects on digital education and pandemic impacts on youth wellbeing. Russell’s work aligns with UN SDGs for quality education (SDG4) and gender equality (SDG5).
