معرفی
Jenny Smith is a Reader in Performance Psychology at the University of Chichester and a visiting researcher at King's College London (KCL). As a member of the Occupational Performance Research Group (OPRG) and HCPC-registered Sport and Exercise Psychologist, she applies 13 years of expertise in occupational research to drowning prevention and performance optimization for water safety organizations.
Her academic qualifications include:
- PhD, University of Liverpool (2005-2009)
- MSc Sport and Exercise Psychology, University of Chichester (2003-2004)
- BSc (Hons) Sports Science, University of Chichester (2000-2003)
Dr. Smith's research centers on cognitive mechanisms in lifeguard performance, investigating hazard detection, decision-making processes, and observation strategies. Current projects include MRI studies comparing brain structure/function between experienced and novice lifeguards, and evaluating the efficacy of the 10:20 bather observation system. Her sport psychology practice optimizes client performance through evidence-based interventions spanning needs analysis to outcome evaluation.
Recent publications (2016-2025) demonstrate interdisciplinary integration of occupational safety, cognitive psychology, and public health. Key trends include methodological innovations in vigilance measurement, translational applications of cognitive training for lifeguards, and longitudinal analysis of skill acquisition in high-risk occupations. The work consistently emphasizes evidence-based protocols for drowning prevention.
As acting coordinator for the BPS-accredited and BASES-endorsed MSc in Sport and Exercise Psychology, she supervises two PhD students and five trainees. Her research has secured over £200,000 in funding from the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), supporting projects that directly inform lifeguard training standards.
She maintains active collaborations through the Occupational Performance Research Group (OPRG) with King's College London, industry partners, and national governing bodies across the UK and internationally, driving evidence-based reforms in water safety practices.
