Maria Burton

Maria Burton is a Senior Research Fellow/Principal Lecturer in the Department of Allied Health Professions (AHP) at the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Sheffield Hallam University. With a background in NHS physiotherapy, she transitioned to academia in 1996 to focus on research in geriatric health, cancer care, and healthcare outcomes. Her academic roles include doctoral supervision and leadership in multidisciplinary research projects.

Education: PhD, MPhil, BA (Hons), MCSP.

Research Interests: Dr. Burton’s work centers on older adults, breast cancer, and the intersection of design/technology with health. Key projects include the NIHR-funded 'Bridging the Age Gap in Breast Cancer' study, exploring treatment outcomes and quality of life for elderly patients. She also investigates inclusive bathroom design for aging populations and mixed methods research methodologies.

Grants and Funding: Major funders include NIHR, EPSRC, and the Big Lottery. Notable projects include the £560,000 EPSRC-funded 'Future Bathroom' initiative and the NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research.

Supervision: Director of Studies for two doctoral students and supervisor for three others. Completed two doctoral candidates to completion.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the University of Sheffield’s Department of Oncology and Metabolism. Key team contributions include the BTAG study and the 'Optimizing Care for Older Surgical Patients' (OCTAGON) initiative.