BU Research Blog

Scott Wilkes is a Sport Development and Coaching Sciences student (Faculty of Management) in his 4th final year at Bournemouth University. He is one of many undergraduate students who will be participating in this year’s Showcasing Undergraduate Research Excellence conference this Wednesday, 7 March 2018.

“SURE was first mentioned to me by my dissertation tutor and I thought to myself ‘What have I got to lose?’.” Scott’s dissertation research looks at the relationship between stammering and sports participation. “Having a stammer myself and a passion for sport, it seemed like the obvious choice to undertake this research,” he says.

“I spent my placement year at a preparatory school where I chose to deliver a school assembly about stammering, how to manage it and how to react to those who have one. It was very well received from pupils, teachers and parents which also inspired me to conduct further research into the area.”

“Now that I have gained control of my speech through years of work with the McGuire programme, I want to help children who are currently experiencing the same feelings that I felt at their age. I am keen to share my work with other academics and students at SURE, particularly because there appears to be a lack of knowledge and research about stammering in the sporting context, and I feel it is vital to improving the wellbeing of those who stammer.”

“SURE is my first opportunity to present my work in an academic environment. Plus, I thought it would be nice to achieve something like this before I leave university! The workshops before the event have helped with what needs to be included and how to set my work out for the audience to understand. Also, the McGuire Programme has taught me how to enjoy public speaking so I am looking forward to the event!”

The Showcasing Undergraduate Research Excellence conference will taking place on 7 March 2018. Many undergraduate students from across the university will be presenting their research throughout the conference in a variety of different ways, from presentations to posters and art installations. Please register via the Eventbrite page if you would like to attend.

For more details, visit the SURE website or email the SURE team.