Laura Richards

Before joining Buckinghamshire New University in 2023, I worked as an athletic trainer in high school and collegiate athletic programs in the United States.

I studied for my undergraduate degree in athletic training at West Virginia University, Masters of Art in Human Sciences at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, and Masters by Research in Sport Psychology at London Metropolitan University. My research interest is understanding the role mindfulness can have on stress and anxiety in student-athletes. Additionally, my specialist area of interest includes educating and applying best practices in injury prevention and rehabilitation for student-athletes to improve performance and recovery.

I am a member of National Athletic Trainers’ Association, National Academy of Sports Medicine, and Maryland Athletic Trainers’ Association.

My specialist knowledge has led me to work with student-athletes who have continued their athletic careers to play in NCAA athletic programs and professionally.

My career highlight is designing a high school athletic training program that is still in use today.

• Lecturer