Thomas Wild

Thomas is a postgraduate researcher based within the School of Sport and Wellbeing. Supervised by Professor Martin Barwood and colleagues, his research centres on human floatation in water, focusing on the factors that influence it and its significance in drowning prevention and self-rescue as a key water safety competency. This PhD project is rooted in sport and exercise science and includes aspects of physiology, biomechanics, and anthropometry to establish an evidence-based framework to inform national water safety advice and education.

With a background as a qualified swim teacher, lifeguard, and former Royal Navy submariner, Thomas brings practical experience and an understanding of the challenges and safety considerations in aquatic environments. 

Beyond this primary research, and more broadly, he is interested in environmental and occupational physiology, exploring how humans adapt and perform in different conditions. Additionally, he is also interested in the biomechanics and physiology of swimming, and swimming skills acquisition and performance, recognizing their importance in both recreational and competitive contexts.

Thomas is a qualified anthropometrist (ISAK level 1) and has experience with 3D human body scanning and analysis.

Email
t.wild@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Supervisory team
Prof Martin Barwood
Dr Heather Massey
Dr Danielle Davis
Prof Mark Russell