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Staff Profile

Dr Daniel Eaves

Senior Lecturer in Sport & Exercise

Background

My academic interest is in the study of human movement, particularly the interplay between perception and action, across the disciplines of Sport and Exercise, Psychology, and Neuroscience.

I completed my BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science at Leeds Beckett University (2001), before my MRes in Sport and Exercise Science at Liverpool John Moores University (2003).

I was awarded my PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Lancaster University (2015). For my PhD, I studied the impact of mental practice (combined action observation and motor imagery) on biomechanical and neurophysiological measures (EEG). I attended several PhD training programmes on perception and action: from brain to behaviour (University College London; Radboud University, Holland; Institute of Cognitive Sciences, Lyon; University of Bern, Switzerland).

I am a Chartered Scientist and Chartered Psychologist within the British Psychological Society.

I am one of four academics who co-lead an international research collaboration called the Research in Imagery and Observation (RIO) Group (https://riogroup.weebly.com).

I was previously employed in the School of Health and Life Sciences at Teesside University, where I developed and led the BSc and MSci Sport & Exercise Science degrees. As a senior lecturer, I created and led modules at all levels across the undergraduate and postgraduate provision. I contributed to several committees, such as the REF steering group, and I was elected as co-chair for the University Early Career Researcher Forum. I also delivered an MSc module titled ‘Motor Control and Learning’ at Sheffield Hallam University (2012).

Research

I research how the human brain controls movement. I’m interested in questions, such as: ‘when we see the movements of other people, how do we integrate this visual information into our own motor repertoire to imitate their actions?’ …And: ‘when we imagine performing human movements, what neurophysiological changes occur in the brain, and how can these changes improve our future actions.’

I typically use motion capture technology and neuroscience research methods, such as EEG, TMS, fNIRS to explore the relationship between brain and behaviour.

I use my fundamental research into brain function to inform my applied research. In my applied work, I examine how mental practice can improve movement skills in sports and rehabilitation, for example, in chronic stroke survivors, adults with depression, and children with motor impairments.

I have supervised several PhD students to completion, and I am currently supervising PhD students. I have also examined PhD students around the world (Australia, Ireland, Canada, Wales and in the UK).

I always welcome expressions of interest to collaborate on research – please feel free to get in touch.


Teaching

I currently lead the following undergraduate modules:

  • Introduction to Biomechanics (SES1003) Stage 1
  • Career Development for Sports and Exercise Scientists (SES3006) Stage 3
Publications