Deb Dulson

Background

About Deb Dulson

I am currently an Exercise Physiology Lecturer at Newcastle University. Prior to moving to Newcastle University in 2020, I was a Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Science at Auckland University of Technology (AUT, New Zealand) from 2011 until 2020. My undergraduate degree (BSc) was in Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University for which I was awarded a First Class Honours in 2007. I then obtained my PhD in 2010 (also at Loughborough University) investigating the effects of caffeine on immune responses to exercise, under the supervision of Dr Nicolette Bishop and Professor Mike Gleeson. My research interests focus on the effects of dietary manipulation and dietary supplements/ergogenic aids on immune function and upper respiratory symptom (URS) risk both at rest and following exercise in athletes, as well as the role they play in athlete performance. These interests have recently focused more specifically around female athletes and the role the menstrual cycle may play in altering immune responses to exercise. I am also very interested in the acute and chronic effects of a variety of stressors placed upon endurance and team-sport athletes and how these stressors may impact upon the health of athletes (and immune function) and their risk of URS, especially within an elite context. As such I have been fortunate enough to work with a number of elite sport teams within New Zealand, including the men’s Black Sticks (Hockey), Women’s Football Ferns (Football), Blues and Hurricanes (Rugby Union teams) and Vodafone Warriors (Rugby League team). My current research is a mix of both fundamental and applied research and is inter-disciplinary in nature, lying at the intersection between physiology, biochemistry, immunology and nutrition.