Grace Chadwick
Award-winning student, Grace Chadwick, is graduating with a BSc (Hons) in Physical Education and Sports Coaching.
Grace has been awarded The Clive Read Dissertation Award for Outstanding Applied Research for her work exploring transgender experiences in Physical Education.
“My dissertation was inspired by the personal experiences of my transgender and non-binary friends,” said Grace, who will be presenting her research at the upcoming 5th International Gender and Sexuality Conference as part of the prize. She is also working towards getting her work published in an academic journal.
After the unexpected disruption Covid-19 brought to her undergraduate journey, Grace is looking forward to graduating this November. “The pandemic definitely put a spanner in the works of university life for so many of us. Despite this, my overall experience at the University of Worcester was such a positive one. My lecturers were so supportive, and I felt like I could approach them about absolutely anything, whether academic or personal,” she added. “By the end of my degree, it felt like a real family unit. I’m still in touch with many of my old lecturers.”
Since completing her degree, Grace has taken up an Events Coordinator role at the University. “During my studies I worked at University of Worcester Arena, where I was given opportunities to gain experience working elite sporting events and network with the team I now work alongside,” she said. “I also got involved with the University’s musical theatre society, Loco, helping out backstage and front-of-house. This helped me develop transferrable skills I’m using in my current position.” Though she has not entirely ruled out the prospect of postgraduate study, Grace is enjoying her new role and sees herself still working in the events industry in the future.
“The part of graduation I’m most looking forward to is seeing all of my course-mates again and celebrating our achievements together,” said Grace. “My family will also be visiting, who I haven’t seen in a while, so it’ll be great to celebrate with them, too!”
Find out more about the School of Sport and Exercise Science at Worcester