Sam obtained a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Birmingham in 2020 and an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition from Loughborough University in 2021. After working as a lab technician for a year, Sam returned to education to complete her PhD at Nottingham Trent University. Sam took a job as a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology and Nutrition at Nottingham Trent University in December 2025 and, in September 2026, joined Loughborough University as a Research Associate, working alongside Dr Tom Clifford. Sam is also a registered Sports and Exercise Nutritionist (SENr).
Sam is broadly interested in the effects of nutritional interventions on athlete health and performance. Her doctoral research investigated the influence of the menstrual cycle on gastrointestinal symptoms, the impact of these symptoms on exercise performance and nutritional behaviours, and whether nutritional interventions which target the gut can be used as an effective strategy to support female athlete health. Her current research explores the effects of novel drink formulations on markers of hydration.
Sam is an SENr accredited sports nutritionist and has worked with athletes from a range of sports, including athletics, football, hockey, netball, rugby, swimming and wheelchair basketball.
Featured publications
- Abbott, S.J., Parker, C.J., Hough, J., Hunter, K.A., Johnson, M.A., and Williams, N.C. (2026). The effects of menstrual cycle phase on gastrointestinal symptoms, damage, and permeability during a simulated football match. European Journal of Sport Science. 26(4): e70157. DOI: 10.1002/ejsc.70157
- Parker, C.J., Abbott, S.J., Butterfield, L.R., Hunter, K.A., Johnson, M.A., Sharpe, G.R. and Williams, N.C. (2026). Prebiotic Bimuno® GOS reduces illness symptoms and supports gut barrier function and immunity after intermittent exercise in the heat. Experimental Physiology. 1-15. DOI: 10.1113/EP092682