Kerin McDonald
Senior Academic Staff Member
Contact info
What do you love about your job?
I enjoy passing on knowledge and information to others and knowing that I am helping to support people towards their goals. Furthermore, I work with a great bunch of people who are passionate about sport science and human performance.
How would you describe your approach to teaching?
I try to find engaging and varying ways to explain information and try to facilitate learning through a questioning approach. I also try and keep it fun and enjoyable with a bit of humour thrown in (I love a good dad joke!).
What is your experience in the industry?
I have worked in the outdoors and set up leadership programmes overseas as well as six years with Sport Waikato in several roles. I have worked alongside a number of New Zealand representatives and have competed overseas myself.
What are your qualifications and educational background?
I have a Bachelor in Sport and Exercise Science and continue to chip away at my masters. I also have a level 4 business leadership qualification and a level 5 tertiary teaching certificate.
What are your areas of expertise/research?
My main areas of interest are muscular-skeletal anatomy and exercise physiology. Most of my research sits within environmental physiology with a focus on acclimation in the heat and supporting ergogenics.
What is your greatest achievement?
- Sporting – Competing through Europe in Athletics and more recently making the New Zealand Masters Ultimate Frisbee team.
- Academic – Receiving Te Ara a Tāwhaki, Learner Success award at the Wintec Staff awards evening.
- Personal – My two boys!
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Running, mountain biking, hiking, ultimate frisbee, music, the environment.