Dr Sarah Jane Cullen

Since 2015 - Lecturer in the Department of Sport & Exercise Science across the following undergraduate courses:

- BSc (Hons) in Exercise Sciences

- BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science

- BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Exercise Science

- BSc (Hons) in Sports Coaching & Performance

Currently lecture/ have lectured on the following Modules:

Human Physiology (Yr 1)

Exercise Physiology (Yr 1)

Strength & Conditioning (Yr 1)

Tests and Measurement for Sport (Yr 2)

Applied Sport & Exercise Physiology (Yr 3)

Assessment of Nutritional Status (Yr 3)

The Paralympic Athlete (Yr 3)

Research Methods (Yr 3)

Science of Elite Sports Performance (Yr 3 & Yr 4)

Dissertation (Yr 4)

Level 9 Module in Blended Learning, SETU Waterford, 2022

Experience as external examiner on various undergraduate degree courses in Ireland - ATU Sligo, TUS Athlone, TUD Tallaght 

Developed discipline specific modules for Health and Sport Science postgraduate students on the structured PhD programme in SETU, 2021

Part of panel and review board developing and finalising content and gaining approval for new undergraduate degree programmes in SETU Waterford (2017) – Exercise Sciences Common Entry; Nutrition and Exercise Science; Sport and Exercise Science

Part of the programmatic review panel of Sport and Exercise Modules in SETU Waterford (2017) and Dublin City University (2015)

External Representative on the Interview Panel in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences in the University of Limerick: University Teacher Sport and Exercise Sciences 2022; Lecturer below the bar in Exercise and Health Fitness Management 2021; Lecturer below the bar in Sport and Exercise Physiology 2021.

Supervisor Experience:

1 Postdoctoral Researcher; Impact of weight regulation on bone metabolism and function in Irish male and female  jockey. Funder: Irish Research Council Enterprise Postdoctoral Scheme in conjunction with Jockey Accident Fund (JAF)

Current PhDs:

1. Project: Weight structures in racing; Funder: JAF and SETU Waterford

2. Project: Jockey transition into retirement; Funder: SETU Waterford

3. Project: Behaviour change in jockeys; Funder: SETU Waterford

4. Project: Body composition in elite female athletes; Funder: SETU Carlow

5. Project: Menstrual cycle and performance effects in elite female athletes; Funder: SETU Carlow

Completed PhDs:

1. Project: Physiological demands of horse racing; Funder: Irish Research Council Enterprise Partnership Scheme in conjunction with IHRB, 2020

2. Project: Mental Health of Jockeys; Funder: IHRB, 2021

3. Project: Bone health and body composition in jockeys; Funder: Irish Injured Jockeys in conjunction with Irish Research Council Enterprise Partnership Scheme and SETU

Additional:

Part of the Women in Sport Oversight Group representing the Performance thematic area

Member of the Health Sciences Research Programme Board, internal reviewer for non-funded postgraduate student applications and ethical procedures

Member of the Sport and Human Performance Research Centre (SHPRC) in University of Limerick aligned to Research Theme 4: Weight Category Sport Science; 2021-Present

Member of Sport Ireland Institute Research Working Group; February 2022-Present

Principal Investigator on an Enterprise Ireland Feasibility Study, 2020

Part of Enterprise Ireland Women-Led Commercialisation Fund Pilot Programme, 2020-2021

Reviewer for the THEA Draft Application Review Service – IRC Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship Programme; 2017; 2018; 2019; 2020; 2021

Peer reviewer for several international Sports Science and Sports Nutrition related journals

Acted as Internal and External Examiner for Transfer Vivas and Viva Voce

Part of organisation team for the All Ireland Postgraduate Conference in Sport Sciences, Physical Activity and Physical Education held in SETU in 2016

PUBLICATIONS

Peer-Review Journals:

Dunne, A., Warrington, G., Harrison, M., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., & Cullen, S. 2022. Body Composition and Bone Health Status of Jockeys: Current Findings, Assessment Methods and Classification Criteria. Sports Medicine-Open. In press.

King, L., Cullen, S., McArdle, J., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Warrington, G., & Losty, C. 2022. Barriers and Facilitators to Help-Seeking for Mental Health Difficulties Among Professional Jockeys in Ireland. Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology. In press.

Dunne, A., O’Neill, C., Warrington, G., Rackard, G., & Cullen, S. 2022. Variability and accuracy of body fat estimates using skinfolds and DXA in elite Gaelic football players: a validation study and development of novel prediction equations. Sport Sciences for Health. In press.

Boyle, E., Mangan, S., O’Neill, C., Rackard, G., Warne, J., Dunne, A., Cullen S., Warrington, G., & Collins, K. (2021). Off-Season Changes in Body Composition of Elite Gaelic Footballers: Starters vs Non-Starters. Sport Performance & Science Reports, Jan (129) vol 1.

King, L., Cullen, S.J., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Warrington, G., Woods, G., & Losty, C. (2021). Mental health difficulties among professional Jockeys: A narrative review. BMJ Sport Exercise & Medicine, 7(e001078), 1-13.

King, L., Cullen, S., McArdle, J., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Warrington, G., & Losty, C. 2021. Stressors Experienced by Professional Jockeys. The Sport Psychologist. In press.

Dunne, A; Warrington, G; O'Loughlin, G; O'Connor, S; Harrison, M; McGoldrick, A; Pugh, J; and Cullen, S. 2021. "Physical and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Bone Density in Jockeys: A Comprehensive Update of the Bone Density Status of Irish Jockeys". International Journal of Exercise Science. 14(6):324-337.

King, L., Cullen, S. J., O’Connor, S., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Warrington, G., Woods, G., & Losty, C. (2021). Common mental disorders among Irish jockeys: prevalence and risk factors. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 49(2), 1-7.

King, L., Cullen, S. J., O’Connor, S., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Warrington, G., & Losty, C. (2021). Racehorse trainer mental health: Prevalence and risk factors. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 101, 103423.

Cullen, S., Fleming, J., Logue, D.M., O’Connor, J., Connor, B., Cleary, J., Watson, J.A., & Madigan, S.M. 2020. Anthropometric profiles of elite athletes. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise, in press.

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A and Cullen, S. 2020. The physical preparation strategies of professional jockeys. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Online ahead of print.

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J and Cullen, S. 2020. The physiological demands of professional flat and jump horseracing. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Epub ahead of print.

O'Connor, S., Warrington, G., O'Brien, S., McDermott, E., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Cullen, S. 2020. Injuries outside of horseracing: is it time to focus on injury prevention of jockeys outside of races?. Physician and Sports medicine. Online ahead of print.

Dunne, A., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Harrison, M., O’Connor, S., O’Loughlin, G., & Cullen, SJ. 2020. Estimation of Body Fat Percentage in Jockeys: implications for a weight category sport. International Journal of Exercise Science 13(4): 511-525. 

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A and Cullen, S. 2019. Physiological and performance monitoring in competitive sporting environments: A review for elite individual sports. Strength & Conditioning Journal, 41(6), 62-74.

Losty, C., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, Adrian., Murphy, C., Burrows, E., Cullen, SJ. Mental Health and Wellbeing of Jockeys in Ireland. 2019. Journal of Human Sport and Exercise. 14(1), 147-158.

O’Connor, S., Warrington, G., Whelan, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, SJ. 2018. Concussion History, Reporting Behaviors, Attitudes, and Knowledge in Jockeys. Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine. Epub ahead of print.

O’Connor, S., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, SJ. 2018. A nine-year epidemiological study (2007-2015) on race-day jockey fall and injury incidence in Irish amateur horse racing. Journal of Athletic Training. 53(10), 950-955.

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., O’Loughlin, G., Cullen, SJ. 2018. Physiological demands of daily riding gaits in jockeys. The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness. 59(3), 394-398.

O’Connor, S., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, SJ. 2017. Epidemiology of injury due to race-day jockey falls in professional flat and jump horse racing in Ireland, 2011-2015. Journal of Athletic Training. 52(12),1140-1146.

Kenny, J., Cullen, S., Warrington G. 2016. The 'Ice-Mile': Case Study of Two Swimmers' Selected Physiological Responses and Performance. International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance. Epub ahead of print.

Cullen, SJ., Dolan, E., McGoldrick, A., O Brien, K., Carson, BP., Warrington, G. 2015. The impact of making-weight on cognitive performance in apprentice jockeys. Journal of Sports Science. 33(15),1589-95.

Cullen, SJ., Dolan, E., McGoldrick, A., O Brien, K., Warrington, G. 2015. Typical rapid weight loss practices do not impact on balance and anaerobic performance in apprentice jockeys. International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance. 10(8), 972-7.

Cullen, SJ., Donohoe, A., McGoldrick, A., McCaffrey, N., Davenport, C., Byrne, B., Donaghy, C., Tormey, W., Smith, D., Warrington, G. 2015. Musculoskeletal health, kidney and liver function in retired jockeys. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 36(12), 968-73.

Cullen, SJ., O’Loughlin, G., McGoldrick, A., Smyth, B., May, G., Warrington, G. 2015. Physiological demands of flat horse racing jockey’s. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 29(11), 3060-6.

Cullen, SJ., Donohoe, A., McGoldrick, A., McCaffrey, N., Davenport, C., Byrne, B., Donaghy, C., Tormey, W., Smith, D., Warrington, G. 2015. Physiological and health characteristics of ex-jockeys. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 15, S1440-2440.

Dolan, E., Cullen, S., McGoldrick, A. & Warrington, G. D. 2013. The Impact of "Making-Weight" on Physiological and Cognitive Processes in Elite Jockeys. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 23 (4), 399-408.

Greene, D. A., Naughton, G., Jander, C. & Cullen, S. 2013. Bone Health of Apprentice Jockeys Using Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 34 (8), 688-694.

O'Loughlin, G., Cullen, S., McGoldrick, A., O'Connor, S., Blain, R., O'Malley, S. & Warrington, G. D. 2013. Using a Wearable Camera to Increase the Accuracy of Dietary Analysis. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 44, 297-301.

Korff, T., Horne, S., Cullen, SJ., & Blazevich, A. 2009. Development of Lower Limb Stiffness and its Contribution to Maximum Vertical Jumping Power During Adolescence. Journal of Experimental Biology, 212, 3737-3742.

Conference Presentations/Abstracts:

Various leading oral communications at the International Conference for the Health, Safety and Welfare of Jockeys (ICHSWJ) in: Dubai 2010; New Jersey 2012; New Jersey 2013; Hong Kong 2015; Dubai 2017; Dubai 2019.

Dunne, A., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Harrison, M., O’Connor, S., O’Loughlin, G., & Cullen, SJ. (2019). Estimating Percentage Body Fat of Professional Jockeys Using Skinfold Prediction Equations: A DXA Validation Study. All Ireland Postgraduate Conference, Athlone Ireland.

Dunne, A., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Harrison, M., O’Connor, S., O’Loughlin, G., & Cullen, SJ. (2019). Bone Health Status of Professional Irish Jockeys. Irish Endocrine Society Annual General Meeting, Galway, Ireland

Dunne, A., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Harrison, M., O’Connor, S., O’Loughlin, G., & Cullen, SJ. (2019). Bone Health and Body Composition in Irish Jockeys: A Comprehensive Update. International Conference Health, Safety & Welfare of Jockeys, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., Mcgoldrick, A and Cullen, S. (May 2019). The physiological demands of short and long race distances in national hunt racing. All Ireland Postgraduate Conference, Athlone, Ireland. 

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., Mcgoldrick, A and Cullen, S. (2019). The physiological demands of national hunt racing on professional jockeys. European Conference of Sports Science, Prague, Czech Republic.                                                                                                                                                                      

Kiely, M., Warrington, G., Mcgoldrick, A., Pugh, J and Cullen, S. (2019). The physiological demands of racing on professional jockeys. International conference for Health Safety and welfare of jockeys, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 

King, L., Losty, C., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., and Cullen, SJ. (2019). Mental Health and Lifestyle Factors of Irish Jockeys. International Conference for the Health, Safety, and Welfare of Jockeys, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Dunne, A., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Pugh, J., Harrison, M., O’Connor, S., O’Loughlin, G., & Cullen, SJ. (2019). Assessing body fat percentage in professional jockeys using DXA and skinfold prediction equations. International Sport and Exercise Nutrition Conference, Newcastle, United Kingdom.

Cullen, SJ., Warrington, G., Whelan, G., McGoldrick, A., O’Connor, S. 2018. Concussion reporting behaviours and attitudes in Irish Amateur and Professional Jockeys. European Conference of Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland.

King, L., Losty, C., Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, SJ. 2018. Prevalence of depressive symptoms in retired jockeys. European Conference of Sports Science, Dublin, Ireland.

Cullen, SJ., McGoldrick, A., O’Loughlin, G., Warrington, G. 2016. An analysis of the anthropometric characteristics of Irish apprentice jockeys. ACSM Boston.

Warrington, G., McGoldrick, A., Stephenson, D., Cullen, SJ. 2016. Validation of the Equivital for Physiological Monitoring in an Equine Environment. ACSM Boston.

McGoldrick, A., O’Connor, S., Cullen, SJ., Warrington, G. 2016. Epidemiology of injury in race-day jockey falls in flat horse racing in Ireland, 2011-2014. ACSM Boston.

Kenny, J., Cullen, SJ., Warrington, G. 2016. The 'Ice-Mile' swim challenge: Case study of physiological responses and performance of two swimmers in a long-distance cold water swim event. All Ireland Postgraduate Conference in Sport Sciences, Physical Activity and Physical Education. Waterford Institute of Technology, Ireland.

Cullen, S., Harrington, L., Phelan, C., Harrig, A., Dolan, E. & Warrington, G. 2013. An Analysis of the Effects of Acute Dehydration on Balance, Anaerobic Performance and Cognitive Function. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 23, S2.

Cullen, S., McGoldrick, A., O'Loughlin, G., May, G. & Warrington, G. 2012a. An Analysis of the Physiological Demands of Race Riding Using a RaceHorse Simulator. Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise, 44.

Cullen, S., McGoldrick, A., O'Loughlin, G., May, G. & Warrington, G. D. 2012b. An Analysis of the Typical Daily Physical Activity Patterns of Jockeys In:  European Conference of Sports Science, Bruges, Belgium.

Cullen, S., McGoldrick, A., O'Loughlin, G., O Connor, S. & Warrington, G. 2012c. Contextualising the Lifestyle & Performance Challenges Facing Jockeys as Determined by Novel Sensing Technologies. SenseCam 2012. Oxford, UK.

O’Loughlin, G., McGoldrick, A., Cullen, SJ., Warrington, G. 2012. Validation of a Jockey’s Food Diary using the SenseCam. SenseCam 2012. Oxford, UK.

May, G., Fitzpatrick, P., Cullen, SJ., Kelly, L., O'Hagan, A., Warrington, G. An Analysis of the Impact of Acute Sleep Deprivation on Repeat Cycling Time Trial Performance. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 43(5), 2011.

Conroy, K., May, G., Roantree, M., Warrington, G., Cullen, SJ., McGoldrick, A. 2011. Knowledge Acquisition from Sensor Data in an Equine Environment. DaWak. 432-444.

Cullen, S., May, G., Warrington. 2011. Novel Sensing Technologies in an Equine Environment. Big Ideas Showcase. Dublin Convention Centre

Cullen, S., Warrington, G. D., Dolan, E. & Moran, K. 2009. An Analysis of the Impact Forces of Different Modes of Exercise as a Causal Factor to the Low Bone Mineral Density in Jockeys. In:  International Conference on Biomechanics in Sport, Limerick, Ireland.

Susta, D., Cullen, S., Hall, M. 2008. Teaching Symmetry in Children. PE PAYS Annual Conference. The University of Limerick.

Cullen, S., Blazevich, A., Horne, S., Denis, R. & Korff, T. 2007. Relationship Between Leg Stiffness and Maximum Power Production during Jumping in Children. Journal of Sports Sciences: Annual Conference of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, 25, S48.

Professional Membership:

• British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES)
• International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK)
• Sport Ireland Institute’s High Performance Sport Physiology Service Provider Panel Member

Horse Racing

SarahJane collaborates with key stakeholders in the horse racing industry:

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board (IHRB) formerly The Turf Club: SarahJane is part of IHRB's Research Group helping to coordinate the research programme relating to the health & performance of jockeys.

Horse Racing Ireland: SarahJane was instrumental in the development of the Long-Term Athlete Development Pathway for jockeys and is part of the steering group assisting in the implementation of sport specific education and support strategies.

Racing Academy & Centre of Education (RACE): From 2011-2020, SarahJane acted as the Health Related Fitness Coordinator for young jockeys in Ireland, providing recommendations and guidelines on the health related fitness module delivered to trainee jockeys.

Represented the research group on the Working Group for Jockey Weights, 2021/2022

Collaborates closely with other horse racing nations primarily Australia, HongKong, UK and USA.

Sport Ireland Institute

SarahJane is a Sport Physiology Senior Consultant providing support to high performance athletes and para-athletes in Ireland through Sport Ireland Institute.

SarahJane has completed numerous certifications and workshops to improve her skill set to enhance her teaching and research:

• Epigeum online training in Research Integrity, 2019
• SafeTalk Suicide Awareness for Everyone, 2019
• BDA Sports Nutrition Specialist Group Food Safety Course (RSPH), Sport Wales, 2018
• Food Safety HACCP, 2017
• International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) Level 3 Instructor - Spain 2017; Level 2, Spain, 2016; Level 1 - DCU, 2015
• Level 9 Certificate in Research Supervisory Skills, SETU, 2015
• QQI Level 6 Certificate in Training Delivery and Evaluation, 2015
• ISCD Bone Densitometry Technologist
• NSCA Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• UKSCA Weight Lifting Workshop
• UKSCA Foundation Workshop in Strength & Conditioning

Workshops: Visual Thinkery: Simple Techniques to Improve Visuals in TEL, online 2021; Supporting Writing: How Supervisors Can Support Doctoral Students to Write, online 2021; Supervising Flexibly online 2020, Leading and motivating your research teams, online 2020; Supporting Doctoral Students to Submission – Strategies for Supervisors, NUIG 2020, Researchers - Managing mental health: dealing with imposter syndrome and more, online 2018.

Invited Speaker & Communication:

Radio Deise Today, 2020: Jockey Research Programme

Guest Panelist on “Off the Ball” Panel Discussion on weight cutting and its implications, November 2018.

Shinawil’s Peak Performance: Horse Racing 2017

Guest Speaker: Team Ireland European Youth Olympics Festival (EYOF) preparation seminar, 2017, Sport Ireland Institute - "Competition Preparation".

Keynote Speaker: Jockeys Guild Assembly, December 2016, Las Vegas - "Exercise & Nutrition for Optimum Health & Performance".

Keynote Speaker: American Steeplechase Jockey Education Conference, May 2015, Fair Hill Racecourse, Philadelphia - "Exercise & Nutrition for Optimum Health & Performance".

Guest Speaker: World University Games (WUG) Irish Sport seminar, May 2015, Irish Sport HQ - "Performance Preparation Issues".

Guest Speaker: Team Ireland Youth Olympic Squad seminar, 2013, Athlone IT - "Competition Preparation".

Guest Appearances: "Elev8" RTE's children's programme 2014-2015 - Promotion of physical activity amongst children.

Guest Speaker: "Morning Edition” live television RTE 2013 – “Jockey Safety in National Hunt Racing”.

Science Panelist for Science Foundation Ireland’s National campaign, Smart Futures, 2013 - highlighting career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) for second level students in Ireland.

SarahJane has completed numerous certifications and workshops to improve her skill set to enhance her teaching and research:

• Epigeum online training in Research Integrity, 2019
• SafeTalk Suicide Awareness for Everyone, 2019
• BDA Sports Nutrition Specialist Group Food Safety Course (RSPH), Sport Wales, 2018
• Food Safety HACCP, 2017
• International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) Level 3 Instructor - Spain 2017; Level 2, Spain, 2016; Level 1 - DCU, 2015
• Level 9 Certificate in Research Supervisory Skills, SETU, 2015
• QQI Level 6 Certificate in Training Delivery and Evaluation, 2015
• ISCD Bone Densitometry Technologist
• NSCA Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
• UKSCA Weight Lifting Workshop
• UKSCA Foundation Workshop in Strength & Conditioning

Workshops: Visual Thinkery: Simple Techniques to Improve Visuals in TEL, online 2021; Supporting Writing: How Supervisors Can Support Doctoral Students to Write, online 2021; Supervising Flexibly online 2020, Leading and motivating your research teams, online 2020; Supporting Doctoral Students to Submission – Strategies for Supervisors, NUIG 2020, Researchers - Managing mental health: dealing with imposter syndrome and more, online 2018.