Dr Samantha Harrison

I am a Professor in Respiratory Rehabilitation at Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK.

I graduated with a joint BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Sport Science from Northumbria University in 2006 and completed an MSc (pre-registration) in Physiotherapy in 2009 at Leeds Beckett University.

In 2009 I began working at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester in the pulmonary rehabilitation department where my time was split between research and the clinical service. I was awarded my PhD in 2014 from the School of Psychology, University of Leicester, which comprised of a mixed-methods study exploring illness perceptions following an acute exacerbation of COPD to inform tailored strategies to enhance pulmonary rehabilitation.

In 2013 I moved to Toronto, Canada to complete my international post-doctoral training in respiratory medicine and pulmonary rehabilitation, at West Park Healthcare Center. I also delivered teaching in cardio-respiratory in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto.

In September 2015 I returned to the UK to commence my position as a Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at Teesside University. I was awarded my Professorship in 2021. I hold an NIHR advanced fellowship to co-create personalised, multifaced balance training delivered alongside pulmonary rehabilitation for people with COPD. I am the co-lead for the Council for Allied Health Professionals Research Network North East of England hub.