Katie Bonnar

What are you doing now?

I am currently undertaking a PhD in Nutrition at the University of Westminster, expanding on the project that I began while I was doing my MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, also at Westminster. My work involves mixed-method research with youth athletes, their parents/guardians, and their coaches in an effort to better understand all three populations’ influences, views, and needs around nutrition education and support.

What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?

Quite a lot of my research involves interviewing participants to understand their realities and viewpoints – I find spending time with someone and discussing topics in-depth to be incredibly rewarding. Young athletes, in particular, are not often asked for their input, so giving them a chance to be part of the research process and have their voice heard is both important to me and extremely satisfying when I see how much these young people have to say and how much sharing their viewpoints means to them. Outside of my research, I absolutely love teaching and being in the human performance lab, assisting our students in developing their skills and expanding their knowledge of our field.

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

A key factor for me was that the Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc programme is accredited by the Sport and Exercise Nutrition register and the Association for Nutrition, allowing me to join these professional bodies upon graduation. This was very important to me. Additionally, as a mature student already living in London, the convenient location of the New Cavendish campus, close to the areas I frequent, made it an ideal choice.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Although I had never studied in the UK before, being a London resident, I didn't have to adapt to living and studying in the city. The main adjustment was getting used to the UK higher education system. However, being located centrally meant my studies integrated seamlessly with my everyday life. I could run errands before or after classes, and if I needed a break, I could visit nearby galleries or museums.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

Two standout aspects were the academic staff and the physiology labs. The staff at Westminster are caring, supportive, and encouraging - I enjoyed working with them so much that I've decided to stay on for a PhD. The physiology labs were also excellent, with access to fantastic equipment that brought the subject's practical side to life. Seeing the human body pushed to its limits in the lab was an exciting and inspiring part of the programme.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

The support from academic staff and lecturers has been brilliant. They are kind, helpful, encouraging, and genuinely invested in student success. I always felt able to approach them for assistance, confident that I would receive the support needed to excel. They constantly look for ways to help students practice and develop their skills, pushing and challenging me positively to become a better performance nutritionist. I'm grateful for the encouragement I received, especially from my project supervisor, which has led me to pursue a PhD at Westminster.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

The physiology labs are exceptional, with a wealth of equipment and expertise that allows for genuinely fascinating research. Practising so many testing techniques and processes was invaluable, giving graduates a well-rounded understanding of how physiology can be assessed and adapted for different clients and goals.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service. 

I applied for the mentorship program and was fortunate to be paired with a fantastic mentor. Through our sessions and the developed relationship, I have been given opportunities, guidance, and connections I never imagined. My mentor has been endlessly supportive and played a significant role in helping me feel confident that I could handle a PhD and that Westminster was the ideal place for my research.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course. 

I became a course representative during my master's degree, which allowed me to assist my cohort with any issues and provide valuable feedback on our shared experiences. The university was receptive to this feedback. I've seen some positive changes implemented for the next cohort, demonstrating the course leaders' willingness to listen and make improvements, making the student experience on the course even better.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

Knowing that the university staff, from the top down, genuinely care about and appreciate having you as a student. Everyone is rooting for your success and is genuinely proud to have you in the Westminster family. This sense of support and goodwill makes a significant difference in your optimism and determination throughout your studies. "We are Westminster” is actively lived out at every level.    

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

The most unexpected aspect was the relationships I built over the years. Lecturers, academic staff, and university staff genuinely take an interest and encourage students' research and studies. A warm, friendly sense of community is on campus, even in the heart of bustling central London. If you take the time to connect with others, you'll find it a welcoming experience.        

There's never been a more exciting time to choose Westminster for your studies. There's a real buzz around the campus with the impressive research and the wealth of opportunities being created. Being a part of this growth and innovation is thrilling. I highly recommend the University of Westminster's Sport and Exercise Nutrition MSc to anyone passionate about immersing themselves in performance nutrition.

What advice would you offer someone considering a career in your field?

If you’re looking to explore performance nutrition as a career, it is useful to remember that people are messy, complicated, and fascinating beings. All of the nutrition knowledge in the world isn’t effective if you can’t get buy-in and trust from the athlete you’re working with. And what works to connect with one athlete, may not work with the next, so accept each athlete as their own person and get to know that person well. Read widely and often so that you can draw from a vast skillset to become a practitioner who sees the whole person, not just a meal plan on a page.