Hello, my name is Eva Albert, and I am currently in my final year of BSc (Hons) Sports and Exercise Science at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
My background
With notable prior modules consisting of Nutrition, Psychology, Anatomy and Physiology, in addition to my dissertation titled ‘Exercise as Medicine: Preventing ASCVD and Enhancing Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes’ my academic journey has always been rooted in a deep curiosity about the body; not just how it moves, but how it feels, adapts, and is shaped by the environments we live in. Further cultivated by previous roles such as Chronic Paediatric Pain Research Assistant within the Center for Pain Research (CPR), this curiosity has evolved into a passion for interdisciplinary health.
Following my academic and professional career, I’ve come to believe that real, lasting health interventions occur at the intersection of biological, psychological, environmental, and social sciences. This belief is exactly what led me to support the MeJARa menstrual health intervention project in Nepal as Health Research and Intervention Assistant within the Department of Social and Policy Sciences at the University of Bath.
The MeJara project: addressing menstrual health and menstrual pain in Nepal.
In this project, I had the opportunity to work alongside a brilliant and dedicated team to develop and deliver a program which addressed menstrual pain through both psychoeducation and practical lifestyle strategies. We grounded our approach in the biopsychosocial model of pain, helping adolescent girls understand that pain isn’t solely physical, it’s additionally shaped by stress, emotions, relationships, and the world around them. With my background in exercise science, I was particularly interested in how lifestyle strategies such as physical activity, sleep and nutrition alongside psychological skills such as deep breathing and visualisation could support girls in managing their menstrual health and decrease pain intensity.Personally, what made this intervention truly meaningful was how we worked with stories, conversations, and collaborated alongside community leaders to challenge stigma and create space for young girls to speak, ask, and feel supported. This project was an important reminder that health education isn’t just about information, it’s about connection, empathy, and providing people with the tools to care for themselves with confidence. It has been an absolute privilege to be part of this work.
Moving forward
Moving forward, I am excited to continue exploring how interdisciplinary and community-rooted approaches can shape more inclusive and empowering health systems for all, particularly throughout my current placement at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CVUHB) as part of their Local Public Health Team. Post graduation, I aspire to complete a Master of Public Health to continue working within health promotion to address Non-Communicable Diseases.
Written by:
Rebecca Evans