People

Motorbike success for sports psychologist

Dr Murray Griffin, sport psychologist in the Centre for Sport and Exercise Science, recently became this season's national and northern 750cc motorcycle sprint champion. 

He won both the Elgar Trophy (winning four out of five rounds) and Northern NSA Trophy (winning all five rounds). His worst place all year was third and he ran a personal best terminal speed of 138 Mph over the standing quarter mile. It is the fourth time he has been national champion but is his first win in the 750cc class.

Dr Griffin explained: 'Sprinting is similar to drag racing in that it is an acceleration test over a quarter mile straight track. Just to put it in perspective we go 0-60mph in less that two seconds.   

Taking part in the championship took Dr Griffin as far north as York and as far South as Barnstaple.  Despite his wins, it was a troublesome season for the team in which his bike suffered various technical problems including an engine explosion at over 100mph and a fire in the team's tow van. 

Dr Griffin is hoping next season will be even more successful: 'We have a list of modifications to make over the winter - including rebuilding the gearbox we destroyed during our final run at the final meeting of the year - and we are hoping to run quicker and faster times next year.'

Murray on his motorbike

LSC appointment for Linda Jones

Linda Jones, the University's Director of Business Enterprise and Innovation, was one of two recently appointed new Learning and Skills Council (LSC) Essex members chosen to help steer the strategic planning and funding of post-16 learning in the county.

Linda has worked in higher education for the last nine years in various management positions. Her main focus has been on business development and special projects. Prior to joining the sector, Linda managed a precision engineering business. In recent years she has been the driving force behind the establishment of the University's Southend Centre which is offering education and business development in a part of Essex where rate of participation in higher education has been comparatively low.

Linda said: 'I am honoured and really excited to be joining the LSC Essex Council at this time. Clearly both the FE and HE sector are about to experience enormous change once again and LSCs are going to be at the fore front of implementing new Government policy in this area.'

She added: 'Although Universities traditionally have not had to engage with LSCs up to now, over the next few years this will change and, along with HEFCE, will be significant funders of HE activity. The University of Essex through its work in the development of our new Foundation Certificates has already begun this process and with establishment of our Southend Campus we will play a very important role in implementing LSC strategy. '

Remember to change the page title in page properties.

Also in the printed November edition of Wyvern:

• New fellowships for Sociology
• VC takes to the skies
• Dr Janet Cooper retires