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Laura is a Lecturer in Sports Coaching and Performance Analysis at the University of Northampton. Her teaching and research specialise in athlete load monitoring, wearable GPS technology, performance analysis, biomechanics, and applied sport science.

Laura holds a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Lincoln and an MSc in Applied Sport and Exercise Medicine from the University of Nottingham. She is currently completing her PhD at the University of East Anglia and the University of Suffolk, investigating athlete load monitoring using wearable technologies, particularly GPS and accelerometery.

Prior to joining the University of Northampton, Laura was a Lecturer in Biomechanics at St Mary’s University, where she taught undergraduate and postgraduate biomechanics and sport science modules. Before this, she worked as a Biomechanics Technician at Nottingham Trent University, supporting teaching and research within the School of Science and Technology. Laura also has extensive applied experience, having served as Sports Performance and Medical Team Lead at Lincoln City Women F.C., where she led athlete performance monitoring, injury management, and multidisciplinary performance support.

Laura is a member of the International Society of Biomechanics in Sports (ISBS) and the European College of Sport Science (ECSS).

Laura is Module Leader for:

  • SPO1079 Professional Skills for the Coaching Industry
  • SPO2046 Performance Analysis and Coaching
  • SPO2048 The Developing Athlete
  • SPO3064 Performance Analysis Applications

She also contributes to teaching on:

  • SPO1075 Sport Coaching Practice
  • SPO1057 Introduction to Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition
  • SPO1039 How to be Successful at University
  • SPO4001 Dissertation
     

Laura has authored and co-authored publications in leading sport science journals, including the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, the Journal of Sports Sciences and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Her research primarily investigates the validity, reliability and application of wearable GPS and accelerometer technologies for athlete load monitoring and performance analysis in team sports.

  • Dawson, L., McErlain-Naylor, S. A., Devereux, G., & Beato, M. (2025). Interunit reliability of STATSports APEX global navigation satellite system and accelerometer-derived metrics during shuttle run protocols of varied distances and change of direction frequency. Journal of Sports Sciences, 44(1), 117–129. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2025.2555554
  • García, F., Vicens-Bordas, J., Dawson, L., Jaward, M. H., Espasa Labrador, J., & Beato, M. (2026). Assessing the Relationship and Convergent Validity of Player Load and Dynamic Stress Load in Basketball: A Multivariable Regression Analysis. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 21(1), 49–57. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2025-0300
  • Dawson, L., Beato, M., Devereux, G., & McErlain-Naylor, S. A. (2024). A Review of the Validity and Reliability of Accelerometer-Based Metrics From Upper Back–Mounted GNSS Player Tracking Systems for Athlete Training Load Monitoring. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 38(8), e459–e474. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004835
  • Dawson, L., McErlain-Naylor, S. A., Devereux, G., & Beato, M. (2024). Practitioner Usage, Applications, and Understanding of Wearable GPS and Accelerometer Technology in Team Sports. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 38(7), e373–e382. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004781
  • Apps, C., Dawson, L., Shering, B., & Siegkas, P. (2022). Grip socks improve slalom course performance and reduce in-shoe foot displacement of the forefoot in male and female sports players. Journal of Sports Sciences, 40(12), 1351–1359. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2022.2080163