Maria Burton

Maria Burton MPhil, BA (Hons)

Physiotherapy Senior Research Fellow
Centre for Health & Social Care Research
E-mail: m.burton@shu.ac.uk
Phone: 0114 225 5498
Fax: 0114 225 4377

One of my roles in Lab4Living is to give a ‘health’ perspective to any of the projects under discussion. With a long career in health care practice and research I am able to contribute to the background, the methodologies and ethical/research governance of any projects undertaken. Along with other Lab4Living colleagues I am also involved in liaising with outside agencies, service users, data collection and analysis and report writing.

The projects I am involved in are centred on the care and treatment of children. The projects are wide ranging including quality of life assessment for children undergoing orthopaedic surgery and others with known medical conditions to the use of MRI in assessing hip development. Additionally, I have a number of studies underway about professional development and guidelines for practice.

What inspires me?
My inspiration comes from two sources; witnessing people overcome adversity, whether it be physical, psychological or social. It never ceases to amaze me how people overcome a range of barriers, some of which are needless barriers, and achieve full and rewarding lives. The interaction and laughter I see and hear my son enjoying when he is in the company of his friends and family. Watching him enjoy the company of others and having such fun makes me want to achieve that for all children and teenagers.

Both of these drive me to enable other children to achieve in these areas. Lab4Living provides the opportunity to investigate and design solutions, products and or services, spaces to overcome some of these barriers.