'Exceptional' MDX graduate becomes lecturer alongside former tutors

Poppy Stanton is also studying for a Masters in Strength & Conditioning and running her own sports injury clinic 

A Middlesex University graduate, described as having the “most exceptional” grades, has now become a lecturer at MDX working alongside her former tutors.

Poppy Stanton is now an Hourly Paid Academic at the London Sports Institute (LSI), which is based in the West Stand of the Stone X Stadium.

Alongside lecturing, Poppy is also studying for a Masters in Strength & Conditioning and running her own sports injury clinic, assessing and providing treatment plans for clients.

“Her ability to connect with students is a key skill that is difficult to achieve, but one that seems effortless to Poppy," Jon Cree, Director of Programmes at the London Sports Institute.

Poppy, whose parents are British, was born and grew up in Portugal and her journey with MDX began in 2019 when she attended a university careers fair in the country which featured Middlesex.

After beginning her degree in Sports Rehabilitation in North London, Poppy quickly realised that she wanted to teach herself and became a Student Learning Assistant helping students with revision and supporting academics.

“I fell in love with the supporting aspect and knew I wanted to get into academia,” she said.

For the last 15 months Poppy has been teaching at MDX and developing her expertise through the Masters with a particular focus on the crucial end stage point in rehab when athletes are judged ready to return to action.

Speaking about her time with MDX, Poppy said: “I decided to stay within Middlesex because I’d seen the plans for the new facilities (at the West Stand) and was intrigued and excited.

“The people that taught me are now my colleagues, which was a funny transition, but I felt very honoured to be taught by these lecturers.

“Seeing how open they were to accepting me having a job at the University made me realise this is where I want to be. At no point have I regretted taking up this opportunity.

“I really, really enjoy what I do and the team, and the facilities, so it’s been a great experience both as a student and as staff.”

Jon Cree, Director of Programmes at the London Sports Institute, said: “From the outset, it was clear that Poppy was going to be an excellent student, having maintained a clean sweep of first-class results during her first year of study. This was something that continued throughout her university career, resulting in the most exceptional grade profile I’ve seen in 14 years of teaching.

“Poppy also completed several placements, which would eventually lead to owning her own therapy practice within a year of graduating.  Again, an exceptional achievement.

“Her ability to connect with students is a key skill that is difficult to achieve, but one that seems effortless to Poppy. She is an asset to the LSI."

Find out more about studying for a Masters in Strength & Conditioning at Middlesex University.