Frans van der Merwe
Senior Academic Staff Member
Contact info
Phone
Location
What do you love about your job?
Having the opportunity to engage with and foster the next generation of practitioners and academics is very important to me. Therefore, I really enjoy those teaching moments where students bring their life experiences and perspectives into the teaching environment to give more “real world” learning context to the theory. Another aspect I love about my job is having the ability to hone my practical skills in the industry and to become a life-long learner through personal and peer research.
What is your experience in the industry?
I have 10+ years of experience in the industry as a strength and conditioner/trainer, ranging from “youth athletic development” to working with Paralympic athletes. As part of this, I have worked as the head strength and conditioner for semi-professional football, basketball, and field hockey teams nationally and internationally.
What are your industry affiliations?
I am a founding member of the New Zealand Strength and Conditioning Association (NZSCA). I am also a level 2 coach with both the NZSCA and the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
What are your qualifications and educational background?
- Master of Science (Sport and Exercise Science)
What are your areas of expertise/research?
I am the lead of strength and conditioning in the degree and postgraduate programs, and I also teach in the musculoskeletal exercise rehabilitation stream. I am currently researching the running demands of field-based invasion sports.
What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Outside of work, I am also a boarding housemaster and the head of strength and conditioning for field hockey. In my spare time, I love reading and spending time with family.
