Tuesday 11th February 2025 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2015, this annual event promotes gender equality and strives to ensure equal access and participation for women and girls in the sciences.
This year, Regent College London proudly acknowledges the contributions of women in our School of Health and Sports Science. Among them is Dr Sophia Ha, a Programme Leader for two undergraduate sports programmes, delivered in partnership with St Mary’s University: Sport and Exercise Science and Sport and Exercise Nutrition.
A lifelong passion for sport
Sophia, a highly respected member of our faculty, grew up in Hong Kong with a deep appreciation for sports and physical education (PE). Encouraged by her parents, she engaged in various activities such as ballet, swimming, badminton, basketball and volleyball – both for enjoyment and to strengthen her respiratory system due to childhood asthma.
Although Sophia’s passion for sports was always evident, it was not until she was 10 years old that she realised it could become a viable career path. Her mother introduced her to the idea of studying PE at university, inspiring Sophia to seek guidance from her teachers about potential career pathways.
By the age of 14, she had already begun training as a lifeguard, and by 18, Sophia obtained a teaching qualification in swimming – further solidifying her dedication to sports and health sciences.
Academic and professional journey
Sophia pursued a well-rounded education, balancing both artistic and scientific disciplines. She earned a BA in Physical Education and Recreation Management from Hong Kong Baptist University in 2011, followed by an MA in Gender Studies and a PhD in Orthopaedics and Traumatology from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2016.
After completing her doctorate, Sophia undertook postdoctoral training to explore her passion for research. However, recognising the importance of teaching experience for career longevity, she transitioned into academia, securing a lecturing position in Hong Kong. After two years in this role, she moved to London in 2022 to continue her academic journey.
Today, Sophia’s role at RCL is a dynamic mix of teaching, administration and research. As a Programme Leader, she oversees curriculum delivery, ensuring alignment with partner university guidelines. She and her team also actively engage in research projects, taking full advantage of RCL’s state-of-the-art Sports and Nutrition Lab.
Exploring biomechanics
Among her many academic interests, biomechanics stands out as Sophia’s primary focus. Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical principles that govern the movement and structure of living organisms, particularly humans and animals.
As an early example of her interest in this field, Sophia points to how, as a teenager, she would observe the different ways in which individuals walk. She came to appreciate how a certain walking gait could make an individual appear more confident and professional. She also observed the older school athletes who were performing well in sports and would imitate their movements.
“At the time, I didn’t realise what I was doing was essentially gait analysis,” Sophia says, “which is one of the scopes of biomechanics. I didn’t realise this until I was in studying my undergraduate biomechanics module.”
“My research explores ways to enhance sports performance while minimising injuries,” Sophia continues. “Finding the balance between the two fascinates me. Understanding why one athlete performs at a higher level than another can be attributed to genetics, but training techniques and biomechanics also play a significant role.”
Meaningful mentorship
Throughout her career, Sophia has found the field of sports science to be both welcoming and inclusive, in Hong Kong and London alike. A key factor in her professional development has been the guidance of a psychology professor she met during her undergraduate studies.
“We connected instantly, and she has supported me throughout my career,” Sophia reflects. “We met on a weekly basis, and she taught me how to create lesson plans just like a real teacher would.” Their mentor-mentee relationship has endured over the years, a testament to the lasting impact of strong academic support.
Now, as a Programme Leader managing a team of eight lecturers, Sophia is eager to pass on her knowledge and support her colleagues in the same way she was once guided. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship, perseverance and passion in advancing both individual careers and the broader field of sports science.
As we observe International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2025, we take pride in highlighting Sophia Ha’s achievements and contributions. Her story serves as an inspiration to future generations of women pursuing careers in this fascinating field.
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