Dr Nilam Khan
Research Associate

Profile

Biography

I am a Research Associate working on evaluating Adventure Learning programmes, funded by the Education Endowment Foundation.

I joined the University of York in August 2024, and was lead researcher on the DIAMONDS URDU programme development grant, which looked at the feasibility of translating and delivering a diabetes management intervention (randomised controlled trial) to South Asian individuals with severe mental illness. I delivered community focus group sessions in Yorkshire and the Midlands. During my tenure, I (line) managed our Research Assistant and led on the publication of a qualitative systematic review protocol.

Prior to starting at University of York, I have conducted research at Loughborough University (LU) and worked as Research Associate on a Wellcome-funded longitudinal birth cohort study.

Career

I work closely with several stakeholders including NHS Trusts, charities and community groups in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Currently, I am project co-lead on the Diversity and Inclusion project at Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust.

My PhD research thesis entitled ‘Eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea and exercise challenge to assess exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in University athletes’ was awarded in 2020, from the department of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. My PhD work involved quantitative data collection methods and recruitment of coaches and 200+ student athletes from the BUCS leagues.

After completing my PhD, I worked as Research Fellow on the Wellcome-funded Born in Bradford, Age of Wonder longitudinal birth cohort study where I successfully recruited secondary schools and established collaborative relationships with over 20 schools and stakeholders. I was instrumental in providing outputs for the mental health and wellbeing outcomes from BiB Age of Wonder and actively supported collation of both quantitative and qualitative data for the study.

Simultaneously, I was awarded the ELIXIR-UK Fellowship (2022), which involved delivery of workshops in data management. I was secondary supervisor to Masters of Public Health students at the University of Bradford.

At Loughborough University, I was Project Lead for the PROWORK return-to-work Mental Health project (LU), which was funded by the UK Department for Work and Pensions. In this project, I supported workplace mental health for people on long-term sick leave. I also led consultation work with a project funded by the Lord Mayor’s appeal during my tenure at Loughborough University. Through my personal involvement in community work and physical activity initiatives, I have been instrumental in instigating community engagement and recruitment strategies for the Charnwood Active Healthy Living project at the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, in Loughborough University.

University roles

I was Lead for the Research Showcase event (2025) at the Department of Health Sciences

Research

Projects

EEF Adventure Learning programmes (The Outward Bound Trust and Commando Joe’s)

Research group(s)

PERC

Publications

Selected publications

Teaching

Undergraduate

I have taught Exercise Physiology, Human Genetics and Biochemistry modules at Loughborough University. I also supervised undergraduate students at LU.

Postgraduate

I have been secondary supervisor for Masters of Public Health students at the University of Bradford, 2023-2024.

External activities

Invited talks and conferences

Invited speaker at Muslim Wellness Conference 2025, Doncaster.