Valeria Varea

About Valeria Varea

Valeria Varea has completed her PhD at the School of Human Movement Studies at the University of Queensland, Australia (title: The body as a professional ‘touchstone’: Exploring Health and Physical Education undergraduates’ understandings of the body). She was then appointed as a lecturer in Health and Physical Education at the University of New England, Australia. In 2018, she left Australia to to work as an associate senior lecturer at the School of Health Sciences at Örebro University, Sweden.

Research

Valeria’s research focusses on the body, health and physical activity in Physical Education and sport contexts. Dr Varea uses sociocultural perspectives and qualitative methods to explore and critique people’s engagement in physical activity and perceptions of the body.

Teaching

Valeria has trained as a Health and Physical Education teacher and has considerable teaching experience in the tertiary level, particularly in Physical Education Teacher Education.  She has continuously taught at university level for more than sixteen years and has experience in teaching at school and sport coaching contexts. Valeria has taught to students from a wide variety of ages, skills and socio-economic backgrounds.

Networks and collaborations

Dr Varea has worked in collaboration with many academics across eleven countries, including Spain, Australia, Argentina and Brazil. She also has wide experience in managing funded and collaborative research projects and development initiatives. Valeria has been a member of numerous committees and has contributed in service to the community, particularly in charity initiatives, promoting health and diversity, and working with local schools.