Combining a PhD with a professional ice hockey career is no easy task

Luke Piggott, who completed his PhD earlier this year and is now a member of staff in the School of Biosciences and the European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, has been selected to represent the University in the World University Winter Games in Trentino, Italy.

During his PhD, Luke published a paper about a treatment that prevented the spread and relapse of breast cancer. He also balanced his studies with sport and for the last three years has been a full-time player for the Cardiff Devils in the Elite League, the highest level of men’s ice hockey in the UK.

He helped the Devils to the final of the Elite League play-offs in 2011-12 and the semi-finals in 2012-13, also picking up the award for the team’s most improved player in the latter season.

Having previously represented GBR in Torino 2007 and Harbin 2009, Luke will captain the Men’s Ice Hockey team in this year’s Games after being chosen in a ballot of Great Britain Team Managers. He will also be the flagbearer at the opening ceremony on 11 December kicking off the start of Games and 11 days of competition.