Samantha Abbott is a Postgraduate Researcher in the Department of Sport Science at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). Her research primarily focuses on whether the use of nutritional interventions, such as pre- and probiotics, can improve the health and performance of female athletes, through favourable manipulation of the gut microbiota. She is also interested in understanding the role of the menstrual cycle on gastrointestinal symptoms, and the impact of these on exercise performance and nutrition. Sam is also an SENR accredited sports nutritionist and has worked with athletes from a range of sports, including rugby, hockey, football, swimming, and athletics.