Damaris Morales, MSc
Chevening Scholar and MSc in Physical Activity for Health at the University of Edinburgh. Combining a decade of leadership in business development and marketing with advanced training in exercise science, policy, and health research. Dedicated to building the evidence base for Blue Health Prescribing through surfing, with a long-term vision of shaping scalable, preventive health services.
Focus
Advancing surfing as a measurable, credible, and globally scalable public health intervention. Dissertation research delivered the first controlled wave pool study to establish MET values for surfing, using VO₂ testing, sub-maximal lab testing, heart rate monitoring, and GPS analysis. These findings now inform intervention models that integrate surfing into prevention strategies targeting cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, and sedentary lifestyles.
Evidence that supports prevention budgets with quantified physical and mental health outcomes
Tested delivery models for both wave pool and ocean contexts
Cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit data for decision-makers
Practical guidance for surf operators and health commissioners to scale programmes responsibly
Engagement across the UK, Europe, and the Caribbean, with bilingual communication in English and Spanish.
Core skills
Quantitative data analysis (SPSS) • Research design and interpretation • VO₂ and sub-max testing protocols • Literature review and evidence synthesis • Stakeholder engagement • Project coordination • Data visualisation and reporting • Cross-cultural communication.
Experience
Dissertation Researcher, University of Edinburgh (2024–2025)
Designed and delivered the first controlled wave pool study to measure the intensity of recreational surfing. Combined sub-maximal VO₂ lab testing with heart rate and GPS tracking to establish MET values for paddling, riding, and stationary time. Findings showed surfing consistently reaches vigorous intensity levels known to improve cardiovascular health, while perceived effort underestimated the true physical demand, evidence that strengthens surfing’s case as a public health intervention.
Chief Revenue Officer & Co-Founder, CreateWise Marketing / Absolute Market Development (2020–2024)
Directed remote team of 5; implemented 30+ automated CRM workflows; evaluated national campaigns generating large datasets; delivered analytics for strategic decisions.
Marketing Director, Sandler Training – Miami, FL (2017–2022)
Implemented CRM with 32 workflows; increased inbound leads by 30% and qualified leads by 20%; produced programme evaluation reports; trained staff in data use.
Business Relationship Manager, Opportunity Network (2016–2018)
Managed 1,000+ international members with 85% renewal rate; recruited 1,500+ new members in 2017; stewarded $1.5M in partnerships; analysed retention and acquisition data.
Education
MSc in Physical Activity for Health – University of Edinburgh (2024–2025)
International MBA – IE University (2015–2016)
BA, Political Science & Economics – Manhattanville College (2008–2012)
Evidence to Date and What’s Next
Completed Dissertation
Energy Expenditure and Perceived Exertion in Recreational Surfing: A Controlled Wave Pool Study
Future PhD Work
Phase 1: Comparative study across wave pool and ocean settings with beginner and intermediate surfers, mapping the physiological demands of surfing through lab-calibrated field methods
Phase 2: Structured intervention study measuring physical and mental health outcomes, with cost-effectiveness and cost–benefit analyses
Phase 3: Translation of findings into a practical policy framework with delivery guidance, adaptable protocols, and commissioning tools for surf operators and health agencies
Collaboration themes
Health system commissioning and prevention policy focused on cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and rising sedentary behaviour
Surfing-based Blue Health Prescribing for children, adolescents, and adults
Economic evaluation frameworks to evidence return on investment for prevention budgets
Cross-sector partnerships linking health agencies, surf operators, and community organisations