1. About us
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  4. Melissa Lacey

Dr Mel Lacey BSc, PhD

Associate Professor

Summary

Mel is a microbiologist with over a decade’s teaching experience at Sheffield Hallam University. She currently teaches microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry across the Biosciences and Chemistry undergraduate and postgraduate degree programme. She leads the Accessibility of Science Research Group in the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre and the interdisciplinary Sheffield Hallam Blue Spaces Network. Mel is the School of Biosciences and Chemistry recruitment and outreach lead.

Melissa Lacey

About

Mel is a microbiologist with over a decade’s teaching experience at Sheffield Hallam University. She currently teaches microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry across the Biosciences and Chemistry undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

She is passionate about improving the accessibly of science from school and college students, to our students here at Hallam, through to the public as a whole. This underpins Mel’s teaching approach, research and roles within her department.

She leads the Accessibility of Science Research Group in the Biomolecular Sciences Research Centre and the interdisciplinary Sheffield Hallam Blue Spaces Network as well as organising the school's STEM ambassador programme.

Teaching

School of Biosciences and Chemistry

College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences

Mel has several internal and external research collaborations that underpin her teaching.

 

Subject area

  • Biosciences

Courses taught

Mel currently teaching microbiology, molecular biology and biochemistry across the Biosciences and Chemistry undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes.

Modules taught

Cellular Biology and Biochemistry and Microbiology, Immunology and Microbiology, Essentials of Biosciences of nursing practice, Integrating the science and practice of nursing, ODP applied science 1, ODP applied science 2, Professional and scientific practice 1, Professional and scientific practice 2, Professional and scientific practice 3, Topics in Biochemistry, undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

Research

Mel’s schools and colleges research focusing around increasing the accessibility and visibility of science and research to primary school through to post-16 students. This work has been supported by grant from the Microbiology Society, Royal Society of Chemistry and the Natural Environment Research Council.
 
University-level pedagogy is centred around inclusive practices and a gaining a greater understanding of how students use and interest with physical and virtual spaces which studying and has been supported by several Sheffield Hallam University grants.
Lacey, M.M., Shaw, H., Abbott, N., Dalton, C.J., & Smith, D.P. (2022). How students’ inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Education Sciences, 12 (12). https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120885
Lacey, M.M., Campbell, S.G., Shaw, H., & Smith, D. (2020). Self-selecting peer groups formed within the laboratory environment have a lasting effect on individual student attainment and working practices. FEBS Open Bio. https://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.12902
 
Mel’s public engagement work is underpinned by organising innovative and inclusive public engagement event both at the university and in partnership with other organisations such as Sheffield Museums Trust. This work has been supported by grants from the Microbiology Society and Applied Microbiology International.
Rawlinson, K.E., Duckett, C., Shaw, H., Woodroofe, M.N., & Lacey, M. (2021). Family-focused campus-based university event increases perceived knowledge, science capital and aspirations across a wide demographic. International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement. https://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2021.1971319
Duckett, C.J., Hargreaves, K.E., Rawson, K.M., Allen, K.E., Forbes, S., Rawlinson, K.E., ... Lacey, M. (2021). Nights at the museum: integrated arts and microbiology public engagement events enhance understanding of science whilst increasing community diversity and inclusion. Access Microbiology, 3 (5). https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000231
 
Microbiology research focusing on bacterial biofilms, novel antibacterial agents and their applications, the microbiome and environmental microbiology. This work has been supported by Microbiology Society, Applied Microbiology International, EC Marie Curie Innovative Training Networks and the Medical Research Council
Rawson, K.M., Lacey, M.M., Strong, P.N., & Miller, K. (2022). Improving the therapeutic index of Smp24, a venom-derived antimicrobial peptide: increased activity against gram-negative bacteria. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23 (14). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147979
Henly, E., Dowling, J., Maingay, J.B., Lacey, M., Smith, T., & Forbes, S. (2019). Biocide exposure induces changes in susceptibility, pathogenicity and biofilm formation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial agents and chemothery. https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01892-18

Publications

Journal articles

Smith, D., Sokoya, D., Moore, S., Okonkwo, C., Boyd, C., Lacey, M., & Francis, N. (2025). Embedding Generative AI as a digital capability into a year-long skills program. Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice. http://doi.org/10.53761/fh6q4v89

Lacey, M.M., Dillon, M.J., Goodman, S., Easton, V., & Graham, A.I. (2025). Erratum: Towards an inclusive conference experience: evaluation of the Education and Outreach Symposium at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2024. Access Microbiology, 7 (5). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.001048

Lacey, M.M., Dillon, M.J., Goodman, S., Easton, V., & Graham, A.I. (2025). Towards an inclusive conference experience: evaluation of the Education and Outreach Symposium at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2024. Access Microbiology, 7 (3). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000995.v3

Krashi, A., Moran, G., Carter-Gordon, A., Lacey, M., Lock, J., & Cotterrell, D. (2024). The Rights of Nature: A call for a policy of mutually assured flourishing. People, Place and Policy Online, 18 (2), 82-96. http://doi.org/10.3351/ppp.2024.6728445459

Lacey, M., Francis, N.J., & Smith, D.P. (2024). Redefining online biology education: a study on interactive branched video utilisation and student learning experiences. FEBS Open Bio. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.13767

Efthimiou, G., Goodman, S., Kelly, B.G., & Lacey, M. (2023). Pedagogy collection: a new innovative teaching and outreach toolkit launched by Access Microbiology. Access Microbiology, 5 (10). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000702

Bertelsen, M., Lacey, M., Nichol, T., & Miller, K. (2023). Mechanistic Insight into the Early Stages of Toroidal Pore Formation by the Antimicrobial Peptide Smp24. Pharmaceutics, 15 (10). http://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15102399

Lacey, M.M., Jones, K.L., Gostić, M., Easton, V., Efthimiou, G., Kelly, B.G., & Graham, A.I. (2023). Reflections on the teaching symposium at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2023. Access Microbiology, 5 (9). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000676.v3

Lacey, M.M., Capper-Parkin, K., Schwartz-Narbonne, R., Hargreaves, K., Higham, C., Duckett, C., ... Rawlinson, K. (2023). University student-led public engagement event: increasing audience diversity and impact in a non-science space. Access Microbiology, 5 (8). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000534.v3

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2023). Teaching and assessment of the future today: higher education and AI. Microbiology Australia. http://doi.org/10.1071/ma23036

Capper-Parkin, K.L., Nichol, T., Smith, T.J., Lacey, M.M., & Forbes, S. (2023). Antimicrobial and cytotoxic synergism of biocides and quorum-sensing inhibitors against uropathogenic Escherichia coli. The Journal of hospital infection, 134, 138-146. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2023.02.004

Lacey, M.M., Shaw, H., Abbott, N., Dalton, C.J., & Smith, D.P. (2022). How students’ inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Education Sciences, 12 (12). http://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12120885

Lacey, M.M., & Efthimiou, G. (2022). A guide to pedagogical research for scientists from a biological sciences background. Access Microbiology, 4 (8). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000416

Rawson, K.M., Lacey, M.M., Strong, P.N., & Miller, K. (2022). Improving the therapeutic index of Smp24, a venom-derived antimicrobial peptide: increased activity against gram-negative bacteria. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23 (14). http://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23147979

Rawlinson, K.E., Duckett, C., Shaw, H., Woodroofe, M.N., & Lacey, M. (2021). Family-focused campus-based university event increases perceived knowledge, science capital and aspirations across a wide demographic. International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement. http://doi.org/10.1080/21548455.2021.1971319

Hunt, B., Saatchi, R., & Lacey, M. (2021). Infrared thermography can detect previsual bacterial growth in a laboratory setting via metabolic heat detection. Journal of Applied Microbiology. http://doi.org/10.1111/jam.15218

Duckett, C.J., Hargreaves, K.E., Rawson, K.M., Allen, K.E., Forbes, S., Rawlinson, K.E., ... Lacey, M. (2021). Nights at the museum: integrated arts and microbiology public engagement events enhance understanding of science whilst increasing community diversity and inclusion. Access Microbiology, 3 (5). http://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.0.000231

Henly, E.L., Norris, K., Rawson, K., Zoulias, N., Jaques, L., Chirila, P.G., ... Forbes, S. (2021). Impact of long-term quorum sensing inhibition on uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. http://doi.org/10.1093/jac/dkaa517

Lacey, M.M., Campbell, S.G., Shaw, H., & Smith, D. (2020). Self-selecting peer groups formed within the laboratory environment have a lasting effect on individual student attainment and working practices. FEBS Open Bio. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.12902

Henly, E., Dowling, J., Maingay, J.B., Lacey, M., Smith, T., & Forbes, S. (2019). Biocide exposure induces changes in susceptibility, pathogenicity and biofilm formation in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial agents and chemothery. http://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.01892-18

Smith, D., Hoare, A., & Lacey, M. (2018). Who goes where? The importance of peer groups on attainment and the student use of the lecture theatre teaching space. FEBS Open Bio, 8 (9), 1368-1378. http://doi.org/10.1002/2211-5463.12494

Curran, T., Abacha, F., Hibberd, S., Rolfe, M., Lacey, M., & Green, J. (2017). Identification of new members of the Escherichia coli K-12 MG1655 SlyA regulon. Microbiology, 163 (3), 400-409. http://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.000423

Lacey, M., Agasing, A., Lowry, R., & Green, J. (2013). Identification of the YfgF MASE1 domain as a modulator of bacterial responses to aspartate. Open Biology, 3 (6), 130046. http://doi.org/10.1098/rsob.130046

Lacey, M.M., Partridge, J.D., & Green, J. (2010). Escherichia coli K-12 YfgF is an anaerobic cyclic di-GMP phosphodiesterase with roles in cell surface remodelling and the oxidative stress response. Microbiology, 156 (9), 2873-2886. http://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.037887-0

Conference papers

Melville, L., Habgood, M.P.J., Kyvelou, A., Smith, N., & Lacey, M. (2018). Building bacterial knowledge: Games as teaching aides for higher-order thinking skills. In Ciussi, M. (Ed.) Proceedings of the 12th European conference on games based learning, (pp. 404-413). Academic Conferences and Publishing International Limited: http://www.academic-bookshop.com/ourshop/prod_6548565-ECGBL-2018-Proceedings-of-the-12th-European-Conference-on-GameBased-Learning-PRINT-VERSION.html

Theses / Dissertations

Maani, R. (2024). Interaction and Functional Impact of Colorectal Cancer Extracellular Vesicles on Escherichia coli. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Peake, N., Lacey, M., & Forbes, S. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00684

Capper-Parkin, K.L. (2024). Development of Antimicrobial Impregnated Catheter Coatings to Prevent Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Infections. (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Forbes, S., Nichol, T., Lacey, M., & Smith, T. http://doi.org/10.7190/shu-thesis-00589

Internet Publications

Lacey, M. (2024). Gut microbiome: meet E coli – the infamous bacteria with an unfair reputation. [Online magazine].

Lacey, M. (2024). British Science Week is an opportunity to look at how we can tackle inequalities in science. https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/opinion/columnists/british-science-week-is-an-opportunity-to-look-at-how-we-can-tackle-inequalities-in-science-dr-melissa-lacey-4547274

Higham, C., Schwartz-Narbonne, R., & Lacey, M. (2024). I’m fascinated by art and science’s shared ability to record the transient. https://nowthenmagazine.com/articles/im-fascinated-by-art-and-sciences-shared-ability-to-record-the-transient-minewater

Lacey, M. (2022). Together at the chalkface - the importance of publishing pedagogical research. https://microbiologysociety.org/blog/together-at-the-chalkface-the-importance-of-publishing-pedagogical-research.html

Lacey, M. (2022). How to Guide #5 focus groups. https://www.lecturemotely.com/copy-of-lab-courses

Lacey, M. (2022). Comment: Changing with the Changes. https://microbiologysociety.org/publication/past-issues/engaging-microbiology/article/comment-changing-with-the-changes.html

Lacey, M. (2019). Bacteria Builder: a game of survival. https://www.the-microbiologist.com/

Media

Lacey, M., & Schwartz-Narbonne, R. (2025). Open Research Conversation - Everyday researchers: Exploring citizen science. University of Sheffield: https://orda.shef.ac.uk/articles/media/Open_Research_Conversation_-_Everyday_researchers_Exploring_citizen_science/28255127/1?file=51845357

Lacey, M., & Schwartz-Narbonne, R. (2024). Citizen science is about bringing people together. [Podcast]. SHU Open Research Podcast

Presentations

Lacey, M., Schwartz-Narbonne, R., Holmes, N., & Rawlinson, K. (2022). Toolkit: making the most of public engagement. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education conference, London

Lacey, M., Rawlinson, K., & Capper-Parkin, K. (2022). Art and Science Case Study: Increasing public  engagement in a non‐science space and the  impact on the audience demographic with  students as presenter. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2022). Peer group interactions with a blended  learning space, how students are using social  media to answer assessment questions. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2022). Peer group interactions with a blended  learning space, how students are using social  media to answer assessment questions. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

Lacey, M., & Rawlinson, K. (2022). Outreach in the curriculum: Impact on  transferable skills and science identity in  undergraduate and postgraduate students. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

Lacey, M., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2022). Online video content with embed active learning  enhances students’ learning experience. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education, University College London

Lacey, M., Rawlinson, K., & Capper-Parkin, K. (2022). Collaborative approach for impactful and representative public engagement activities. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference SHU, Sheffield Hallam University

Lacey, M., Rawlinson, K., & Schwartz-Narbonne, R. (2022). Perceptions of science research: visibility and accessibility of science research and science identity in school children engaging in co-designed research projects. Presented at: Teaching microbiology in higher education symposium, Microbiology Society Annual Conference, Belfast

Lacey, M., & Rawlinson, K. (2021). Outreach in the curriculum. Presented at: Biosummit 2021, Royal Holloway, University of London

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). Perceptions of science research: visibility and accessibility of science research as a career in post-16 Biosciences and Chemistry students. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). How students' inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). Visibility and accessibility of science research in post-16 and higher education Biosciences and Chemistry students and the impact on career aspirations. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference SHU, online

Lacey, M. (2021). How to publish pedagogy articles. Presented at: Microbiology teachers symposium, online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). How to make exam questions ungoogleable. Presented at: Microbiology teachers symposium, online

Lacey, M., & Nichol, T. (2020). Microbiology intro labs via zoom: swabs, masks and belly button fluff. Presented at: LectuREmotely webinar

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2020). How Students' inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Presented at: Biosummit 2020, online

Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2018). Lecture theatre: where people sit and why. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Sheffield Hallam University

Lacey, M., Smith, D., & Campbell, S. (2018). How peer / friendship groups form, and their effect on engagement and attainment. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Sheffield Hallam University

Lacey, M. (2017). The lecturer becomes the student. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, Sheffield Hallam University

Lacey, M. (2017). Learning through Games and Play: The First Year. Presented at: Biology HUBS, Univeristy of York

Posters

Schwartz-Narbonne, R., Oladapo, O., Rahim, A.H., Holmes, N., & Lacey, M. (2021). Investigating the role of coal mine water heavy metal contamination to antibiotic resistance in Sheffield soil microbes. Presented at: BSG Annual Conference, Online

Lacey, M., & Nichol, T. (2021). Microbiology introduction sessions on Zoom: swabs, masks and belly button fluff. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online

Lacey, M., & Rawlinson, K. (2021). Outreach in the Curriculum: Skills development in undergraduate and postgraduate bioscience and chemistry students. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference SHU, Sheffield Hallam University

Postgraduate supervision

Postgraduate supervision

Andrea Nueesch: Experimental Exploration of the Microbiome in Degenerated Intervertebral Discs
Rawan Maani: Extracellular Vesicles Shaping the Colorectal Cancer Microbiome
Kelly Capper-Parkin: Development of Antimicrobial Impregnated Catheter Coatings to Prevent Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection
Magnus Bertelsen: Optimisation of the Therapeutic Index and Delivery Mechanisms of Antimicrobial Peptides
Emma Henly: Antimicrobial adaptation in uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Kirstie Rawson Antimicrobial Peptides from Venom: Structure, Function and Toxicity



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