Lesley Mickel

Lesley Mickel is an Associate Professor of Literature and Drama at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), based in Inverness. She co-convenes the Humanities and Arts Research Cluster and leads research strategies in Literature, Creative Practice, and Health at UHI Inverness. Her doctoral work at Strathclyde University focused on early modern court theatre, and her current research spans early modern Scottish court drama, creative pedagogy, and healthcare applications of drama. She teaches on BA Literature and leads the BA Drama and Production program, emphasizing socially embedded performance and holistic teaching approaches. Recent projects include a monograph on medieval/early modern Scottish court theatre (Oxford University Press) and collaborations with UHI Nursing Education on palliative care through drama.

Her research interests integrate Renaissance studies, performance studies, and interdisciplinary sustainability. Key awards include Senior Fellowship of Advance HE and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts. She supervises PhD/MRes students in Literature, History, and Creative Practice. Professional memberships include the Society for Renaissance Studies and Theatre and Performance Research Association.

Notable publications include analyses of Mary Stuart’s court entertainments, Ben Jonson’s antimasques, and the Field of Cloth of Gold. Her work bridges historical performance studies with contemporary pedagogical and healthcare innovations.