Louise MacKenzie

Louise MacKenzie is Associate Dean for Education and Student Experience in the School of Applied Sciences at the University of Brighton, where she is also affiliated with the Centre for Lifelong Health. She holds a PhD in vascular biology from Imperial College London and has a strong background in pharmacology and biomedical science education. Her role includes leading learning and teaching initiatives, ensuring assessment consistency, and enhancing student engagement across programs.

Her educational qualifications include a Postgraduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from the University of Hertfordshire, and she is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science. She has previously held research and academic positions at the University of Hertfordshire, NHLI, William Harvey Research Institute, and the University of Oxford.

Louise's research focuses on nuclear receptors, inflammation, NSAIDs, vascular function, and the molecular mechanisms of diseases such as diabetes and pancreatic cancer. She has led interdisciplinary projects using artificial intelligence to predict SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality, including the development of the LUCAS model based on routine blood tests. Her recent publications highlight her work on predictive modeling in infectious diseases and inflammatory pathways.

The most recent articles show a clear trend toward clinical predictive analytics, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and influenza, using biomarkers like lymphocyte count, urea, and CRP. Her work integrates computational chemistry, in vitro pharmacology, and translational research to develop tools for early diagnosis and risk stratification. There is a strong emphasis on practical applications in hospital settings and patient-centered outcomes.

• Senior Fellow HEA (2024)
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science (2023)
• Fellow of the HEA (2014)

Louise has supervised various research projects and collaborated with institutions including Glasgow University, Lincoln University, Oxford University, Hertfordshire University, and IPHAMETRA Institute in Gabon. She has been involved in grant-funded research, including the 'Tabernanthe iboga (TiAE) in isolated pancreatic islets of Langerhans' project (2014–2018). She actively contributes to educational policy as Co-Chair of the Effective Feedback and Assessments Community Group and serves as an External Examiner and advisor for the Institute of Biomedical Science.

She leads the development of educational strategies to improve student engagement with large content loads and promotes active learning through case studies and primary data in pharmacology and biochemistry teaching.