Melissa Lacey

Melissa Lacey is an Associate Professor at Sheffield Hallam University's School of Biosciences and Chemistry, within the College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences. She leads the Accessibility of Science Research Group and the Sheffield Hallam Blue Spaces Network. Her roles include recruitment and outreach lead for the school, and teaching microbiology, molecular biology, and biochemistry across undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Her research focuses on improving science accessibility for students and the public, including grants from the Microbiology Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Natural Environment Research Council. She explores inclusive pedagogy, student use of physical/virtual spaces, and public engagement through innovative events like museum collaborations. Her microbiology research addresses bacterial biofilms, antimicrobial agents, and environmental microbiology, supported by funding bodies including the Medical Research Council.

Lacey's publications span education innovations (e.g., AI integration in curricula) and microbiology breakthroughs (e.g., antimicrobial peptide mechanisms). She advises multiple postgraduate students and actively contributes to conferences and public science initiatives. Her work bridges academic research with community engagement, emphasizing equity and accessibility in science.