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Mel Lacey

@mellacey.bsky.social
710 followers 582 following 74 posts

Associate Professor at Sheffield Hallam University. Pedagogy Editor for Access Microbiology. Here for the molecular microbiology, HE pedagogy and outreach... and a side of crafting. All views, and typos, are my own. She /her.

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Reposted by Mel Lacey
Open Research, University of Sheffield @openresshef.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Followed by an excellent talk from @maddipow.bsky.social on the marginalised researchers whose valuable expertise on openness should be better incorporated into our thinking on open research and research culture including women, indigenous scholars, and arts and humanities researchers.
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Open Research, University of Sheffield @openresshef.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Brilliant morning at OpenFest 2026 with interesting, thoughtful and motivating insights from @dangoodley.bsky.social on the work of the Wellcome Anti-Ableist Research Culture project and @mellacey.bsky.social and Alban Krashni from the @riverdonproject.bsky.social about working with communities.
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🌈 Dr Ross Brooks @rossbrooks.co.uk · 30/01/2026
My first book, Darwin and the Queer Origins of Life, will be published by Yale University Press on 11 August (UK) and 8 September (US). Please help spread the word! 🙏 UK: yalebooks.co.uk/book/9780300... @yalebooks.bsky.social 🏳️‍🌈📚🐵 US: yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300... @yalepress.bsky.social 🏳️‍⚧️ 🗃️🦋
Jacket design for Darwin and the Queer Origins of Life: A History of Sex and Science by Ross Brooks. It features a historic, drawn image of a gynandromorph gypsy moth, with distinctive female patterning on its left side and male on its right. Against a black background, the image and text (title and author's name) are brightly rendered in a spectrum of colours resonant of the Progress Pride Flag.
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Check out our most recent publication. New undergraduate students use of social media forms an integral part of their studies, with different groups being used for different functions @dave-thesmith.bsky.social @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social doi.org/10.1042/ETLS...
doi.org
Peer group social media interactions within a blended learning space
This study explores how undergraduate students form and engage in peer-to-peer social media interactions within a blended learning environment. Drawing on questionnaire responses from 158 students and...
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Prof. Ian Turner @docwiththesocs.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Game Changer: Exploring the Role of Board Games in the Lives of Autistic People link.springer.com/article/10.1... #BoardGames #Autisim #GameBasedLearning
link.springer.com
Game Changer: Exploring the Role of Board Games in the Lives of Autistic People - Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
This mixed methods paper reports findings from three studies examining the overlap between autism and hobbyist board gaming. The first was a quantitative survey of over 1600 board gamers, showing…
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 04/12/2025
Annual Conference is the UK's largest annual gathering of microbiologists. Register now to secure your spot: microb.io/AC26Register #Microbio26
Night view of Belfast City Hall illuminated with colourful lights, promoting  registration for Annual Conference 2026 at ICC Belfast from April 13-16.
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 21/11/2025
We are delighted to announce Microbiology Horizons, the new title connecting microbiology with data science, engineering, social science and other disciplines to address global challenges. Read the full announcement: microb.io/4o8FyuX
Visual description: Invitation for people to discover the Microbiology Society's new journal: Microbiology Horizons. In the image, the cover design of Microbiology Horizons is also visible, emphasising cutting-edge microbiology research and solutions.
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Happy to share our latest research about undergraduate students as role models for new scientists. shura.shu.ac.uk/36347/1/Lace...
shura.shu.ac.uk
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Alice Roberts @profaliceroberts.bsky.social · 30/08/2025
For over 25 years, science and discovery centres have been at the heart of inspiring millions of people to explore, question, and be part of UK science and technology. But they're seriously under threat… 1/3
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ViCEPHEC Conference @vicephec.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
We're working on building a #ViCEPHEC25 starter pack, which you can find here. Starter packs let you follow a group of people at once. Message if you'd like to be added/removed - this is very much a work in progress. go.bsky.app/FffPieC
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c0nc0rdance @c0nc0rdance.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Do dogs really understand words or are they just responding to inflection & body language? This 2018 study using fMRI brain-mapping says they *DO* understand our words. I'll explain, but first, let's acknowledge the adorable participants, 12 dogs who were trained at home to retrieve two objects.
Figure 1:  "Individual dogs and their trained objects. All 12 dogs successfully trained to retrieve two objects using object names as verbal referents."

They're presented in a grid as adorable pups with their two trained objects.
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Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference @ukstemconf.bsky.social · 16/05/2025
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr @farhanagokhool.bsky.social (University of Bedfordshire) as our second keynote at #UKSTEMConf25! She’ll share her insights around maths anxiety, and how inclusive, empathetic support can break down barriers for underrepresented & neurodiverse STEM learners.
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 26/06/2025
The Society has supported the microbiology community for 80 years. Now we invite you to get involved by submitting your research, helping to shape the future of science and innovation. Publish with us - microb.io/Publishing-f...
Advertising about the Microbiology Society's 80th Anniversary, inviting people to publish their microbiology articles with us, the call to action is "Submit Today"
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Erin Brady shared how in depth qualitative analysis of students' experiences can be shared through stories #ukstemconf25 My take homes: 1) Longitudinal interview data is awesome 2) need to be careful tell students the stories of other, as we speak from own lens 3) stories let students feel seen
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Dylan Jones gives an holistic view of decolonising the BMS curriculum #ukstemconf25 May take homes: 1) listening to students is essential 2) staff are onboard 3) lack of diverse medical images is massive issue
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Becky Barnes et al taking about how to support students with exams #ukstemconf25 My take homes: 1) evaluation of exam skills is key 2) mock exams are really useful 3) give students expalmars of exam answers of different grades 4) what are students doing with all the exam questions they request
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
First subject talk of the day #UKSTEMConf25. Chris Love talking about student self support. My take homes 1) transitioning to HE requires different study skills 2) students can be taught self evaluation & study skills theories in an accessible way 3) this can be scaffolding into to subject module
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Super excited for the #LSTeachingInnovationAwards #UKstemconf25
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Innovative work from Holly Matthews et al in using card cards to teach health and safety #ukstemconf25 My take homes: 1) These card games are awesome 2) and an open resource figshare.edgehill.ac.uk/articles/edu... figshare.edgehill.ac.uk/articles/edu... figshare.edgehill.ac.uk/articles/edu...
figshare.edgehill.ac.uk
Health and Safety Hazard Hunter: A Hazard Symbol Card Game
This interactive card game is designed to teach students about key Health and Safety symbols that they will come across during their studies in Biomedicine, Medicine and/or Chemical Sciences. We also ...
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
@annajkirkham.bsky.social starts the lab skills strand with her work on integrating videos into labs. #ukstemconf25 My take homes are: 1) videos of lab skills can be used by students at different times 2) ask students what videos they'd find helpful 3) film students are great at making videos
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Kathryn Dudley next up talking about barriers to uptaking a BMS placement #UKSTEMConf25 My take homes: 1) accessibility of BMS placements is important 2) funding is key 3) travel and cost is a close second 4) those with disabilities and those who are carers are less likely to apply
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Great first subject talk #UKSTEMConf25 by Sam Johnson. Using the self-efficacy framework to better understand first year students to better. My take homes: 1) mastery is success as well as practice 2) stress is important 3) students need skills/ framework to manage stress and time management
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David Smith @dave-thesmith.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
I’m happy to share that our latest paper 📜 is now online. Embedding Generative AI as a digital capability into a year-long skills program. | Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice doi.org/10.53761/fh6...
doi.org
Embedding Generative AI as a digital capability into a year-long skills program. | Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Check out our latest paper: doi.org/10.53761/fh6... We co-designed our MSc programme to embed AI skills, confidence and ethical understanding. This couldn’t have happened without our amazing student co-authors: Dami, Skye, Charlie and Chinenye @dave-thesmith.bsky.social @nigelfrancis.bsky.social
doi.org
Embedding Generative AI as a digital capability into a year-long skills program. | Journal of University Teaching and Learning Practice
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Pesky Professor @peskyprofessor.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
True story ⤵️
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
Super proud to be part of the ##UnravellingBiofilms workshop at the #FoFD @festofdebate.bsky.social. We were chats to folks about sewage fungus, river pollution and our hopes for the Don and her catchment... whilst crafting! #Crochet #NeedleFelting #SciArt @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
They've grown up so fast.... and now the nest is empty 😔. They did really well though, 6 fledglings from 8 eggs
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 12/05/2025
AMR remains a serious and growing challenge, despite the UK’s National Action Plan. The Microbiology Society continues to champion evidence-based policy and expert engagement. Find out more here: microb.io/3VrnC3m
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 06/05/2025
External Event Grant Awards of up to £750 are available for eligible members as a contribution towards the costs of registration, travel, and accommodation to attend an event beginning in the period 01 Sept – 31 Dec 2025. Apply now before the deadline 01 July at 23:59 BST- microb.io/453Lo8W
microb.io
External Event Grant
Funds are available to support eligible members presenting work at scientific or education meetings, short courses or training events relevant to Microbiology.
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Babies!
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 27/04/2025
Applications for Outreach and Engagement grant are now open. Eligible members can apply for up to £1000 to support relevant science outreach or public engagement initiatives. Apply before the deadline 01 May 25 at 23:59 BST. Apply here: microb.io/OutreachandE...
microb.io
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
This is a lovely and well considered @microbiologysociety.org paper introducing and comparing three different citizen science projects. I'd strongly recommend a read for those thinking of starting a #CitizenScience project as well as folks interested in #PublicEngagement and #Outreach
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Prachi Stafford @dodoscientist.bsky.social · 16/04/2025
📢 we have a fully-funded #PhDOpportunity 🎓🧬 #Oral Bacteria and #Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Role for the Integrated Stress Response.’’ 📅 Deadline: May 13th 🔗 Apply here: www.findaphd.com/phds/project... 📢 Please share widely #PhDOpportunity #GTA #AlzheimersResearch #Microbiology #ISR
findaphd.com
Oral Bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Role for the Integrated Stress Response at Sheffield Hallam University on FindAPhD.com
PhD Project - Oral Bacteria and Alzheimer’s Disease: A Potential Role for the Integrated Stress Response at Sheffield Hallam University, listed on FindAPhD.com
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Super proud of this paper with @dralisongraham.bsky.social @mdillonphd.bsky.social et al. In this work we reflected on how to make a conference session more accessible, did those things @microbiologysociety.org 🦠👩‍🏫 and the evaluated the session - and we made a difference 🥳🥳 doi.org/10.1099/acmi...
doi.org
Towards an inclusive conference experience: evaluation of the Education and Outreach Symposium at the Microbiology Society Annual Conference 2024
The Microbiology Society Education and Outreach Symposium serves as a platform for microbiology educators to share contemporary practices with an international audience. The Symposium is held yearly d...
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Prof. Ian Turner @docwiththesocs.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
New Paper: Educational #boardgame for training dental and dental hygiene students in patient safety issues bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.... #GameBasedLearning
bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com
Educational board game for training dental and dental hygiene students in patient safety issues - BMC Medical Education
Background Game-based learning has become increasingly popular in medical education. This study used an originally designed board game to train dental and dental hygiene students in patient safety,…
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Your girl has eggs! We've called her Greta
Great tit in nest box with 7 eggs
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RSPB @rspb.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
You counted, you waited, and now...the #BigGardenBirdwatch results are officially in! 📣 But who has claimed the number one spot for 2025? For the full analysis, head here: brnw.ch/21wRR4d
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British Ecological Society @britishecologicalsociety.org · 03/04/2025
🤔 Are you interested in helping to tackle the nature and climate crisis? We are looking for up to 6 members to join our voluntary Policy Committee in spring 2025 who can help us shape BES's policy work and contribute to the Society's goal of putting ecology at the heart of decision-making.
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
I am currently obsessed with the great tits building a nest in my garden 🪹 🐦
Great tit in nest box with a beak full of moss
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 20/03/2025
Applications for Outreach and Engagement grant are now open. Check your eligibility and apply before the deadline 01 May 25 at 23.59 BST- microb.io/OutreachandE...
microb.io
Outreach and Engagement Grant
Eligible members can apply for up to £1000 to support relevant science outreach or public engagement initiatives that engage new audiences in the art and science in any aspect of microbiology.…
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
We had an absolute ball running our Water Quality Live Lab at @riverdonproject.bsky.social Faethm exhibition with @weareopus.bsky.social @hiveit.co.uk @hallam-biosci-chem.bsky.social and @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social. Shout out to @amycartergordon.bsky.social, that girl knows how to throw a party
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 10/03/2025
Happy science week! To start us off here are some pictures from our public engagement event last week 'the Nature of Science' #BSEW25 #PublicEngagemnt #Outreach #SciComm
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 06/03/2025
Education and Outreach member, @mgostic.bsky.social shares insights from her project, 'Crafting Biochemistry: TikTok meets Molecules.' This blog explores how TikTok can be a powerful tool for communicating scientific ideas to engage students. Read the blog:
microb.io
Crafting Biochemistry: TikTok Meets Molecules
The Education and Outreach Network is a group of national and international Microbiology Society members interested in educating students at all levels of study and members of the public about…
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 09/03/2025
Join the 'Champions of Change' session at #Microbio25 for an opportunity to learn from each other’s triumphs and challenges while amplifying underrepresented and historically marginalised voices. Registration is still open - microb.io/AC25Registra...
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Prachi Stafford @dodoscientist.bsky.social · 08/03/2025
🔬 Happy #InternationalWomensDay! Proud to be one of the many women in #Biosciences & #Chemistry working to make a difference in #Science and #Education through #Research and #Teaching. 🧪📚 Love working with this inspiring bunch. #IWD2025 #WomenInSTEM @hallam-biosci-chem.bsky.social #ChemSky #BioSky
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Microbiology Society @microbiologysociety.org · 28/02/2025
This LGBTQ+ History Month find out more about the 4th LGBTQ+ Networking Event with Trans and Nonbinary pre-meet, organised by our members and taking place at our Annual Conference on 1 April. Register today:microb.io/AC25Social #LGBTplusHM #Microbio25
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Mel Lacey @mellacey.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
Check out this lovely #pedagogy paper in #AccessMicro @microbiologysociety.org The lovely @mdillonphd.bsky.social et al. share their digital card game, which teaches how the immune system responds to different microbes. Solid 10/10. doi.org/10.1099/acmi...
doi.org
Beyond lectures: leveraging competition, peer discussion and real-world scenarios in a digital card game to enhance learning of microbiology and immunology concepts
Teaching the complex interactions between hosts and pathogens is a fundamental yet educationally challenging aspect of life science and healthcare education. The intricate mechanisms of the immune sys...
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Alison Graham @dralisongraham.bsky.social · 03/03/2025
We are honoured that Prof. Jo Rushworth will be joining us for the Education & Outreach Symposium at #Microbio25. Try to "crack the code" before attending to be in with a chance of winning a prize! padlet.com/jrushworth1/... @microbiologysociety.org @mellacey.bsky.social @mgostic.bsky.social
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Prachi Stafford @dodoscientist.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
🔗 Register for in-person attendance: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/catalysing... If you are unable to attend in person, you can join us online. 💻 Join online: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/catalysing...
eventbrite.co.uk
Catalysing Diversity- A Chemistry Seminar Series for All- In person
A series of talks to improve visibility of scientists from diverse backgrounds and identities in Chemistry and chemical sciences.
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Prachi Stafford @dodoscientist.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
📢Join us for "Catalysing Diversity – A Chemistry Seminar Series for All"! Hear from scientists from minoritised, LGBTQ+, & neurodivergent communities as they share their journeys & insights. 🎤 Speaker: Prof Robert Mokaya, OBE, FRS 📅 March 5th|⏰ 5–6 Hybrid #chemsky #Inclusivity #Diversity #RSC
Talk by Professor Robert Mokaya, OBE, FRS on March 5th at Sheffield Hallam University from 5-6 pm. Hybrid delivery see links below to register.
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