Nicole Morrissey

Nicole is a final-year PhD researcher in Dr. Kate Ellacott’s group, co-supervised by Dr. Craig Beall. Her PhD research investigates the role of the mitochondrial translocator protein in mediating diet-induced inflammation. Excess energy intake, as well as energy insufficiency, leads to increases in inflammatory signalling throughout the body. This is considered to contribute towards comorbidities associated with diets high in saturated fat, and also why it is so difficult to lose weight in obesity.

Before moving to Exeter to pursue her PhD, Nicole completed both her BSc (Hons) Neuroscience and MRes Translational Medicine degrees at the University of Manchester. During this time she worked with Prof. Luckman to investigate satiety- and aversion-mediated signalling from the gut to the hindbrain, as well as with Prof. Loudon on the molecular interface between the circadian and seasonal clocks. She also undertook a professional placement year, where she worked at MicroBioSensor Ltd (Manchester) on early optimisation of their diagnostic devices.

Hobbies: Outside of the lab, Nicole’s hobbies focus on alternative forms of fitness such as aerial arts and Jiu Jitsu. She also enjoys travelling around Europe to attend concerts and festivals, and discovering crazily-flavoured dark beers.

Contact Details

Email: nm400@exeter.ac.uk