Dr Alexander Voisey

PhD FHEA

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

Research Interests

Pharmacological

I am interested in targetting the receptors for the trace amines, trace amine-associated receptors (TAAR) as novel thereapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease with a particular focus on hypertension. Prior to my research the vascular effects of the trace amines were largely focussed on their vasoconstrictor effects. My intital work focussed on confriming a role for TAAR1 in this regard. During these initial studies I identified that trace amines could also elicit a vasodilator response that was largely dependent on endothelium-derived nitric oxide. The role of TAARs in both vasoconstriction and vasodilation has yet to be proven. My current interests involve idenfying the different signalling mechanisms of the trace amines that drive both vasoconstriction and vasodilation with the hope of identifying a novel target for antihypertensive medication. 

Pedagogical

I also have a strong interest in pedagogical research with a focus on the impact of Generative AI and technology enhanced learning. I'm currently interests include assessing the need to embed generative AI skills within the curriculum, student engagment and transparency with AI policys and assessing the use of virtual and augmented reality to enhance the learning experience.    

Teaching

Teaching responsibilities

I currently teach students on the undergraduate Medical Pharmacology BSc. My teaching on the BSc covers all 3 years of the degree course and includes lectures on the physiology and pharmacology of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. More recently I have co-developed a new year 2 module Tropical Disease Pharmacology for which I run a number of workshops. 

Within the MBBCh I am involved in Case Base Learning (CBL) across years 1 & 2 and deliver a plenary lecture in year 1.

Medical Pharmacology Teaching

ME1013 Foundations and Principles of Pharmacology

ME2001 Clinical Anatomy (Module Lead)

ME2355 Medical Pharmacology Research Techniques

ME2360 Application of In-vitro Pharmacology in Research

ME2366 Pharmacology of Non-communicable Diseases

ME2367 Tropical Disease Pharmacology (Module Lead)

ME3055 Cardiovascular Medicine an Evidence-based Approach

ME3057 Advanced Respiratory Pharmacology and Toxicology (Module Lead)

Other teaching-related responsibilities

Scholarship Lead and School of Pharmacy respresentative within HIVE (Hybrid and Interactive Virtual Environments) Innovation Unit

Route lead for BSc Pharmacology Intercalated Route 

Exam Liason Officer Medical Pharmacology

Module lead for Clinical Anatomy, Tropical Disease Pharmacology & Advanced Respiratory Pharmacology and Toxicology

Member of extenuating circumstances comittee

School-related responsibilities

Qualified first aider

HIVE Pharmacy representative 

Biography

Career profile

I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2014. I then completed my MRes. Biomedical Research at Cardiff University in 2015. Following this I worked for 2 years as a laboratory technician in the division of infection and immunity, Cardiff Univerity, School of Medicine. After this I decided to embark on a serious career in research in 2017 and undertook a PhD in Cardiff University School of Pharmacy investigating 'The pharmacology of vascular responses to trace amines'. I successfuly defended my thesis in May 2021 and I was appointed as a Lecturer on the Medical Pharmacology BSc. programme in January 2022.

I am passionate about exploring novel and innovative teaching practices with a strong focus on technology. I am interested in incorporating virtual reality and simulation into my teaching practice and I am currently developing VR and VS resources. I am also interested in the potential of Generative AI in teaching and assesment.

In addition to my academic role. I am an active member of the British Pharmacological Society and current chair of the Early Career Pharmacologists Advisory Group (ECPAG). ECPAG is provides a voice to early career members at the society with input into the Society's council and other comittees. On top of this we are responisible for planning events that are focussed for early career members.  

Qualifications

BSc. (Hons) 2:1 Anatomical Sciences , University of Manchester 2014

MRes (Merit) Biomedical Research, Cardiff University 2015

PhD in vascular pharmacology, Cardiff University 2021

Professional Memberships and Comittees

British Pharmacological Society (Member)

British Pharmacological Society Early Career Pharmacologists Advisory Group Member and incoming chair for 2025.

Academic appointments

Current positions

Lecturer School of Pharmacy - Medical Pharmacology