Laura Watkeys

Laura graduated in 2005 with a BSc (hons) degree in Science in Health Exercise and Sport from the University of Wales, Institute, Cardiff, where she also completed an MSc in Biomedical Science in 2012.

Laura holds a technical role at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and is responsible for the management of the Health Assessment Suite and phlebotomy facilities. She is also involved in the university’s strategy for Health and Well-being.

Laura is part of the Vascular Physiology research group, led by Dr Barry McDonnell. Research areas include the exercise and physical activity associated effects on health, and both macrovascular and microvascular haemodynamics, using techniques such as ultrasound and applanation tonometry.

• Webb R, Thompson JES, Ruffino J-S, Davies NA, Watkeys L, Hooper S, Jones PM, Walters G, Clayton D, Thomas AW, Morris K, Llewellyn DH, Ward M, Wyatt-Williams J, McDonnell BJ (2016) Evaluation of cardiovascular risk-lowering health benefits accruing from laboratory-based, community-based and exercise-referral exercise programmes. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med 2: e000089. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2015-000089
• Davies NA, Watkeys L, Butcher LR, Potter S, Hughes MG, Moir H, Morris K, Thomas AW, Webb R (2014) The contributions of Oxidative Stress, Oxidised Lipoproteins and AMPK Towards Exercise-Associated PPAR Gamma Signalling within Human Monocytic Cells. Free Radical Research
• Pearson J, Watkeys LJ, McEniery CM, Cockcroft JR, McDonnell BJ (2014). Cerebral blood flow pulsatility through healthy aging and arterial stiffening. Journal of the American Society of Hypertension 8 (4) e139.
• McDonnell BJ, Coulsen J, Munnery MM, Nio A, Kearney M, Watkeys L, Stohr EJ, Shave R, McEniery CM, Wilkinson IB, Cockcroft JR (2012) The Relationship between augmentation index and retinal flow pulsatility index after administration of GTN and Phenylephrine. Journal of Hypertension 30 e157 – e158.
• Thomas, A.W., Davies, N.A., Moir, H., Watkeys, L., Ruffino, J.S., Isa, S.A., Butcher, L.R., Hughes, M.G., Morris, K. and Webb, R. (2012) Exercise-associated generation of PPARγ ligands activates PPARγ signalling events and upregulates genes related to lipid metabolism. Journal of Applied Physiology, ​112 (5): 806-815.

Laura provides technical support f​or many courses in Health Sciences, including Biomedical Sciences and Biomedical Sciences (Health, Exercise and Nutrition), which involves demonstrating techniques in taught practical classes and also supporting student projects.