Dr Alison Yeates

Overview

Dr Alison Yeates is a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University. She was awarded her PhD in Human Nutrition from Ulster University in 2009 having previously graduated from Ulster with a Masters in Research and a BSc in Human Nutrition (with Diploma in Industrial Studies).

Dr Yeates has 15 years postdoctoral research experience in the Nutrition Innovation Centre for Food and Health (NICHE), working primarily within the Fish and Seafood in Health (FISH) group , which examines the health benefits of fish and seafood across the lifecycle. Alison is part of the Seychelles Child Development Study (SCDS), an international consortium studying the impact of contaminants and nutrients from fish consumption during pregnancy on child health and development. This is in partnership with the University of Rochester, USA, the Ministry of Health in the Republic of Seychelles and the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The SCDS research program has helped to inform public health policy and dietary guidelines on the safe consumption of fish in pregnancy.

Alison supervises a number of PhD projects and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is currently Course Director for BSc Hons Biology. She has attracted significant external grant income to date and led projects funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and Swedish Research Council.

Research Interests

• Maternal and infant nutrition
• Role of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids across the lifespan
• Risks and benefits of fish consumption for child development
• Micronutrient modulation of the immune system
• Iodine requirements for health

Teaching Interests

• Lipid metabolism
• Micronutrient deficiencies
• Biochemistry

Professional Membership

• Member, Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment (COT)
• Fellow of Higher Education Academy (HEA)
• Member of the Nutrition Society (UK & Irish Section)
• European Nutrition Leadership Platform (ENLP) Alumni

Administrative Activities

• Wellbeing Champion, School of Biomedical Science
• PURE Co-Editor for NICHE
• School of Biomedical Sciences Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team member
• School of Biomedical Sciences Ethics Filter Committee member