An amazing team of highly experienced teachers are responsible for developing LifeLab's programmes and resources. The LifeLab Directors provide direction and guidance, bringing together expertise in medicine, nutrition, epidemiology, cardiovascular science, psychology, behavioural science and science education.
The Education and Engagement Team
Lisa Bagust
Secondary LifeLab Programme Manager
Lisa is the education lead for our secondary school and college programmes, including the Young Health Champions’ qualification. A member of the education team since 2013, Lisa teaches on our secondary LifeLab day and delivers professional development training to teachers and researchers.
Kate Bartlett
Developing Talent Lead
Kate joined LifeLab in 2018 and manages the LifeLab Medics Summer School and our work experience programmes. Kate is also responsible for promoting the LifeLab experience to schools and colleges across the South coast as part of the University's Widening Participation commitment.
Claire Colbain
LifeLab Technical Lead and LifeLab Online Developer
Claire, who joined the team in 2018, runs and develops the practical work that takes place in LifeLab in her role as Laboratory Technician along side Beth. Claire also develops online course content for LifeLab Online and acts as the site administrator.
Rachel Gagen
Early LifeLab Teaching Fellow
Rachel joined the team in 2020 to create educational materials for primary schools about COVID-19. Rachel now works with Natasha to develop the Early LifeLab Health Warriors programme - science based fully resourced modules of learning.
Elizabeth Gill
LifeLab Technical Lead
Elizabeth joined in 2025 and works with Claire to run and the practical work that takes place as part of the LifeLab Secondary programme and other LifeLab visits. She supports the running and upkeep of the LifeLab facility.
Natasha Green
Early LifeLab Teaching Fellow
Natasha joined the team in 2020 to create educational materials for primary schools about COVID-19 and has since worked on developing the Early LifeLab Health Warriors programme. Natasha is also involved in the Young Researchers Training Programme.
Donna Lovelock
Early LifeLab Programme Manager
A member of the education team since 2015, Donna is lead for Early LifeLab. She supports the delivery of the primary programme and teaches on our secondary and A-Level LifeLab days and the summer school programme.
Morgan Mason
Early LifeLab PhD Student
Morgan is a postgraduate researcher pursuing her PhD with Early LifeLab since autumn 2023. She is currently researching ways to evaluate the Early LifeLab intervention and how to best assess health through the child’s experience. She also assists with Health Conversation Skills training and similar events with the LifeLab team.
Nikhil Mistry
NxtGen Co-ordinator
Nikhil joined in August 2025 and coordinates LifeLab’s NxtGen Researcher Programme and Academy. He manages and delivers the programme, which trains young people in research skills and gives them the confidence to conduct research projects on matters that mean the most to them.
Kathryn Woods-Townsend
LifeLab Director
Kath has been the Programme Manager for LifeLab since 2009 leading on the development and delivery of the education programmes at all levels. Kath also sits on the LifeLab Board of Directors, providing leadership and direction to the LifeLab team.
