Research output per year
Research output per year
Room 01.024B - Whitla Medical Building
United Kingdom
Research activity per year
Recently appointed as Senior Lecturer in Physiology, I have made significant contributions to Teaching and Learning in the Centre for Biomedical Sciences Education (CBMSE) and throughout the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences (SMDBS) at an undergraduate level. With my colleagues I coordinate 4 modules on the Human biology and Biomedical Sciences degree programmes. Additionally, I provide significant administrative support for teaching in my role as Demonstrator Recruitment Liaison. My expertise in teaching has been recognised in awarding of a Queen’s Merit Award (SFHEA).
My teaching philosophy centres around the themes of active and inclusive learning as reflected in my teaching methods and my pedagogical research (see table below). One of my passions is to make entry to QUB, and in particular degrees offered by SMDBS, both equal and equitable. The MDBS Pathway Opportunity Programme (POP) which I have helped to develop and currently coordinate ensures accessible entry to QUB for all student regardless of socioeconomic backgrounds. An additional passion is increasing the awareness of how the world around us and the way we live affect how our bodies function, stemming from this concept I have made significant changes to how I deliver teaching such that students are able to make the connection between Physiology and The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Title of study |
Physiology and Sustainable Development |
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Context |
Co-leading a pioneering initiative that inspires students to become passionate activists for both global and local change by connecting the study of Physiology with the principles of Sustainable Development. In collaboration with Drs Sean Roe and Clare Foy from CBMSE, this transformative approach empowers students to explore Physiology not just as a scientific discipline, but as a platform for personal growth, purpose-driven learning, and meaningful activism. This work has recently been accepted for publication in Experimental Physiology, and will be available soon on Pure. Stay tuned for their upcoming webinar with The Physiological Society on 19 October 2025, titled:
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Title of study |
Co-creation with Undergraduate Science students improving EDI in Physiology Practical Teaching |
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Context |
Co-leading a co-creation initiative aimed at embedding inclusion and belonging into Physiology practicals through the integration of student-designed teaching materials. In partnership with three summer students from the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) and Human Biology (HB) degree programmes, the project focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) within the curriculum. Together, we developed resources that reflect a broader range of student experiences and identities, fostering a more inclusive learning environment. This collaborative effort is captured in their recently published paper: This work highlights the power of student voice in shaping meaningful and equitable educational experiences, and serves as a model for inclusive curriculum design across STEM disciplines. |
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Title of study |
Drama inspired medical education |
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Context |
I contributed to an innovative cross-disciplinary study that brings drama-inspired learning into medical education. This project involved drama students performing as simulated patients to portray the lived experience of early menopause, helping second-year medical students contextualize their understanding of reproductive physiology in a more human-centered and empathetic way. The collaboration bridges the gap between biomedical science and the arts, enriching students’ learning of both physiological concepts and behavioural skills. The study is detailed in the paper: This work exemplifies the power of creative pedagogy in fostering deeper engagement and emotional resonance in medical education. |
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Title of study |
Teaching scientific methods |
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Context |
Lead of joint project with the University of Bristol (Dr Dawn Davies and Prof Frankie McMillen) and CBMSE educators (Drs Sean Roe and Laura Montgomery) investigating active teaching methods in experimental design. |
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Title of study |
Ultrasound as a tool for UG teaching |
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Context |
Working in conjunction with Drs Chris Johnson & Sean Roe (CBMSE) we are investigating how ultrasound can be used as an active teaching tool to demonstrate postural & exercise induced changes on heart rate & haemodynamics. |
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Title of study |
Determination of ventilatory threshold equivalents in health individuals exercising to exhaustion. |
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Context |
Working in conjunction with Dr James Jamison (CBMSE) and 2 UG students (which I co-supervise) this study seeks to validate a new exponential protocol for exercise testing which can be used to test health and non-health subjects to identify their anaerobic threshold. |
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Editorial
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
McGahon, M. (Recipient), 20 Mar 2017
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
McGahon, M. (Recipient), 15 Aug 2018
Prize: National/international honour
Quinn, J. (Recipient) & McGahon, M. (Recipient), 2021
Prize: Other distinction
McGahon, M. (Participant)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
McGahon, M. (Speaker)
Activity: Participating in or organising an event types › Participation in conference
McGahon, M. (Chair)
Activity: Other activity types › Other
McGahon, M. (Chair) & Atman, A. (Member)
Activity: Other activity types › Other