Dr Merlisa Kemp

About me:

Merlisa is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Health and Care Professions (Medical Imaging) with specialised expertise in peripheral and extracranial vascular ultrasound imaging. Her research interests focus on vascular health, advanced imaging techniques, and the role of vascular dysfunction in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Her Doctorate investigated the risk factors for extracranial vascular pathology in patients with Multiple Sclerosis utilising vascular ultrasound imaging.

Merlisa has over 20 years of clinical ultrasound experience across public and private healthcare sectors in South Africa, Ireland, and the UK. Prior to joining Exeter, she served as Head of the Department of Medical Imaging and Therapeutic Sciences at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), where she taught on the BSc Diagnostic Ultrasound programme, examined postgraduate theses, and reviewed postgraduate research proposals. She continues as an Adjunct Scholar at CPUT, supervising Master’s and PhD students.

At Exeter, Merlisa is Programme Lead for the BSc Medical Imaging and MSci Medical Imaging (Diagnostic Radiography) programmes. She also serves as Time for Dementia Lead and Fitness to Practise Lead, and contributed to research governance as a member of the University of Exeter Medical School and Health and Care Professions Research Ethics Committee.

Merlisa participated in the 100 Black Women Professors NOW programme (2025 cohort), delivered by  Women's Higher Education Network (WHEN), which aims to advance equity of opportunity for Black women in academia. She is committed to inclusive leadership, empowering students and colleagues, and fostering an equitable academic environment. Through her leadership and research, she seeks to support others’ growth while continuing to advance her own academic and professional career.

Grants:

·       Conference Committee (ConfCom)-University Capacity Development Grant, CPUT

·       Thuthuka grant,National Research Foundation, South Africa

·        University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) -Improvement of Qualification Programme (IQP) Fund, CPUT

·       University Research Fund (URF), CPUT

·       Teaching and Development Grant, CPUT