About

I am subject lead for Sport and Exercise Science, where we have a growing portfolio of industry-aligned undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Research interests

I have supervised several successful PhD and MRes students and am keen to pursue research and collaborate in the following areas:

• Physiology & pharmacology (focus on cardiovascular, respiratory, GI, endocrine)
• Equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in Higher Education

My current PhD student projects include:

• Evaluating inclusive pedagogy in higher education
• Decolonising the curriculum by learning beyond discipline
• Wasted Breath - Assessing the Affects of Environmental Pollution and Respiratory Infections in Industrial Derby

I am also collaborating on a Cochrane Review.

Recent publications

• Dunford L, Clifton A, Stephenson J, Radley K, McDonald L, Fretwell L, Cheung ST, Hague L and Boyle R (2022) Interventions for hyperhidrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2). pp. 1-17.
• Driskel M, Horsley A, Fretwell L, Clayton N, Al-Aloul M. (2019) Lung clearance index in detection of post-transplant bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. ERJ Open Res. 5: 00164-2019
• Carter JJ, Fretwell LV, Woolard J. (2017) Effects of 4 multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors on regional hemodynamics in conscious, freely moving rats. FASEB J. 31(3):1193-1203
• Fretwell LV, Woolard J. (2013) Cardiovascular responses to retigabine in conscious rats--under normotensive and hypertensive conditions. Br J Pharmacol. 169(6):1279-89
• Baker JG, Kemp P, March J, Fretwell L, Hill SJ, Gardiner SM. (2011) Predicting in vivo cardiovascular properties of β-blockers from cellular assays: a quantitative comparison of cellular and cardiovascular pharmacological responses. FASEB J. 25(12):4486-97
• Fretwell L, Dickenson JM. (2011) Role of large-conductance Ca²+-activated K+ channels in adenosine A₁ receptor-mediated pharmacological postconditioning in H9c2 cells. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 89(1):24-30
• Fretwell L, Dickenson JM. (2009) Role of large-conductance Ca(2+) -activated potassium channels in adenosine A(1) receptor-mediated pharmacological preconditioning in H9c2 cells. Eur J Pharmacol. 618(1-3):37-44

Membership of professional bodies

• Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Authority

Professional interests

After graduating from Nottingham Trent University with BSc (Hons.) Physiology and Pharmacology, I completed my PhD with a research project looking into the role of BKCa channels in adenosine-receptor mediated cytoprotection, using H9c2 cells and ventricle strips to model hypoxia-reoxygenation injury.  

I was then awarded a Career Development Fellowship in Cardiovascular Pharmacology & Drug Discovery at the University of Nottingham, where I monitored regional haemodynamic responses in vivo and developed skills in pressure myography.  

In 2013, I joined De Montfort University as a Senior Lecturer. During this time, I led BSc (Hons.) Healthcare Science (CVRS) and BSc (Hons.) Clinical Physiology programmes, and later led the development of a MSc Physician Associate Studies. 

I had a period of time as acting Associate Head of School, with a focus on internationalising the curriculum and programme development, before joining the University of Derby in 2019 as Course Director in Human Sciences. As Course Director, I worked across a broad portfolio of areas (sport and exercise science, biomedical science, forensic science, psychology) with a focus on learning, teaching, and employability.   

In 2024, I attained the role of Subject Lead for Sport and Exercise Science, where I am currently enjoying working with industry contacts and applying my knowledge to clinical and sports science scenarios. A key part of my role is embedding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB) into the curriculum and all we do, including the development and implementation of an EDIB Toolkit that provides practical tips for the classroom.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons.) Physiology and Pharmacology, Nottingham Trent University
• PhD: The role of BKCa channels in adenosine receptor-mediated cytoprotection, Nottingham Trent University

International experience

I have previously taught research methods and statistics to international students on a UK study trip, and have undertaken visits to Hong Kong to build relationships with agents, boost recruitment, and build alumni networks. I have also collaborated with USA-based institutions on curriculum development.  

Teaching responsibilities

I teach on a range of modules, delivering sessions in areas such as research methods, academic skills, nutrition, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.

Additional interests and activities

Travelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, walking, Reformer Pilates, and generally being in nature.