Staff Profile

Overview

Iain is a Senior Lecturer in Anatomy in the School of Medical Education (SME) and is an Advance HE National Teaching Fellow. He leads anatomy and embryology teaching for undergraduate, graduate-entry and postgraduate medical and medical sciences degree programmes. He supervises anatomy education research projects conducted by undergraduate and postgraduate research students.

He is Educational Research and Scholarship lead for the pre-clinical (Essentials of Medical Practice) medical degree programme, Education Lead for the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) Reproduction Development and Child Health research theme, and is the School of Medical Education Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator and SME representative for the FMS Unit for Educational Research Development and Practice.

Career

• Senior Lecturer in Anatomy, School of Medical Education, Newcastle University (2019-present) Education Lead for FMS Reproduction Development and Child Health, School of Medical Education Postgraduate Research Co-ordinator, MBBS EOMP Lead for Educational Research and Scholarship
• Lecturer in Anatomy, School of Medical Education, Newcastle University (2015-2019) MBBS EOMP Timetable Lead. PhD and MMedEd supervisor.
• Teaching Fellow in Anatomy, School of Medical Education, Newcastle University (2012-2015) Academic teaching and scholarship position involving lecturing and delivering practical sessions in gross anatomy, histology and embryology for MBBS and other FMS UG and PGT degree programmes. Pedagogic research in anatomy education and medical education.
• Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate, Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University (2010-2012) British Heart Foundation funded postdoctoral research fellowship investigating the role of Wnt planar cell polarity signalling and Rac1 in the regulation of vertebrate cardiovascular development.
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of St Andrews (2007-2008) Industrially funded research project investigating the regulation of gene expression by insulin-like growth factor signalling in muscle growth.
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Dundee (2004-2007) Cancer Research UK fellowship investigating fibroblast growth factor and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling in the regulation of gene expression in vertebrate development and cancer.

Qualifications

• PhD, Biology, University of York (2004
• BSc (Hons), Biology, University of York (2000)
• Masters in Medical Education (2016)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Education (2015)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Education, Merit (2014)
• Postgraduate Certificate of Advanced Studies in Academic Practice Modules 1 and 2 (2013)
• Newcastle Teaching Award (2013)

Anatomical Society

Iain is a Fellow of the Anatomical Society (FAS, 2021-present), a Full Member of the Anatomical Society (2013-present) and was previously a member of the Anatomical Society Council (2015-2021).

He was Website Media and Communications Officer (2016-2021) and is currently Acting Website Media and Communications Officer (2021-present), Social Media Editor (2014-present) and editor of the Anatomical Society Anastomosis Newsletter (2020-present).

Iain was lead organiser for the first-ever Virtual Anatomical Society Conference held virtually at Newcastle University in January 2021.

Overview

Iain leads anatomy, embryology and histology teaching for undergraduate medical, physicians associates, dental and biomedical sciences programmes, and for postgraduate medical sciences programmes. 

Iain currently leads the Year 2 Case 14 unit of study (Embryology, Development and Fertility) for the medical programme. Iain was module lead for the Life Cycle 1 and Life Cycle 2 units of study 2014-2017, and Case 10 (Liver Disease) unit of study lead 2017-2020. He was academic timetable co-ordinator for the MBBS programme (2017-2019).

He supervises PhD student projects, Master of Medical Education dissertation projects, Student Selected Component projects for the undergraduate medicine programme, Undergraduate Summer Vacation Scholarship projects and final year undergraduate Biomedical Sciences projects. 

He has introduced a number of teaching and curricular innovations since joining the School of Medical Education in 2012. These approaches include art-based learning, 3D digital learning technologies, 3D printing, and social media. 

 Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship

Iain was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE in 2020 for his educational frameworks, evidence-based learning approaches, student-partnerships and commitment to global open-open access communication.

Iain has also achieved Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, having achieved Descriptor 3 (2018) and Descriptor 1 and 2 (2013) of the United Kingdom Professional Standards Framework (UKPSF).

Newcastle University Teaching Excellence Awards

Iain received the Teaching Excellence Award for Innovative Teaching Methods (Faculty of Medical Sciences) in 2015, an award that is voted for by Newcastle University students. Iain has also been nominated for TEA awards in 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.

Research

Iain leads a research programme and supervises a PhD project in anatomy education. His research concerns implementing student partner approaches for the strategic design, evaluation and curricular implementation of innovative and creative technology-enhanced 3D learning approaches.

Iain has a number of successful research collaborations within Newcastle University and beyond, including work with numerous undergraduate and postgraduate student partners, and Leonard Shapiro (University of Cape Town, South Africa).

Iain has published his work in anatomy education and medical education journals, is an Associate Editor for BMC Medical Education and acts as a peer reviewer for several journals. Iain was guest co-editor for a theme edition ‘Life Sciences in an Integrated Curriculum’ for the MedEdPublish journal in 2017.

Funding Awards

Iain has successfully obtained funding for his research via two Faculty of Medical Sciences Educational Research Development and Practice (ERDP) Awards. These awards were made in 2015, for a project investigating the use of social media in higher education, and in 2016, for a project involving implementation and evaluation of an observational drawing workshop for anatomy educators from around the UK.

Iain has developed a network of student partners and artistic, medical and academic collaborators in order to enhance, develop and expand his research which enabled him to lead Artatomy, an exhibition of anatomical artwork created by medical and biomedical students that was presented at the Centre for Life in Newcastle during summer 2015 and was funded by Iain's 2014 NICAP (Newcastle University Institute for Creative Arts Practice) Award. Iain also received a Pioneer Award from NICAP in 2019, to support development of an art-based anatomy Massive Open Online Course (MOOC).

Iain has also received several Symington Bequest travel awards from the Anatomical Society in order to disseminate his work to global audiences. 

• Ben Awadh A, Clark J, Clowry G, Keenan ID. Multimodal three-dimensional visualization enhances novice learner interpretation of basic cross-sectional anatomy. Anatomical Sciences Education 2022, 15(1), 127-142.
• Keenan ID, Powell M. Interdimensional Travel: Visualisation of 3D-2D Transitions in Anatomy Learning. In: Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology. Springer, 2020, pp.103-116.
• Shapiro L, Bell K, Dhas K, Branson T, Louw G, Keenan ID. Focused Multisensory Anatomy Observation and Drawing for Enhancing Social Learning and Three‐Dimensional Spatial Understanding. Anatomical Sciences Education 2019, 13(4), 488-503.
• Keenan ID, Ben Awadh A. Integrating 3D Visualisation Technologies in Undergraduate Anatomy Education. In: Paul M. Rea, ed. Biomedical Visualisation. Cham: Springer, 2019, pp.39-53.
• Li K, Kui C, Lee E, Ho C, Wong S, Wu W, Wong W, Voll J, Li G, Liu T, Yan B, Chan J, Tse G, Keenan ID. The role of 3D printing in anatomy education and surgical training: A narrative review. MedEdPublish 2017, 6(2), 1-22.
• Keenan ID, Hutchinson J, Bell K. Twelve tips for implementing artistic learning approaches in anatomy education. MedEd Publish 2017, 6(2), 1-13.
• Backhouse M, Fitzpatrick M, Hutchinson J, Thandi CS, Keenan ID. Improvements in anatomy knowledge when utilizing a novel cyclical “Observe-Reflect-Draw-Edit-Repeat” learning process. Anatomical Sciences Education 2017, 10(1), 7-22.
• Jennings BA, Keenan ID. Life Sciences in an Integrated Curriculum: Starting the Conversation. MedEdPublish 2017, 6(2).
• Keenan ID, Jennings BA. Concluding Commentary. Life Sciences in an Integrated Medical Curriculum: Continuing the Conversation. MedEdPublish 2017, 6(2), 52.
• Keenan ID, Slater JD, Matthan JM. Social media: Insights for medical education from instructor perceptions and usage. MedEdPublish 2017, 1(7), 1-27.
• Ben Awadh A, Clark J, Clowry G, Keenan ID. Integrating remote digital visualisation technologies for enhancing self-directed learning of 3D and cross-sectional anatomy. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Cheong JJE, Keenan ID. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) in anatomical and medical education: A systematic review. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Cheong JJE, Bhandari F, Hardy S, Shapiro L, Keenan ID. Development of a massive open online course (MOOC) for enhancing spatial and social anatomy learning. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Keenan ID, Shapiro L, Bell K, Dhas K, Branson T, Louw G. Multisensory observation and drawing enhances social and spatial anatomy learning. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Carr H, Kui C, Beh SZ, Neszmelyi M, Lee EKM, Li CKH, Keenan ID. Student-led development of medical school 3D printing technology for enhancing delivery and accessibility of anatomy learning resources . In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Chu TSM, Oo AMM, Keenan ID. Dissection or prosection in anatomy education? A systematic review. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Hennessy C, Brown K, Pascoe M, Holland J, Keenan ID, Meyer A, Royer D. Social media use by anatomy educators and the implications for professionalism. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Ben Awadh A, Clark J, Lindsay S, Clowry G, Keenan ID. Combined impact of simultaneous 3D digital visualisation and 3D printed model usage on medical student anatomy learning and clinical image interpretation. In: 19th International Federation of Associations of Anatomists Congress. 2020, London: Wiley.
• Shapiro L, Keenan ID. Collaborative optimisation of focused anatomy observation and drawing techniques for enhancing cognitive memorisation. In: International Federation of Associations of Anatomists 19th Congress. 2020, London: Journal of Anatomy.
• Henessy C, Brown K, Pascoe M, Holland J, Keenan ID, Royer D, Meyer A. 21st Century Anatomists: Social Media Use in Anatomy Education and Research. In: International Federation of Associations of Anatomists 19th Congress. 2020, London: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Keenan ID, Solim ZN, Quigg S, Kerwin J, Lindsay S. Enhancing student learning of human embryology with aprototype e-learning resource. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2016. 2017, King's College London, UK: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Keenan ID, Border S, Hennessy C. Live tweeting at Anatomical Society Conferences: A shorthistory of its rise and impact. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2016. 2017, King's College London, UK: Journal of Anatomy.
• Keenan ID, Shapiro L. Teaching anatomists to draw: observational drawing as aneducational approach. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2016. 2016, King's College London, UK: Journal of Anatomy.
• Woodward R, O'Sullivan J, Holmes E, Keenan ID. Investigating creative writing as an anatomy learning tool. In: Anatomical Society Summer Meeting at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. 2017, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK: Journal of Anatomy.
• Hennessy C, Keenan ID, Border S. Anatomy of a tweet: how to use social media as anacademic tool. In: Anatomical Society Summer Meeting at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. 2017, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Keenan ID, Backhouse M, Fitzpatrick M, Hutchinson J, Thandi CS. Improvements in anatomy knowledge when using a novel cyclical artistic learning process. In: Anatomical Society Summer Meeting at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. 2017, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK.
• Backhouse M, Fitzpatrick M, Selwyn-Gotha J, Allen R, Keenan I. ORDER (observe-reflect-draw-edit-repeat): a novel cyclical learning process in anatomy education. In: Anatomical Society Summer Meeting: Skin and Bones. 2015, University of Bradford: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Keenan ID, Backhouse M, Bashir A, Allen R. The future ORDER: a student partner approach forevidence-based evaluation and implementation of an ‘observe–reflect–draw–edit–repeat’ artistic learning process in anatomyeducation. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2013: Assessment Within Medical Education & Sense Organs. 2014, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Journal of Anatomy.
• Backhouse M, Bashir A, Allen R, Jackson S, Keenan ID. The future of anatomy: a student partner approach to theevaluation and implementation of evidence based artisticlearning techniques. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2013. 2014, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Matthan J, Keenan I. Acquisition, development and retention of clinical anatomical knowledge by foundation doctors during anatomy demonstrator rotations. In: Anatomical Society Summer Meeting Skin and Bones. 2014, University of Bradford: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Pergolizzi C, Matthan J, Keenan I. Is dissection of more educational value than other methods of learning and teaching anatomy? A student partner approach for evidence-based investigation of dissection as a teaching and learning method in anatomy. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2013: Assessment Within Medical Education & Sense Organs. 2013, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Backhouse M, Pergolizzi C, Fitzpatrick M, Allen R, Holmes E, Jackson S, Matthan J, Keenan ID. The future of anatomy education: investigating the impact of student partner approaches for evidence-based evaluation of teaching and learning techniques. In: Anatomical Society Winter Meeting 2013. 2014, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Boczonadi V, Gillespie R, Keenan ID, Ramsbottom SA, Donald-Wilson C, Al Nazer M, Humbert P, Schwarz RJ, Chaudhry B, Henderson DJ. Scrib:Rac1 interactions are required for the morphogenesis of the ventricular myocardium. Cardiovascular Research 2014, 104(1), 103-115.
• Keenan ID, Rhee HJ, Chaudhry B, Henderson DJ. Origin of non-cardiac endothelial cells from an Isl1+ lineage. FEBS Letters 2012, 586(13), 1790-1794.
• Ekerot M, Stavridis MP, Delavaine L, Mitchell MP, Staples C, Owens DM, Keenan ID, Dickinson RJ, Storey KG, Keyse SM. Negative-feedback regulation of FGF signalling by DUSP6/MKP-3 is driven by ERK1/2 and mediated by Ets factor binding to a conserved site within the DUSP6/MKP-3 gene promoter. Biochemical Journal 2008, 412(2), 287-98.
• Keenan ID, Sharrard RM, Isaacs HV. FGF signal transduction and the regulation of Cdx gene expression. Developmental Biology 2006, 299(2), 478-88.
• Smith TG, Karlsson M, Lunn JS, Eblaghie MC, Keenan ID, Farrell ER, Tickle C, Storey KG, Keyse SM. Negative feedback predominates over cross-regulation to control ERK MAPK activity in response to FGF signalling in embryos. FEBS Letters 2006, 580(17), 4242-4245.
• Reece-Hoyes JS, Keenan ID, Pownall ME, Isaacs HV. A consensus Oct1 binding site is required for the activity of the Xenopus Cdx4 promoter. Developmental Biology 2005, 282(2), 509-523.
• Reece-Hoyes JS, Keenan ID, Isaacs HV. Cloning and expression of the Cdx family from the frog Xenopus tropicalis. Developmental Dynamics 2002, 223(1), 134-140.
• Thompson B, Green E, Scotcher K, Keenan ID. A Novel Cadaveric Embalming Technique for Enhancing Visualisation of Human Anatomy. In: Rea PM, ed. Biomedical Visualisation: Volume 11. Cham: Springer, 2022, pp.299-317.
• Thompson B, Green E, Scotcher K, Keenan ID. A novel embalming technique for enhancing visualisation of human anatomy. In: Rea, P, ed. Biomedical Visualisation. Springer, 2022.
• Abdel Meguid EM, Holland JC, Keenan ID, Mishall P. Exploring Visualisation for Embryology Education: A Twenty-First-Century Perspective. In: Paul M. Rea, ed. Biomedical Visualisation: Volume 11. Cham: Springer, 2022, pp.173-193.
• Ben Awadh A, Keenan ID. Brave new world: Adapting 3D visualisation for post-pandemic curricula. In: Anatomical Society Virtual Winter Meeting. 2021, Virtual: Wiley.
• Abdel Meguid E, Holland JC, Keenan ID, Mishaal P. Exploring visualisation for embryology education: A 21st Century Perspective. In: Paul M. Rea, ed. Biomedical Visualisation. Springer, 2022, pp.173–193.
• Keenan I, Green E, Swainson H, Scotcher K, Swamy M, Saunders E, White P. Rapid and medium-term adaptations to Covid-19: Insights from an undergraduate medical programme. In: Anatomical Society summer meeting. 2022, Glasgow and Virtual: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
• Ben Awadh A, Clark J, Clowry G, Keenan ID. Supporting medical student learning during the Covid-19 pandemic through integration of remote digital embryology resources. In: Anatomical Society Virtual Winter Meeting. 2021, Virtual: Journal of Anatomy.
• Juin DLY, Keenan ID. 3D digital visualisation technologies in anatomy education: A systematic review. In: Winter Meeting of the Anatomical Society. 2019, Lancaster: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.