Michelle Makes the Grade

A pioneering study into the long-term effects of the recreational drug ecstasy on memory performance has progressed to an advanced stage as part of an Edge Hill lecturer?s PhD research.

Dr Michelle Wareing, who was catapulted onto the global stage in 2000 after her groundbreaking undergraduate dissertation into the effects of ecstasy on memory earned widespread acclaim, has developed her findings and secured a PhD in the process.

The 39-year-old from Southport, who has taught and studied at Edge Hill since 1995, initially discovered that current and even former users of the drug performed worse in tests involving working memory than non-users ? suggesting the presence of long-term defects.

"Ecstasy is a relatively new drug and we are only just beginning to make serious inroads into understanding its impact," said Michelle. "My initial research really grabbed the media?s attention, both in this country and all over the world, which helped to highlight the potential dangers of these substances.

"There are still many more questions to be answered regarding ecstasy and while my studies have uncovered some very intriguing patterns, more investigations do need to be carried out."

Michelle plans to continue her research into ecstasy and the different aspects of working memory, possibly incorporating the effects of multiple-drug use.