Dr. Andrea Du Preez is a researcher and educator with multidisciplinary expertise in psychiatric research, neuroscience, cognitive function, and nutritional epidemiology. She is currently collaborating with Professors Wendy Hall and Sarah Berry on research exploring the complex relationships between nut consumption, lifestyle, and health outcomes through the ZOE PREDICT Cohorts. Dr. Du Preez’s academic foundation includes a PhD in Psychological Medicine and an MSc in Psychiatric Research, both from KCL.

Her research career began in the field of Perinatal Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN, KCL), examining how maternal depression impacts child development, before contributing to the work in the Adult Neurogenesis and Mental Health Lab at the Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute at KCL. Andrea’s most recent research focused on understanding how gut microbiota influence the cognitive benefits of exercise and how diet impacts cognitive ageing, particularly in the context of depression and dementia. Passionate about preventing debilitating mental health conditions like depression and dementia, she is dedicated to investigating how exercise and nutrition can foster resilience and potentially prevent their onset.

Her work reflects a holistic approach to mental health, emphasising the interplay between biological, lifestyle, and dietary factors in promoting long-term positive cognitive and mental wellbeing. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Du Preez has excelled as a Teaching Fellow and Project Supervisor across various PhD, MSc and BSc programs, earning multiple nominations for teaching excellence. Beyond academia, she is a certified Mental Health First Aider, offering crucial support in promoting mental health awareness and wellbeing. She is also a passionate advocate for public engagement, sharing her expertise in neuroscience with diverse audiences through school outreach and community events.