Daniel Herron is a Senior Lecturer in Psychology with over a decade of experience in higher education, combining innovative teaching leadership with a strong track record of applied, funded research that has delivered real-world impact. He graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology and Criminology from Keele University, followed by an MSc in Clinical Psychological Research.
He went on to complete my PhD at Keele, exploring the experiences of carers of people living with intellectual disabilities and the role of care pathways in shaping their journeys. Alongside his PhD, he worked as a Teaching Fellow, supporting undergraduate and postgraduate psychology students and advancing Keele’s international collaboration with Ludong University, China, where I went and taught as part of a franchise programme.
At University of Staffordshire, Daniel has progressed to Senior Lecturer in Psychology, where he lead on teaching innovation and student progression. Key leadership roles include: Course Leader for the BSc (Hons) Psychology and BSc (Hons) Psychological Studies degrees; Foundation Link Tutor for our franchise programme at APIIT Sri Lanka; and Departmental Service User and Carer Representative.
As Module Leader, Daniel has introduced innovative, evidence-informed teaching practices that have demonstrably enhanced student engagement, retention, and academic success. He also supervise across our UG and PG portfolio, including multiple PhD students, reflecting his commitment to developing the next generation of psychologists.
Daniel is an active member of the Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), where his research addresses health inequalities and delivers meaningful outcomes for communities. His work has secured competitive funding to investigate the experiences of carers across diverse settings, generating practical recommendations for policy and practice.
He has collaborated with charities, carers, and people living with dementia to co-produce accessible resources Making a Difference Toolkit.
More recently Daniel has pioneered participatory research to design dementia-friendly green spaces, improving inclusion and wellbeing for people with dementia. Ha has also contributed nationally through funded research with Hereditary Angioedema UK (HAE UK), exploring the lived experiences of people with rare diseases.
His research approach is collaborative, applied, and community-focused, ensuring that findings are not only academically rigorous but also directly improve the lives of those he works with.
Daniel welcomes approaches from prospective collaborators, whether in:
- Research partnerships (dementia, carer experiences, applied psychology)
- Teaching and curriculum innovation
- PhD supervision Please feel free to contact me regarding research, collaboration, or doctoral opportunities.
Professional memberships and activities
Academic qualifications
- BSc Hons Psychology and Criminology (Keele University)
- MSc Clinical Psychological Research (Keele University)
- TLHEP (Keele University)
- PhD in Psychology (Keele University)
Expertise
I specialise in qualitative research methods, including Grounded Theory, Reflexive Thematic Analysis, and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, as well as systematic and scoping reviews.
I also have expertise in participatory research approaches, engaging communities to co-produce meaningful and impactful findings.
Research interests
I have expertise in applied psychology. I conduct research into carers, dementia, and nature connectedness.
I am involved in several projects outside of these topic areas which range from digital resilience for children, to the experiences of, and ways of supporting people with, Hereditary Angioedema (HAE).
Grants
- University of Staffordshire Public and partner involvement fund (2025). Co-production of a grant application for a project related to designing dementia-friendly green spaces (£2,947)
- BA Leverhulme Small Research Grants (2023). How can universities better support student carers? An exploration of student carer priorities and support needs (£5,402).
- University of Staffordshire Impact acceleration fund (2021). An exploring of the support and research priorities of family carers of people living with dementia (£1,877)
- HAEUK.org charity funding (2021). An exploration of the lived experience of Hereditary Angioedema (£9,100)
Teaching
I have extensive experience in both online (synchronous & asynchronous) and face-to-face teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
My previous roles include:
- Online Lecturer in Psychology, University of Derby – Developed and led online modules, ensuring interactive and engaging content to promote deep learning.
- Teaching Fellow, Keele University – Delivered core psychology, research methods, and health-related modules. Led and supported teaching at Keele’s international partner university in China.
I supervise PhD students and welcome inquiries from prospective students interested in my research interest and expertise.
I am also open to research collaborations and interdisciplinary projects.
Publications
For a full list of publications please see my ORCID profile.