I have spent the majority of my working life, so far, in higher education. During that time I have developed a deep, and abiding, passion for making the things I enjoy about biology accessible to as many people as possible. My first degree was in physiology and pharmacology at Leeds University. This led to my doctoral work on the neuropharmacology of the molluscan brain at the University of Sussex. This in turn lead on to post-doctoral work on insect vision at Cambridge University (Department of Zoology). I am currently a Senior lecturer at Staffordshire University as well as an Academic Link Tutor and Department timetabler. My research looks at complex biological solutions (using FTIR-spectroscopy) as well as Invertebrate ecology and the pedagogy of higher education. In my spare time I am involved with recording natural history in Staffordshire and Cheshire. I have an international presence as @bugbotherer on twitter Instagram and Facebook.
Professional memberships and activities
Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB)
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (FRES)
Academic qualifications
2014: Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education with Distinction
2011: Postgraduate Certificate: ‘Research Supervision’. Staffordshire University
2005 “Disability CPD qualification” (University of Gloucestershire)
1997 Professional Development Diploma, Staffordshire University
1996 Professional Development Diploma, Staffordshire University
1994 Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching in Higher Education, Staffordshire University
1990 D.Phil. Physiology (Neurophysiology), University of Sussex. Supervisor: Prof. P.R. Benjamin. Thesis title: 'Morphological and pharmacological characteristics of a centrally acting peptidergic interneurone, the visceral white interneurone (VWI), in the central nervous system of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis.'
1986 BSc (Hons) 2.i Human Physiology, Leeds University
Expertise
Natural History with national expertise in insects and snails.
FTIR spectroscopy and complex biological mixtures.
Pedagogy.
Research interests
- The impact of diversity on Learning and Teaching in HE. A current interest is this final year project.
- Comparative analysis of complex biomolecular mixtures using FTIR spectroscopy involving various national and international collaborators
- Invertebrate recording and survey work in collaboration with local conservation charities and national invertebrate recording groups.
Enterprise and commercial interests
I have regularly worked with companies and the Ministry of Defence on matters relating to invertebrates, particularly insects (entomology).
Teaching
I have developed and co-ordinated modules from Level 3 (Foundation) to Level 7 (MSc and MSci) in several areas of Biology linked to my expertise in Physiology, Pharmacology, and Invertebrates.
I have developed programmes for the Faculty in Forensic Biology, and programmes for the university in Neuropharmacology for nurses.
I have provided training and awareness sessions for all levels of staff (ancilliary workers to the Vice Chancellor) with regards to disability and reasonable adjustment in HE.
I am heavily involved in designing, and understanding inclusive curricula.
Publications
I have publications in areas ranging from education to neuropharmacology. A full list can be found on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dave_Skingsley