My working life has grown and developed within the research and teaching environment of Higher Education. During the time I have spent in HE 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 from Leeds University was in physiology and pharmacology. This was followed by a post-graduate D.Phil in the neuropharmacology of the molluscan brain at the University of Sussex. My post-doctoral study was on insect vision at the University of Cambridge (Department of Zoology). I am currently a Senior lecturer in Biology at Staffordshire University as well as an Academic Link Tutor and final year project module coordinator. 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 X (twitter), Instagram and Facebook
Professional memberships and activities
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 expertise in invertebrates FTIR spectroscopy of complex biological mixtures Pedagogy Taxonomy Physiology Pharmacology Macro-photography Media Interviews (BBC radio) External examiner for HE courses in Biology. Inclusive higher educational environments
Research interests
Comparative analysis of complex biomolecular mixtures using FTIR spectroscopy. This has involved various national and international collaborators focusing on diverse substances such as molluscan mucus and human plasma. Inclusivity in Learning and Teaching in HE. Invertebrate recording and survey work in collaboration with local conservation charities and national invertebrate recording groups.
Grants
Enterprise and commercial interests
I have regularly worked with companies and the MoD on matters relating to invertebrates, particularly invertebrate vectors of disease
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 (ancillary 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