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 the science of how organisms work (Leeds University). This lead on to my doctoral work in understanding how the brain works (University of Sussex), which in turn lead on to post doctoral work on vision at Cambridge University (Department of Zoology). I am currently a Senior lecturer at Staffordshire University (0.8) and Faculty Disability Co-ordinator (0.2). As well as my scientific research into mucus I have also research areas of disability and education. In my spare time I am involved with recording natural history in Staffordshire and Cheshire. I have an international presence as the Bugbotherer.
Professional memberships and activities
Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society
Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
HEA Biosciences Representative for the Faculty
Academic qualifications
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 particularly Entomology and Malacology
Invertebrate Mucus and FTIR spectroscopy
Learning and Teaching
Disability in HE
Research interests
Current research (2009-10) is focussed on:
The impact of diversity on Learning and Teaching in HE. A particular interest is this area is the influence of level 2 practical engagement on final year project outcome
Comparative analysis of non- vertebrate mucus using FTIR spectroscopy involving various national and international collaborators
Invertebrate recording and survey work in collaboration with SiG, CAN, Staffordshire University, IESR.
Enterprise and commercial interests
Consultancy and grants linked to the above expertise
Teaching
Current Modules co-ordinated (2009-10):
Level H:
Neuropharmacology (HEN63015-3); Applied Pharmacological Perspectives (SCS80327-3)
Level I:
Human Physiology (SHS80210-2); Biomedical Analysis (SHS80228-2),
Non-accredited workshops/modules/staff training:
Briefing Sessions (Disability and Health and Safety, Dyslexia and NHS students)
Current teaching involvement as team member (2009-10):
Level M:
Effective Teaching in HE (AI00073-M),
Level H:
Specialist Practice - General Practice Nursing (V100) (HEN56101-3); Specialist Practice – Community Practitioner (V150) (HEN56135-3); Supplementary prescribing for allied health professionals (V300) (SHN56078-3, SHN56002-3); Animal and Plant IDSkills (SHS80302-3); Forensic Science Independent Project (SHS82300-3); Biology Project (SHS80300-3),
Level I:
Forensic Biology (SHS80207-2); Field Biology (SHS80208-2); Marine Zoology (SHS80211-2)
Level C:
Working in HE: Contemporary Issues (AI00037-1); Diverse Needs of Learners (AI00093-1); Bioskiills (SHS80100-1); Cell Biology (SHS80101-1); Biological Principles for Forensic Science (SHS82107-1),
I am involved with promoting Biology and Forensic Sciences at primary and secondary school levels. This promotion involves, organising talks and open days, taking school lessons, as well as leading “bug” hunts and pond dipping expeditions. I also run events for schools in National Science Week. I am a member of the Biology4all speakers database and a STEM ambassador.
Publications
Learning & Teaching
Skingsley DR, Merry S and Orsmond P. The role of second year laboratory based group work in undergraduate project preparation. Proceedings of the Science Learning and Teaching Conference 2009.
Skingsley, D., Bradley, EJ, and Nolan, P. Neuropharmacology and Mental Health Nurse Prescribers. Journal of Clinical Nursing 15(8):989-997 (2006)
Mucus
Skingsley DR. Investigation of mucus using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Spectroscopy Europe 22(1):10-13 (2010) http://www.spectroscopyeurope.com/articles/55-articles/2327-investigation-of-mucus-using-fourier-transform-infrared-spectroscopy
Skingsley, D.R., White A.J. and Weston A. Analysis of Pulmonate mucus by infrared spectroscopy. Journal of Molluscan Studies. 66: 363-371 (2000)
Invertebrate Studies
Smith P.J. and Skingsley D.R. Oil beetles (Col: Meloidae) on the soft cliffs of Prawle Point, South Devon. Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists’ Society 66(474):188-194 (2007)