Invertebrate Research Group (IRG)

The Invertebrate Research Group is a cross-disciplinary group made of experts in forensics, geography and biology with expertise in invertebrate biology and its various impacts and interactions with society.

Our aim

The action/interaction of invertebrates with human health and food has a global value of billions of pounds. Investigation into invertebrate biology ranging from behaviour and identification to landscape effects enables the support of those invertebrates that are beneficial to society while controlling, or eradicating, those that are pests. The IRG is uniquely positioned to investigate the impacts of invertebrates from social value (green lanes with Prof John Dover) to molecular characterisation (ERG analysis of chemosensation in mosquitos with Dr Richard Halfpenny).

Group leader

Dr Dave Skingsley

Senior Lecturer

Experienced Senior Lecturer with a research based history of working in Higher Education. Skilled in entomology, invertebrate taxonomy, FTIR, Environmental Issues, Research Design, and pedagogy.

Dave's profile

Researchers within Invertebrate Research Group (IRG)

Angela PRIESTMAN

Head Of Department - Biological Sciences

Angela has a number of research specialisms, including Biochemistry of Haematophagous insect cuticular lipid, Semiochemicals in mating recognition and choice, and Mosquito biology with special interest in British mosquito ecology and behaviour.

Angela's profile

Dr Richard Halfpenny

Course Director

Richard spent 16 years working in a business setting before returning to university studying a PhD on the species discrimination of cryptic Culex mosquito species using non-molecular methods, and their olfactory mediated sugar feeding behaviou…

Richard's profile

Dr Chloe Heys

Senior Lecturer

I am a Lecturer in Microbiology for Biological and Biomedical Sciences with an extensive background in Zoology. I am fascinated by the microbiome and how an individual’s collective microbes can work together to influence the host.

Chloe's profile

Dr Laura Walton-Williams

Director Of Enterprise Edu Ass Professor

Laura has been a lecturer at Staffordshire University since 2004. Actively involved in research in forensic science, she also conducts consultancy in the examination of evidence of a biological origin. Laura's areas of expertise include DNA an…

Laura's profile

Dr Claire Gwinnett

Professor

I am a Professor in Forensic and Environmental Science. I specialise in forensic fibres analysis, mircoplastics and plastic pollution, hair analysis, paint analysis and glass analysis.

Claire's profile

Dr Paul Barratt

Senior Lecturer

Paul is a cultural geographer with research interests focusing on environmental engagements, low carbon living and working, and qualitative research methods.

Paul's profile
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021