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).

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, IES

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)