Richard Halfpenny

Dr Richard Halfpenny is a Course Director and Lecturer at Staffordshire University’s Health, Education, Policing and Sciences school. He holds a PhD in Biology (2016) and BSc in Biology from Staffordshire University, complemented by a Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education. His research focuses on mosquito olfactory behavior, cryptic species identification, microplastics impact, and urban biodiversity enhancement. He actively contributes to the Microplastics Research Group, Green Wall Centre Research Group, and Invertebrate Research Group at Staffordshire University.

Professional Memberships:

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
• Member of the Royal Society of Biology
• Member of the Royal Entomological Society
• Member of the British Ecological Society
• Member of the Entomological Society of America
• Fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Scientists

Teaching Portfolio:

• Levels 4–8 modules in biosciences
• Global Challenges Coordinator
• Supervises PhD students and leads Level 8 research methods modules

Research Highlights: His work explores mosquito sugar-feeding behavior modification, morphometric techniques for species discrimination, and environmental microplastics’ biological impacts. He collaborates with the MOD on arthropod specimen identification for disease vector analysis.

Publications emphasize vector ecology, STEM education innovations, and student success strategies. Recent work includes articles in The Conversation and conference presentations on topics ranging from mosquito olfaction to TEL applications in biosciences education.