Professor David P Smith FRSB, NTF, PFHEA
Professor of Bioscience Education / Head of 㽶Ƶ - School of Bioscience and Chemistry
- School of Biosciences and Chemistry
- Biomolecular Sciences 㽶Ƶ Centre
- Industry and Innovation 㽶Ƶ Institute
Summary
I am a professor of bioscience education at 㽶Ƶ and serve as the Head of 㽶Ƶ in the School of Bioscience and Chemistry. I was awarded the National Teaching Fellow in 2017, and in 2019, I received the Royal Society of Biology's Higher Education Educator of the Year award for my innovative teaching practices. My approach focuses on enhancing student engagement through generative AI and technology-enhanced learning methods in both classroom and laboratory settings. My biological research interests lie in protein chemistry, cell culture, and mass spectrometry, where I investigate the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease and cancer spheroid models.
About
I am a National Teaching Fellow and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, currently serving as Head of 㽶Ƶ in the Department of Bioscience and Chemistry. My career has been shaped by a passion for both bioscience research and educational innovation, with a focus on empowering students and advancing scientific inquiry.
In bioscience research, I explore the molecular mechanisms underlying Parkinson's disease and cancer spheroid models, specialising in protein chemistry, cell culture, and mass spectrometry. My work investigates the role of alpha-synuclein amyloid aggregates and stress granule formation in Parkinson's disease using Drosophila melanogaster models, small molecule modulators (e.g. ISRB), and cutting-edge proteomics, metabolomics, and imaging technologies. I collaborate with colleagues across disciplines to study 3D cell culture systems and their application in understanding neurodegeneration and cancer.
In the realm of education, I have been recognised for my innovative teaching practices, receiving the Royal Society of Biology HE Educator of the Year award in 2019 and the 㽶Ƶ Inspirational Teaching Award for the past ten consecutive years. I focus on developing and sharing effective teaching methods both within my institution and across the wider sector. My leadership includes contributions to learning, teaching, and assessment groups, where I design technology-enhanced learning approaches to engage students in classrooms and laboratories.
A key area of my educational research is the integration of Generative AI to foster digital skill development, student interaction, and cognitive engagement. I actively investigate how technology can support reflective learning and critical thinking, helping students balance AI tools with deeper learning practices. My pedagogical publications explore student engagement, interaction, and the evolving role of technology-enhanced learning methods in higher education. I have delivered talks on these topics at international conferences.
Through my dual focus on research and education, I aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge bioscience and innovative teaching, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel as the next generation of bioscientists.
Specialist areas of interest
Biochemistry / Biotechnology
Ion Mobility Spectrometry - Mass Spectrometry
Protein Chemistry
Amyloid formation
Teaching Innovations
Teaching
School of Biosciences and Chemistry
College of Health, Wellbeing and Life Sciences
David teaches core biochemistry and the molecular biosciences and is currently course leader for MSc Molecular and Cellular Biology.
Subject area
I teach core biochemistry and the molecular biosciences across the School of Bioscience and Chemistry. In addition, I lead the skills development module for our Level 7 Masters program.
Courses taught
- BSc Biochemistry
- BSc Biology
- BSc Human Biology
- BSc Biomedical Science
- MSc Analytical Science
- MSc Pharmaceutical Analysis
- MSc Biotechnology and Pharmacology
- MSc Cancer Biology
- MSc Microbiology
- MSc Biomedical science
Modules taught
- L7 Advanced Laboratory and 㽶Ƶ Practice
- L7 Molecular Biotechnology
- L6 Applied Biochemistry
- L6 Advanced Analytical Chemistry
㽶Ƶ
My research emphasises student interaction and engagement across classroom, laboratory, and digital environments. I also conduct biomolecule research that integrates protein chemistry, cell culture, and mass spectrometry to achieve a molecular understanding of diseases.
Pedagogical 㽶Ƶ
I have developed various teaching and learning strategies and have led several college and university-funded teaching projects. These projects focus on the effective use of both physical and digital learning environments, research-enriched learning, addressing the attainment, and integrating digital technologies into practical teaching. Key themes in my work have included enhancing student engagement in lecture theatres (Smith et al., 2018), exploring the impact of group dynamics on student achievement in laboratories (Lacey et al., 2020), utilising simulations in laboratory settings (Bassindale et al., 2021), and understanding the role of video in enhancing engagement (Lacey et al., 2024). The outcomes of these projects have led to changes in teaching practices and improved student interactions. I regularly blog to a global audience to share my practices and teaching innovations, and my articles have been recognised and included as reference texts in PGCert courses at multiple institutions.
Emending Generative AI as a digital literacy in teaching.
Assessment in education is transforming thanks to generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), which is increasingly becoming a part of our everyday lives. In this context, I explore how GenAI can be utilised and integrated into bioscience education inside and outside the classroom. The pedagogical approaches I've developed have been successfully implemented through process-oriented design strategies in assessment practices. This has enhanced ethical understanding and emphasised teaching GenAI as an essential form of digital literacy.
Biomolecular 㽶Ƶ
My research career is centred on investigating and understanding the assembly and biological effects of amyloid aggregates in various disease contexts. A key aspect of my work involves studying amyloid assemblies' structural and biological properties. I initially focused on the structural biology of dialysis-related amyloidosis before delving into the role of amyloid oligomers in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, utilising cell biology approaches. My group is current working on applications related to Parkinson's disease, focusing on the role of alpha-synuclein amyloid aggregates and stress granule formation. Recently, I have also examined the formation and biological characterisation of amyloid microclots associated with long-term COVID-19.
I have developed various applications and model systems, including ion-mobility mass spectrometry, to characterise the structure of amyloid aggregates and create three-dimensional cell culture models to investigate their biological effects on neuronal cell lines. My background in protein assembly has significantly contributed to several publications focused on understanding the kinetics of amyloid assembly through spectroscopy.
With a solid structural and cellular biology foundation and a focus on amyloid assembly, I have successfully transferred my technical skills to various collaborative projects. I work closely with academics at 㽶Ƶ on interdisciplinary research initiatives, including mass spectrometry imaging of 3D cell cultures, biomarker discovery, and proteomics. The workflows I have developed through these projects for quantitative imaging studies have gained recognition and have been adopted by international pharmaceutical organisations.
Emending Generative AI as a digital literacy in BSc and MSc teaching.
The use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in education has brought about a transformation in the assessment process. Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are being used to explore the potential of AI in bioscience education, both in the classroom and beyond. By evaluating the capabilities of AI models, we can adapt our assessment strategies and improve learning outcomes.
Parkinson's disease (PD)
PD occurs in 0.17% of the general population affecting ~1 to 2 per cent of those over 80 years old. Although rare heritable forms of PD have been documented, the sporadic form is far more common and this is possibly connected to environmental factors. The molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration in PD are mostly unknown and the lack of preventative treatments for PD is undoubtedly a result of our limited understanding of the underlying aetiology. A critical step is the formation of metal rich Lewy bodies, in which alpha-synuclein in the form of amyloid-like aggregates has been identified as a major component. Soluble alpha-synuclein oligomers populated during amyloid assembly have been implicated as the causative agent in PD. David's group is developing novel 3D cell culture systems to investigate the molecular basis of the Lewy body formation brought about by exposure to metals and these oligomers.
Pedagogical 㽶Ƶ
David has developed teaching and learning and led on a range of college and University funded teaching projects. These projects include the effective use of physical and digital learning spaces; research enriched learning; addressing the BME attainment gap and embedding digital technologies into practical delivery. Themes have involved student engagement in the lecture theatre (Smith DP et al 2018), the effect of group dynamics on attainment within the laboratory (Lacey MM et al 2020) the use of simulations in the laboratory (Bassindale et al 2021) and video for engagement (Smith & Francis 2022). The output of these projects has led to changes in teaching practices and student interaction with the 2018 paper having an Altermetric score of 209 putting it in the top 5% of research outputs. To disseminate his practice and teaching innovations he regularly blogs to an international readership over 1000 per month. His articles have been adopted as reference texts on PGCert courses at several institutions.
Publications
Journal articles
Francis, N.J., Jones, S., & Smith, D. (2025). . British Journal of Biomedical Science, 81.
Owyong, T.C., Shippey, L.E., Ding, S., Owen, D.S., Zhang, S., White, J.M., ... Hong, Y. (2024). . Sensors & Diagnostics.
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Mussa, M., Kitchen, M., Lishchuk, A., & Smith, D. (2024). . Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X, 18.
Pearce, S., Cross, N.A., Smith, D.P., Clench, M., Flint, L.E., Hamm, G., ... Cole, L. (2024). . Metabolites, 14 (6).
Lacey, M., Francis, N.J., & Smith, D.P. (2024). . FEBS Open Bio.
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2023). . Microbiology Australia.
Smith, D., & Hubbard, K. (2023). . The Biochemist, 45 (2), 6-10.
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Lishchuk, A., Mussa, M., & Smith, D. (2023). . Eng Journal, 4 (1), 367-379.
Lacey, M.M., Shaw, H., Abbott, N., Dalton, C.J., & Smith, D.P. (2022). . Education Sciences, 12 (12).
Shippey, L.E., Campbell, S.G., Hill, A.F., & Smith, D.P. (2022). . Biochemical Society Transactions.
Sanami, S., Purton, T.J., Smith, D.P., Tuite, M.F., & Xue, W.-.F. (2022). . Biomolecules, 12 (5).
Smith, D.P., & Francis, N.J. (2022). . Essays in Biochemistry.
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Lishchuk, A., & Smith, D. (2021). . International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 (23), e12701.
Flint, L.E., Hamm, G., Ready, J.D., Ling, S., Duckett, C.J., Cross, N.A., ... Clench, M.R. (2021). . Metabolites, 11 (8).
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Smith, D., & Lishchuk, A. (2021). . Chemistry Proceedings, 5 (1), 65.
Bassindale, T., LeSuer, R., & Smith, D. (2021). . The Journal of Forensic Science Education, 3 (1).
Nabok, A., Abu-Ali, H., Takita, S., & Smith, D.P. (2021). . Chemosensors, 9 (4).
Spencer, C.E., Flint, L.E., Duckett, C., Cole, L., Cross, N., Smith, D., & Clench, M. (2021). . Expert Review of Proteomics, 17 (11-12), 827-841.
Stollar, E.J., & Smith, D.P. (2020). . Essays Biochem, 64 (4), 649-680.
Stafford, P., Henri, D., Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). . The Biologist.
Stafford, P., Henri, D., Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). . The Biologist.
Stafford, P., Henri, D., Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). . The Biologist, 67 (5), 24-29.
Beal, D.M., Tournus, M., Marchante, R., Purton, T., Smith, D., Tuite, M.F., ... Xue, W.-.F. (2020). . iScience, 101512.
Flint, L.E., Hamm, G., Ready, J.D., Ling, S., Duckett, C.J., Cross, N.A., ... Clench, M.R. (2020). . Analytical Chemistry.
Lacey, M.M., Campbell, S.G., Shaw, H., & Smith, D. (2020). . FEBS Open Bio.
Lewis, F.W., Fairooz, S., Elson, J.L., Hubscher-Bruder, V., Brandel, J., Soundararajan, M., ... Pienaar, I.S. (2020). . Archives of Toxicology, 94 (3), 813-831.
Giannella, L. (2019). . The Biochemist, 41 (6), 46-47.
Palubeckaitė, I., Crooks, L., Smith, D., Cole, L., Bram, H., Le Maitre, C., ... Cross, N.A. (2019). . Journal of Mass Spectrometry.
Taylor-Whiteley, T.R., Le Maitre, C.L., Duce, J.A., Dalton, C.F., & Smith, D.P. (2019). . Disease Models & Mechanisms, 12 (4).
Hogeling, S.M., Cox, M., Bradshaw, R., Smith, D., & Duckett, C.J. (2019). . Analytical biochemistry, 575, 10-16.
Beal, D., Tournus, M., Marchante, R., Purton, T., Smith, D., Tuite, M., ... Xue, W.-.F. (2018). The division of amyloid fibrils – Systematic comparison of fibril fragmentation stability by linking theory with experiments. .
Smith, D. (2018). . Biochemist, 40 (5), 22-24.
Smith, D., Hoare, A., & Lacey, M. (2018). . FEBS Open Bio, 8 (9), 1368-1378.
Duce, J., Wong, B., Durham, H., Devedjian, J.-.C., Smith, D., & Devos, D. (2017). . Molecular neurodegeneration, 12 (45), 1-12.
Mason, R., Paskins, A., Dalton, C., & Smith, D. (2016). . Biochemistry, 55 (34), 4737-4741.
Smith, D.P. (2016). . F1000㽶Ƶ, 5 (61), 1-18.
Harvey, A., Day, R., Cole, L.M., Bartlett, M., Warwick, J., Bojar, R., ... Clench, M.R. (2016). . Proteomics, 16 (11-12), 1718-1725.
Leonenko, Z., Smith, R.A.S., Nabok, A., Blakeman, B.J.F., Xue, W.-.F., Abell, B., & Smith, D.P. (2015). . PLOS ONE, 10 (7), e0132309.
Greggio, E., Leong, S.L., Hinds, M.G., Connor, A.R., Smith, D., Illes-Toth, E., ... Cappai, R. (2015). . PLoS ONE, 10 (2), e0116497.
Illes-toth, E., Ramos, M., Cappai, R., Dalton, C., & Smith, D. (2015). . Biochemical Journal, 468 (3), 485-493.
Illes-Toth, E., Dalton, C.F., & Smith, D. (2013). . Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 24 (9), 1346-1354.
Illes-Toth, E., & Smith, D. (2013). . Current Analytical Chemistry, 9 (2), 165-180.
Cole, L.M., Mahmoud, K., Haywood-Small, S., Tozer, G.M., Smith, D.P., & Clench, M.R. (2013). . Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry, 27 (21), 2355-2362.
Kriechbaumer, V., Nabok, A., Widdowson, R., Smith, D., & Abell, B. (2012). . PLoS ONE, 7 (9), e46221.
Kriechbaumer, V., Nabok, A., Mustafa, M., Al-Ammar, R., Tsargorodskaya, A., Smith, D., & Abell, B. (2012). . PLoS ONE, 7 (3), e34455.
Smith, D., Woods, L.A., Radford, S.E., & Ashcroft, A.E. (2011). . Biophysical Journal, 101 (5), 1238-1247.
Kriechbaumer, V., Tsargorodskaya, A., Mustafa, M., Vinogradova, T., Lacey, J., Smith, D., ... Nabok, A. (2011). . Biophysical Journal, 101 (2), 504-511.
Smith, D.P., Radford, S.E., & Ashcroft, A.E. (2010). . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107 (15), 6794-6798.
Ladner, C.L., Chen, M., Smith, D., Platt, G.W., Radford, S.E., & Langen, R. (2010). . Journal of Biological Chemistry, 285 (22), 17137-17147.
Knapman, T., Smith, D., Campuzano, I., Malham, R., Berryman, J., Radford, S., & Ashcroft, A. (2009). . European Journal of Mass Spectrometry, 15 (5), 113.
Smith, D.P., Anderson, J., Plante, J., Ashcroft, A.E., Radford, S.E., Wilson, A.J., & Parker, M.J. (2008). . Chemical Communications, (44), 5728.
Barnham, K.J., Kenche, V.B., Ciccotosto, G.D., Smith, D.P., Tew, D.J., Liu, X., ... Cappai, R. (2008). . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105 (19), 6813-6818.
Giannakis, E., Pacifico, J., Smith, D.P., Hung, L.W., Masters, C.L., Cappai, R., ... Barnham, K.J. (2008). . Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Biomembranes, 1778 (4), 1112-1119.
Smith, D.P., Tew, D.J., Hill, A.F., Bottomley, S.P., Masters, C.L., Barnham, K.J., & Cappai, R. (2008). . Biochemistry, 47 (5), 1425-1434.
Tew, D.J., Bottomley, S.P., Smith, D.P., Ciccotosto, G.D., Babon, J., Hinds, M.G., ... Barnham, K.J. (2008). . Biophysical journal, 94 (7), 2752-2766.
Smith, D.P., Giles, K., Bateman, R.H., Radford, S.E., & Ashcroft, A.E. (2007). . Journal of The American Society for Mass Spectrometry, 18 (12), 2180-2190.
Fodero-Tavoletti, M.T., Smith, D.P., McLean, C.A., Adlard, P.A., Barnham, K.J., Foster, L.E., ... Villemagne, V.L. (2007). . The Journal of Neuroscience, 27 (39), 10365-10371.
Smith, D.P., Ciccotosto, G.D., Tew, D.J., Fodero-Tavoletti, M.T., Johanssen, T., Masters, C.L., ... Cappai, R. (2007). . Biochemistry, 46 (10), 2881-2891.
Duce, J.A., Smith, D.P., Blake, R.E., Crouch, P.J., Li, Q.-.X., Masters, C.L., & Trounce, I.A. (2006). Linker histone H1 binds to disease associated amyloid-like fibrils. Journal of molecular biology, 361 (3), 493-505.
Smith, D.P., Smith, D.G., Curtain, C.C., Boas, J.F., Pilbrow, J.R., Ciccotosto, G.D., ... Barnham, K.J. (2006). Copper-mediated amyloid-beta toxicity is associated with an intermolecular histidine bridge. The Journal of biological chemistry, 281 (22), 15145-15154.
Cappai, R., Leck, S.-.L., Tew, D.J., Williamson, N.A., Smith, D.P., Galatis, D., ... Hill, A.F. (2005). Dopamine promotes alpha-synuclein aggregation into SDS-resistant soluble oligomers via a distinct folding pathway. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 19 (10), 1377-1379.
Jones, S., Smith, D.P., & Radford, S.E. (2003). Role of the N and C-terminal strands of beta 2-microglobulin in amyloid formation at neutral pH. Journal of molecular biology, 330 (5), 935-941.
Kad, N.M., Myers, S.L., Smith, D.P., Smith, D.A., Radford, S.E., & Thomson, N.H. (2003). Hierarchical assembly of beta2-microglobulin amyloid in vitro revealed by atomic force microscopy. Journal of molecular biology, 330 (4), 785-797.
Smith, D.P., Jones, S., Serpell, L.C., Sunde, M., & Radford, S.E. (2003). A systematic investigation into the effect of protein destabilisation on beta 2-microglobulin amyloid formation. Journal of molecular biology, 330 (5), 943-954.
Trinh, C.H., Smith, D.P., Kalverda, A.P., Phillips, S.E.V., & Radford, S.E. (2002). Crystal structure of monomeric human beta-2-microglobulin reveals clues to its amyloidogenic properties. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 99 (15), 9771-9776.
Kad, N.M., Thomson, N.H., Smith, D.P., Smith, D.A., & Radford, S.E. (2001). Beta(2)-microglobulin and its deamidated variant, N17D form amyloid fibrils with a range of morphologies in vitro. Journal of molecular biology, 313 (3), 559-571.
Smith, D.P., & Radford, S.E. (2001). Role of the single disulphide bond of beta(2)-microglobulin in amyloidosis in vitro. Protein science : a publication of the Protein Society, 10 (9), 1775-1784.
Smith, D.P. (n.d.). Bringing experiential learning into the lecture theatre using 3D printed objects. F1000㽶Ƶ, 5, 61.
Conference papers
Francis, N.J., Smith, D.P., & Turner, I.J. (2022). . In Domenech, J. (Ed.) Eighth International Conference on Higher Education Advances, 14 June 2022 - 17 June 2022 (pp. 521-529). Valencia, Spain: Editorial Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia:
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Lishchuk, A., Mussa, M., & Smith, D. (2022). Detection of Prostate Cancer Biomarker PCA3 with Electrochemical Apta-Sensor. MDPI Engineering Proceedings, 16 (1).
Takita, S., Nabok, A., Smith, D., & Lishchuk, A. (2021). . In Piro, B. (Ed.) CSAC2021: 1st International Electronic Conference on Chemical Sensors and Analytical Chemistry session Biosensors, Basel, Switzerland, 1 July 2021 - 15 July 2021. Sciforum-MDPI:
Paskins, A.R., Dalton, C.F., Duckett, C.J., & Smith, D.P. (2016). INVESTIGATING METAL BINDING AND THE RESULTING CONFORMATIONAL CHANGES AND AGGREGATION OF MONOMERIC WILD-TYPE ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN AND A PHOSPHORYLATION MIMIC. JOURNAL OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW AND METABOLISM, 36, 594-595.
Book chapters
Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2024). Process not product in the written assessment. In Using Generative AI Effectively in Higher Education. (pp. 115-126). Routledge:
Smith, D.P., Ashcroft, A.E., & Radford, S.E. (2010). Hemodialysis‐Related Amyloidosis. (pp. 347-379). Wiley:
Giannakis, E., Hung, L.-.W., Camacaro, K.P., Smith, D., Barnham, K., & Wade, J.D. (2008). . In Otvos, L. (Ed.) Peptide-based drug design. (pp. 71-86). Humana Press:
Reports
Barber, M. (2021). Gravity assist: propelling higher education towards a brighter future.
Smith, D., Woodroofe, N., Little, L., Slay, O., Handforth, R., Beckingham, S., ... Ludwig, F. (2019). . 㽶Ƶ.
Theses / Dissertations
Flint, L.E. (2021). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Clench, M., Cross, N., Cole, L., & Smith, D.
Taylor-Whiteley, T.R. (2020). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D.
Mason, R. (2018). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D.
Paskins, A.R. (2017). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D.
Smith, R.A.-.S. (2015). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Abell, B., & Smith, D.
Illes-Toth, T.E. (2013). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Smith, D., & Dalton, C.
Internet Publications
Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2023). Using Generative Artificial Intelligence - A Student Guide.
Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2023). Guidelines on Using AI in Academic Assessments.
Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2023). Generative AI in assessment.
Smith, D. (2023). AI 101 – a short guide to good prompts.
Sevens, T., Smith, D., Watkins, N., & Foulkes, D. (2021). .
Smith, D. (2021). How to Write an UnGoogleable Exam Question - Part 2.
Smith, D. (2021). How to Write an UnGoogleable Exam Question – Part 1.
Cramman, H., Burnham, J.A.J., Campbell, C.D., Francis, N.J., Smith, D.P., Spagnoli, D., ... Turner, I.J. (2021). COVID as a catalyst: Uncovering misaligned power dynamics and the importance of new Professional Learning Networks for Higher Education science laboratory teaching.
Cramman, H., Burnham, J.A.J., Campbell, C.D., Francis, N.J., Smith, D.P., Spagnoli, D., ... Turner, I.J. (2021). COVID as a catalyst: Uncovering misaligned power dynamics and the importance of new Professional Learning Networks for Higher Education science laboratory teaching.
Francis, N., Turner, I., & Smith, D. (2021). #DryLabsRealScience – together stronger.
Francis, N., Turner, I., & Smith, D. (2021). #DryLabsRealScience – together stronger.
Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). #DryLabsRealScience: Teaching practicals without labs.
Turner, I., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2020). #DryLabsRealScience: Teaching practicals without labs.
Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). It’s a brave new (educational) world. Advance HE.
Francis, N., Smith, D., & Turner, I. (2020). It’s a brave new (educational) world. Advance HE.
Smith, D. (2020). 10 lessons I learned about online learning by running an online conference.
Smith, D. (2020). Rapid Feedback Generator.
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging the Silent Majority.
Smith, D. (2019). Multiple choice questions for higher order thinking and active learning.
Smith, D. (2019). What do postgraduate students think about 㽶Ƶ-Informed Teaching?
Smith, D. (2017). Thesis Tips and Tricks.
Smith, D. (2017). Object Based Learning.
Presentations
(2025). Meeting Abstract.
Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2024). Process over product: Incorporating AI into assessment. Presented at: Biochemistry Society Webinar, Online
Smith, D. (2023). Generative AI in Chemistry. Presented at: RSC Chemistry Outreach Lecture
Smith, D. (2023). Surviving and thriving as a dyslexic in academia.
Smith, D. (2023). Promise and Peril of AI in Bioscience Education – using these tools for effective learning. Presented at: SYMPOSIUM ON PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION IN BIOSCIENCES, Aveiro, Portugal
Smith, D. (2023). Embedding Generative AI in bioscience education. Presented at: Invited Seminar
Smith, D. (2023). Promise and Peril of AI in Education. Presented at: Slovenia Biochemical Society - meeting, Slovenia
Smith, D. (2023). AI in assessment. Presented at: COFSE Remote Forensic CSI symposium, Forensic CSI
Smith, D. (2023). Assessment styles and approaches (and what a happens now? (Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2023). Promise and Peril of AI in Education (Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2023). How has artificial intelligence answered the UnGoogleable exam question and what happens next? (Keynote). Presented at: FEBS Education Ambassadors, Vilnius University Lithuania
Smith, D. (2023). How AI has solved the UnGoogleable Question.
Smith, D. (2023). Beyond the Chat: Understanding the Impact of ChatGPT in Higher Education (Keynote).
Smith, D. (2023). How AI has solved the UnGoogleable Question (Keynote). Presented at: #DryLabsRealScience
Smith, D. (2023). Pedagogy and Practice when Teaching and Learning Online (invited speaker).
Smith, D. (2022). Surviving and Thriving as a Dyslexic in Academia. Presented at: Dyslexia Scotland Network, Online
Smith, D. (2022). Online assessment and approaches. Presented at: Biosummit, Cardiff
Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2022). Perfecting Practical Pandemic Pedagogy. Presented at: International Federation of National Teaching Fellows, Online
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2022). Peer group interactions with a blended learning space, how students are using social media to answer assessment questions. Presented at: ǰDzԲշᾱܳپDz, University College London
Lacey, M., Smith, D., & Francis, N. (2022). Online video content with embed active learning enhances students’ learning experience. Presented at: ǰDzԲշᾱܳپDz, University College London
Smith, D. (2022). Online assessment styles and approaches (Keynote). Presented at: RSB Accreditation Conference 2022, London
Smith, D. (2021). #DryLabsRealScience a collaborative network addressing the virtual delivery of the practical experience, lessons learned and COVID keepers(Invited Speaker). Presented at: Laboratory Animal Science Associate Annual Conference
Smith, D. (2021). Authentic and Innovative Assessment in STEM(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2021). Practical Thinking during COVID 19(Keynote / Internation). Presented at: Practical Engineering Education 21, University of Sheffield
Smith, D. (2021). Cross-disciplinary perceptions of research-informed teaching. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). Visibility and accessibility of science research in post-16 and higher education Biosciences and Chemistry students and the impact on career aspirations. Presented at: Creating Knowledge Conference SHU, online
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). Perceptions of science research: visibility and accessibility of science research as a career in post-16 Biosciences and Chemistry students. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). How students' inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Presented at: Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference, online
Smith, D. (2021). Interacting with your students in the physical and virtual spaces.(Keynote). Presented at: Biochemical Society Educational Meeting
Smith, D. (2021). Engaging in the Physical and Virtual Worlds(Invited Speaker).
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2021). How to make exam questions ungoogleable. Presented at: Microbiology teachers symposium, online
Smith, D. (2021). Practical Tips for Engaging Education.(Keynote). Presented at: HUBS new to teaching workshop
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2020). How Students' inspirations and aspirations impact motivation and engagement in the first year of study. Presented at: Biosummit 2020, online
Smith, D. (2020). The duel role of the academic(Keynote speaker / Internation). Presented at: AdvancedHE Webinar
Smith, D. (2020). Capstone Masters projects(Invited speaker). Presented at: Swansea University inter University webinar, Swansea University
Smith, D. (2020). Object-based learning to engage and enthuse.(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2020). Engaging the Silent Majority(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging the Silent Majority(Keynote). Presented at: Bioscience summit, Kingston University
Smith, D. (2019). Who Goes Where(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging the Silent Majority. Presented at: HUBS Annual General meetings
Smith, D. (2019). Engaging With TEL(Invited Speaker).
Smith, D. (2019). Peer / Friendship groups and the effect on attainment. Presented at: Advance HE STEM Conference, Newcastle Centre For Life
Smith, D. (2019). Aligning research and teaching? Presented at: Royal Society of Biology Early Careers Lectures Workshop, Edinburgh Napier
Lacey, M., Smith, D., & Campbell, S. (2018). How peer / friendship groups form, and their effect on engagement and attainment. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, 㽶Ƶ
Lacey, M., & Smith, D. (2018). Lecture theatre: where people sit and why. Presented at: Annual Learning and Teaching Conference, 㽶Ƶ
Smith, D. (2018). The importance of friendship groups in learning. Presented at: Horizon STEM, University of Hull
Smith, D. (2018). Object-based learning to engage and enthuse. Presented at: HEA STEM
Smith, D. (2017). Who goes where - the importance of friendship groups in learning. Presented at: Society of Experimental Biology annual meeting, Gothenburg
Smith, D. (2016). Enquiry Driven 㽶Ƶ Is Not Just for Final Years. Presented at: Society of Experimental Biology annual meeting, Brighton
Smith, D. (2015). Bringing experiential learning into the lecture theatre through the use of 3D models. Presented at: Society of Experimental Biology annual meeting, Prague
Smith, D. (2012). Ion-Mobility-Spectrometry Mass-Spectrometry for 㽶Ƶs. Presented at: American Society of Mass Spectrometry Annual Meeting
Other activities
Chair of the Biochemical Society Education and Outreach Group.
The Biochemist: Editor Education Section Biochemistry Society publication
Bioscience Educators Network: David leads the BEN, which is supported by the Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS) and provides a UK-wide support network for bioscience educators from all career stages as a forum in which to discuss career progression, fellowship opportunities and pedagogical research.
Postgraduate supervision
Molecular Bioscience / Amyloid Formation
- Stress granule formation and the links to Parkinson’s disease
- Cellular response to amyloid oligomers within a Parkinson's disease model
Mass Spectrometry Imaging
- Mass spectrometry imaging of a refractory osteosarcoma model, to inform drug development.
- Biopharmaceutical quantification by mass spectrometry imaging
Media
David is particularly interested in how proteins, the molecular machines within the brain, change their shape and come together, creating neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Current research interests are centred on linking the structure of complexes to their toxic of function.