David Simm
- Senior Lecturer: Physical Geography
- Email: d.simm@bathspa.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)1225 876114
- School: School of Sciences
- Campus: Newton Park

Personal statement
David is a Senior Lecturer in Physical Geography. He studied at Aberystwyth (BSc) and Exeter (PhD). He joined the department from St Mary's University in London, where he was a Lecturer in Physical Geography and also the Learning and Teaching Co-ordinator for the institution.
He is a former Course Leader for Development Geography and Subject Leader for Geography at Bath Spa University. He has also served as the External Examiner for physical geography at Oxford Brookes University. David is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Fellow and Chartered Geographer of the Royal Geographical Society. He is also a member of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Geography in Higher Education.
David was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (Advance HE) in 2020 in recognition for his innovative teaching of geographical research methods and peer-led teaching and learning on international fieldwork.
His research interests lie in fluvial geomorphology, in particular lowland river flooding, river restoration and river management. He is actively involved in pedagogic research, with a focus on problem-based learning and experiential learning on (international) fieldwork.
Academic qualifications
- PhD - University of Exeter
- BSc - Aberystwyth University.
Professional qualifications
- Chartered Geographer (Royal Geographical Society)
Professional memberships
- Senior Fellow - Higher Education Academy
- Fellow - Royal Geographical Society.
Awards
- National Teaching Fellow (NTF) – Advance HE (2020)
Research and academic outputs
Fieldwork (in tourism)
book_section
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2022) 'Fieldwork (in tourism).' In: Buhalis, D, ed. Encyclopedia of tourism management and marketing. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham. ISBN 9781800377479
Integrating assessment effectively into international fieldwork: a case study using student-led teaching and learning
book_section
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2022) 'Integrating assessment effectively into international fieldwork: a case study using student-led teaching and learning.' In: Bourke, T, Mills, R and Lane, R, eds. Assessment in geographical education: an international perspective. Springer, Cham, pp. 101-155. ISBN 9783030951382
Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: using innovative pedagogies to develop emotional intelligence and resilience
book_section
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2021) 'Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: using innovative pedagogies to develop emotional intelligence and resilience.' In: Wessell, J.E, ed. Experiential learning in geography: experience, evaluation, and encounters. Springer, Cham, pp. 57-75. ISBN 9783030820862
Using focus group research to support teaching and learning
book_section
Winlow, H, Simm, D, Marvell, A and Schaaf, R (2016) 'Using focus group research to support teaching and learning.' In: Haigh, M, Cotton, D and Hall, T, eds. Pedagogic research in geography higher education. Routledge, London, pp. 100-111. ISBN 9781138962088
Bridging the gap between foundation degrees and honours degrees
book_section
Simm, D (2013) 'Bridging the gap between foundation degrees and honours degrees.' In: Tate, S and Hopkins, P, eds. Re-thinking undergraduate students' transitions to, through and out of university: examples of good practice in GEES disciplines. Higher Education Academy, York, pp. 17-18. ISBN 9781907207945
Peer mentoring for semi-independent overseas fieldwork
book_section
Simm, D (2013) 'Peer mentoring for semi-independent overseas fieldwork.' In: Tate, S and Hopkins, P, eds. Re-thinking undergraduate students' transitions to, through and out of university: examples of good practice in GEES disciplines. Higher Education Academy, York, p. 17. ISBN 9781907207945
Supporting independent fieldwork in developing countries
book_section
Simm, D (2008) 'Supporting independent fieldwork in developing countries.' In: Maskall, J and Stokes, A, eds. Designing effective fieldwork for the environmental and natural sciences. GEES Subject Centre learning and teaching guide . Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth. ISBN 9781841022017
Enhancing the supervision of overseas fieldwork using student feedback
book_section
Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Cooper, D (2007) 'Enhancing the supervision of overseas fieldwork using student feedback.' In: Them and us. HEA-GEES, Plymouth, p. 9.
The rates and patterns of overbank deposition on a lowland floodplain
book_section
Simm, D (1995) 'The rates and patterns of overbank deposition on a lowland floodplain.' In: Foster, I, Gurnell, A and Webb, B, eds. Sediment and water quality in river catchments. Wiley, Chichester, pp. 247-264. ISBN 9780471957287
Teaching “wicked” problems in geography
article
Simm, D, Marvell, A and Mellor, A (2021) 'Teaching “wicked” problems in geography.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 45 (4). pp. 479-490. ISSN 0309-8265
Emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork: an evaluation of teaching and learning strategies for reflective assessment
article
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2018) 'Emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork: an evaluation of teaching and learning strategies for reflective assessment.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 42 (4). pp. 515-530. ISSN 0309-8265
Creating global students: opportunities, challenges and experiences of internationalizing the Geography curriculum in Higher Education
article
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2017) 'Creating global students: opportunities, challenges and experiences of internationalizing the Geography curriculum in Higher Education.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 41 (4). pp. 467-474. ISSN 0309-8265
Unravelling the geographical palimpsest through fieldwork: discovering a sense of place
article
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2016) 'Unravelling the geographical palimpsest through fieldwork: discovering a sense of place.' Geography, 101 (3). pp. 125-136. ISSN 0016-7487
Borderland spaces for learning partnership: opportunities, benefits and challenges
article
Hill, J, Thomas, G, Diaz, A and Simm, D (2016) 'Borderland spaces for learning partnership: opportunities, benefits and challenges.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 40 (3). pp. 375-393. ISSN 0309-8265
Gaining a “sense of place”: students’ affective experiences of place leading to transformative learning on international fieldwork
article
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2015) 'Gaining a “sense of place”: students’ affective experiences of place leading to transformative learning on international fieldwork.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 39 (4). pp. 595-616. ISSN 0309-8265
Students as scholars: evaluating student-led learning and teaching during fieldwork
article
Simm, D, Schaaf, R, Marvell, A and Harper, R (2013) 'Students as scholars: evaluating student-led learning and teaching during fieldwork.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 37 (4). pp. 547-566. ISSN 0309-8265
Foundation degrees in Geography and Tourism: a critical reflection on student experiences and the implications for undergraduate degree courses
article
Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2012) 'Foundation degrees in Geography and Tourism: a critical reflection on student experiences and the implications for undergraduate degree courses.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 36 (4). pp. 563-583. ISSN 0309-8265
Using focus group research to support teaching and learning
article
Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2012) 'Using focus group research to support teaching and learning.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 37 (2). pp. 292-303. ISSN 0309-8265
Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education
article
Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2011) 'Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education.' Planet, 24. pp. 2-9. ISSN 1473-1835
Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork
article
Simm, D and Schaaf, R (2011) 'Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork.' Planet, 24. pp. 30-36. ISSN 1473-1835
Boring, boring geomorphology? The need for Higher Education to engage with schools and Further Education
article
Simm, D (2008) 'Boring, boring geomorphology? The need for Higher Education to engage with schools and Further Education.' Geophemera, 102. pp. 6-10.
Extended work-related placements in developing countries: supporting remote learning and assessment
article
Winlow, H, Simm, D and Haslett, S.K (2007) 'Extended work-related placements in developing countries: supporting remote learning and assessment.' Planet, 18 (1). pp. 28-32. ISSN 1758-3608
Experiential learning - assessing process and product
article
Simm, D (2005) 'Experiential learning - assessing process and product.' Planet, 15. pp. 16-19. ISSN 1473-1835
Going global? Long-haul fieldwork in undergraduate geography
article
Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2005) 'Going global? Long-haul fieldwork in undergraduate geography.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 29 (2). pp. 241-253. ISSN 1466-1845
Crisis resolution of student-led research projects at distant localities
article
Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2004) 'Crisis resolution of student-led research projects at distant localities.' Planet (13). pp. 8-11. ISSN 1473-1835
Linking teaching and research through departmental research conferences for student project work
article
Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2003) 'Linking teaching and research through departmental research conferences for student project work.' Planet (11). pp. 21-24. ISSN 1473-1835
Effective teaching of research design in physical geography: a case study
article
Simm, D and David, C (2002) 'Effective teaching of research design in physical geography: a case study.' Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 26 (2). pp. 169-180. ISSN 0309-8265
Workshop-based teaching of research design
article
Simm, D and David, C (2002) 'Workshop-based teaching of research design.' Planet, 3. pp. 12-14. ISSN 1473-1835
Using the internet as a teaching tool: Three Gorges Dam, China
article
Simm, D (2002) 'Using the internet as a teaching tool: Three Gorges Dam, China.' Teaching Geography, 27 (2). pp. 82-86. ISSN 0305-8018
Lateral variability of overbank sedimentation on a Devon flood plain
article
Simm, D and Walling, D (1998) 'Lateral variability of overbank sedimentation on a Devon flood plain.' Hydrological Sciences Journal, 43 (5). pp. 715-732. ISSN 0262-6667
The potential application of finite element modelling of flood plain inundation to predict patterns of overbank deposition
article
Simm, D, Walling, D, Bates, P and Anderson, M (1997) 'The potential application of finite element modelling of flood plain inundation to predict patterns of overbank deposition.' Hydrological Sciences Journal, 42 (6). pp. 859-875. ISSN 0262-6667
Modelling floodplain flows using a two-dimensional finite element model
article
Simm, D, Bates, P, Anderson, M, Baird, L and Walling, D (1992) 'Modelling floodplain flows using a two-dimensional finite element model.' Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 17 (6). pp. 575-588. ISSN 1096-9837
The emotional geographies of place: developing innovative learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork
conference_item
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2021) The emotional geographies of place: developing innovative learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork. In: Danish Network for Educational Development in Higher Education Special Interest Group on Laboratory and Fieldwork - Competence Development from Lab Work and Fieldwork, 8 March 2021, University of Copenhagen, Denmark [online].
Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: developing emotional intelligence and resilience to support innovative pedagogies
conference_item
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2019) Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: developing emotional intelligence and resilience to support innovative pedagogies. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 28 - 30 August 2019, Royal Geographical Society, London, UK.
Emotional geographies of fieldwork: developing learning and teaching strategies.
conference_item
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2019) Emotional geographies of fieldwork: developing learning and teaching strategies. In: Geographical Association Annual Conference, 11 April 2019, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Communities of/for learning: enhancing student engagement in changing HE environments
conference_item
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2018) Communities of/for learning: enhancing student engagement in changing HE environments. In: RGS-IBG Annual Conference 2018, 28 - 31 August 2018, Cardiff University, UK.
The emotional geographies of place: developing effective learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork
conference_item
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2017) The emotional geographies of place: developing effective learning and teaching strategies for international fieldwork. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 29 August - 1 September 2017, London.
Understanding emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork leading to effective learning and teaching strategies
conference_item
Marvell, A and Simm, D (2016) Understanding emotional geographies experienced during international fieldwork leading to effective learning and teaching strategies. In: JGHE: Celebration of Learning and Teaching in HE Geography, 15 December 2016, Royal Geographical Society, London, UK.
Applying pedagogies to wicked problems in geography
conference_item
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2016) Applying pedagogies to wicked problems in geography. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 30 August - 2 September 2016, Royal Geographical Society, London, UK.
Making sense of place: unravelling the geographical palimpsest of Barcelona
conference_item
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2015) Making sense of place: unravelling the geographical palimpsest of Barcelona. In: Royal Geographical Society, West of England & South Wales Regional Branch talk series, 17 February 2015, University of South Wales, UK.
Developing the research-teaching nexus using a local fieldwork project
conference_item
Johnson, R.M, Simm, D, Edwards, E and Skellern, A (2014) Developing the research-teaching nexus using a local fieldwork project. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 26 - 29 August 2014, Kensington Gore, London.
Student-led learning and teaching on international fieldtrips
conference_item
Marvell, A, Simm, D and Schaaf, R (2014) Student-led learning and teaching on international fieldtrips. In: Geographical Association Annual Conference, 14 - 16 April 2014, University of Surrey.
Student peer mentoring and new staff
conference_item
Simm, D (2011) Student peer mentoring and new staff. In: GEES Early Career Lecturers Workshop, 24 May 2011, Department of Geography and Development Studies, University of Chester.
Student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork
conference_item
Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2011) Student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork. In: GEES Subject Centre Conference 2011: Teaching and Learning for GEES Students, 1 July 2011, Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham.
Evaluating student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork
conference_item
Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2011) Evaluating student-led learning and engagement with place on international fieldwork. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, 31 August - 2 September 2011, Kensington Gore, London, UK.
Engaging students: revisiting the use of student writing for subject newsletters
conference_item
Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Chaffey, N (2011) Engaging students: revisiting the use of student writing for subject newsletters. In: HEA/GEES Subject Centre Conference, 30 June - 1 July 2011, Birmingham.
Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education
conference_item
Winlow, H, Simm, D, Schaaf, R and Marvell, A (2010) Student experiences of foundation degrees in further and higher education. In: GEES Subject Centre 10th Anniversary Conference - “GEES Learning and Teaching to 2020”, 9 July 2010, University of Plymouth.
Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork
conference_item
Simm, D and Schaaf, R (2010) Providing specialist support to peers: evaluating a student mentoring scheme for semi-independent overseas fieldwork. In: GEES Subject Centre 10th Anniversary Conference - “GEES Learning and Teaching to 2020”, 8 July 2010, University of Plymouth.
Using student peer mentoring to promote retention on a foundation degree embedded in the undergraduate degree structure at a HE institution
conference_item
Simm, D (2007) Using student peer mentoring to promote retention on a foundation degree embedded in the undergraduate degree structure at a HE institution. In: GEES Subject Centre Residential Conference: Recruitment and retention in the GEES disciplines, 25 - 26 June 2007, Holiday Inn City Centre, Birmingham.
Home and away: integrating research and teaching through local and overseas fieldwork
conference_item
Simm, D and McGuinness, M (2006) Home and away: integrating research and teaching through local and overseas fieldwork. In: RGS-IBG Annual International Conference, September 2006, London.
The deposition and storage of suspended sediment in contemporary floodplain systems: a case study of the River Culm, Devon
thesis
Simm, D (1993) The deposition and storage of suspended sediment in contemporary floodplain systems: a case study of the River Culm, Devon. PhD thesis, University of Exeter.
Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: resources to support geographical teaching and learning in higher education [online]
other
Simm, D and Marvell, A (2019) Encountering emotions during international fieldwork: resources to support geographical teaching and learning in higher education [online]. Royal Geographical Society.
Charlton, R. 2008: Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology [book review]
other
Simm, D (2008) Charlton, R. 2008: Fundamentals of fluvial geomorphology [book review]. Progress in Physical Geography, 32 (3). pp. 347-349. ISSN 0309-1333