Dr David Peacock

Profile

After graduating with an MEng in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Liverpool in 1999, I joined BHR Group’s Sealing Technology Department as a Project Engineer. During this time, I worked on a range of industrial sealing and modelling projects while concurrently completing a PhD at Cranfield University (awarded in 2003), focusing on the degradation of the mechanical properties of elastomer seals.

From 2008 to 2016, I was a lecturer in China, where I taught materials engineering to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, gaining extensive international teaching experience.

I joined the University of Leeds in 2017, contributing to the Aviation programme through teaching and module leadership across a range of areas. In 2022, I was appointed Head of the Aviation Programme, a role I held until its closure in 2026.

In 2024, I began teaching on the Aerospace Engineering programme and was appointed Head of the Undergraduate Aerospace Engineering programme in 2025. In this role, I have led the development and expansion of the curriculum, including the introduction of new aerospace-focused modules at Level 2.

Responsibilities

• Head of Aerospace UG Programme
• Lecturer of Aerospace Engineering
• Institute of Thermofluids

Qualifications

• MEng Aerospace Engineering, University of Liverpool
• PhD, Elastomer Materials, Cranfield University

Professional memberships

• Member of the Royal Aeronautical Society
• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)

Student education

As Head of the Aerospace Engineering Programme (and previously the Aviation Programme), and as one of its principal lecturers, I contribute to all aspects of programme delivery and development. My responsibilities include:

Strategic oversight and leadership of the programme
Managing professional accreditation (RAeS, IMechE)
Designing and introducing new modules
Reviewing and enhancing existing modules
Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate research projects
Acting as a personal tutor
Building and maintaining industry partnerships (e.g. Jet2.com)
Organising contributions from external speakers

I am committed to delivering a high-quality educational experience by fostering:

A coherent and interconnected curriculum that progressively develops students’ knowledge and skills
Engaging, interactive modules featuring authentic content and real-world assessment
A supportive and inclusive student community

I continually enhance my own teaching practice as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and an active member of the Faculty’s Teaching and Learning in Engineering Network (TALENT).

Research groups and institutes

• Institute of Thermofluids