Miss Lisa Suzanne Sparkes
Name: Lisa Suzanne Sparkes
Postion: Lecturer
Email: lisa.sparkes@bangor.ac.uk
Location: M11a, Main Arts.
Overview
Lisa is a Lecturer in Criminology and Criminal Justice, specializing in crime and punishment, serial killers, crime and power and the foundations of criminological thought. With a strong academic background and a passion for engaging students in critical discussions, Lisa delivers thought-provoking seminars and lectures that challenge conventional understandings of justice, rehabilitation and criminal behaviour.
Lisa holds a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice and an MA in Comparative Criminology, both from Bangor University. Her academic training has provided a strong foundation in criminal justice theory, comparative research methods and the analysis of social and legal issues, equipping her with the skills to critically examine contemporary challenges in criminology and criminal policy.
Currently pursuing a PhD in Criminology, Lisa’s research focuses on “Female Gangs in the UK – Is there a problem?”, contributing to contemporary debates in criminal justice policy and criminological theory. She also has a strong interest in the Dangerous Dogs Act and breed-specific legislation, examining their social and legal implications, as well as in the motivations and psychological profiles of female serial killers.
Mae Lisa yn Ddarlithydd mewn Troseddeg a Chyfiawnder Troseddol, gan arbenigo mewn trosedd a chosb, llofruddion cyfresol, trosedd a phŵer a sylfeini meddwl troseddegol. Gyda chefndir academaidd cryf ac angerdd dros ymgysylltu myfyrwyr mewn trafodaethau beirniadol, mae Lisa yn cyflwyno seminarau a darlithoedd sy'n ysgogi meddwl ac sy'n herio dealltwriaethau confensiynol o gyfiawnder, adsefydlu ac ymddygiad troseddol.
Mae gan Lisa BA mewn Troseddeg a Chyfiawnder Troseddol ac MA mewn Troseddeg Gymharol, y ddau o Brifysgol Bangor. Mae ei hyfforddiant academaidd wedi darparu sylfaen gref mewn damcaniaeth cyfiawnder troseddol, dulliau ymchwil cymharol a dadansoddi materion cymdeithasol a chyfreithiol, gan ei chyfarparu â'r sgiliau i archwilio heriau cyfoes mewn troseddeg a pholisi troseddol yn feirniadol.
Ar hyn o bryd yn dilyn PhD mewn Troseddeg, mae ymchwil Lisa yn canolbwyntio ar "Gangiau Benywaidd yn y DU - Oes problem?", gan gyfrannu at ddadleuon cyfoes mewn polisi cyfiawnder troseddol a damcaniaeth droseddegol. Mae ganddi hefyd ddiddordeb cryf yn Neddf Cŵn Peryglus a deddfwriaeth benodol i fridiau, gan archwilio eu goblygiadau cymdeithasol a chyfreithiol, yn ogystal ag yng nghymhellion a phroffiliau seicolegol llofruddion cyfresol benywaidd.
Teaching and Supervision
Current modules taught
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Lisa leads and contributes to several criminology modules, including:
- From Crime to Punishment – Examining theories of justice, rehabilitation vs. retribution and historical/legal perspectives on punishment.
- Introduction to Criminology, English and Welsh medium – Providing students with foundational knowledge of criminological theories, criminal behaviour and justice systems.
- Serial Killers – Supporting in a seminar setting, Lisa explores the psychology, motivations and case studies of the world’s most notorious offenders.
- Morality's Judgement - Collaboration with Philosophy, understanding the ethical issues of punishment.
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Within the policing modules, Lisa leads on:
- Evidence based policing Dissertation and Empirical Based Policing Dissertation.
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Lisa also leads on foundation year modules:
- Essential Skills, Foundation year project and Digital Communication
Engagement and Innovation in Teaching
Lisa is dedicated to innovative and experiential learning, integrating case study analysis, real-world applications, and critical debates into their teaching approach. Her approach includes:
- Simulated parole board exercises, where students assess risk and rehabilitation potential.
- Interdisciplinary modules, co-developing content that merges criminology with ethics and philosophy.
- Work placement collaborations, providing students with real-world experience in criminal justice settings.
With a commitment to student engagement, academic excellence and real-world application, Lisa continues to inspire the next generation of criminologists, equipping them with the critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for careers in research, policy-making and criminal justice reform.
Other Information
- 2025: 'Education and Student Experience Award 2025'.
- 2023: ‘Postgraduate Teacher of the Year’, Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Award.
- 2019: 'Student Voice Award', Bangor University Student-Led Teaching Award