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Helen Hits a Hat-trick

22 November 2002

 

Super-student Helen Connolly has hit an amazing hat trick at the University of Teesside, clinching a degree and two academic prizes.

As if earning a First Class degree in BSc (Hons) Microbiology wasn’t enough, Helen has also been awarded with the Teesside Science Award and University of Teesside Student of the Year prizes. Helen will receive her Microbiology degree today (Tuesday 19 November) and the Cecil M Yuill Award for the Highest Achievement in any field of study on Friday at 11am. She will receive the prize at the Honorary Graduates ceremony, where six leading figures from the worlds of cinema, sport, literature, the health service, education and business will receive Honorary Degrees from the University of Teesside. These will include animation pioneer Ray Harryhausen, Redcar-born author Jane Gardam and former England FC Physiotherapist Alan Smith. Helen, 26, from Middlesbrough, said: “To win these two awards is the icing on the cake for me. After three years of working hard it’s a real boost to be getting these at the same time as graduating.

“I’ve been interested in science my whole life so it was a natural progression to further my studies with the degree. I think I’ve got a good foundation to build a career on and I hope that having the Academic Awards on my CV will also help me in future job interviews.”

Helen is now studying for a PhD, in conjunction with the Oxford Centre for Ecology and Hydrology on the subject of degradation of industrial waste using micro-organisms. Helen is a former pupil of Nunthorpe School and Marton Sixth Form College.


 
 
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