Sasha’s a first time winner

Sasha Jurgilas relocated from the USA to study at the University of Teesside. Not only has she graduated with a degree but she has also become the first recipient of a special academic prize, awarded in memory of Professor Rob Cumming. Rob Cumming was a Professor of Microbiology at the University, who worked at Teesside for 23 years. He died in October 2002.

The first Professor Rob Cumming Memorial Prize was awarded to Sasha Jurgilas, a graduate of the BSc (Hons) Applied Science & Forensic Measurement degree, for her final year project.

Sasha, 24, originally from Brunswick, Maine (North of Boston), said: “I applied to Teesside specifically to study the course and I have really enjoyed my time here. I love Middlesbrough - it’s become a second home, and I’ve got a lot of friends here.

“I’m very proud to win the award. I studied under Professor Cummings, learning about different methods of research, so it really added to the day.”

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