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National recognition for Teesside chemistry student

24 May 2016

 

Chemistry student Megan Todd has been nominated for a national accolade in recognition of her work.

Megan Todd
Megan Todd

Megan, 21, from Ingleby Barwick, has been shortlisted for the Royal Society of Chemistry Science Industry Technician of the Year award, which recognises the outstanding contribution made by an individual in a technical role in industry.

The BSc (Hons) Chemistry student is completing the degree part-time at Teesside University while working as a junior experimental scientist along with technician roles for DuPont Teijin Films at the Wilton Centre near Redcar.

Megan said: 'I completed an apprenticeship and my employer allows me to go to Teesside University one day each week.

'I am really pleased to be nominated for this national award, especially as I am just one of four people shortlisted. It is also lovely to be recognised for the hard work and enthusiasm I put into my job and university studies. I'm sure the nomination is due to my work at the company and extra contribution in promoting of the apprenticeship scheme.'

She was nominated for the award after meeting Nelly Harvey of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) when the TTE Young Scientist programme was accredited by the RSC for Registered Scientist status. The programme incorporates the first two years of the part-time degree.

Megan said: 'I was at a meeting with Nelly to represent the student point of view and spoke to her for around an hour. It’s lovely to think that I made such an impression that she suggested me to be nominated for the award.'

Chemistry degree courses offered by the University's School of Science & Engineering have recently been accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The Society's committee for accreditation and validation also praised the analytical chemistry provision, laboratory infrastructure and equipment.

Megan said: 'I chose to come to Teesside University as it was local to me and also the opportunity to study while working was too good to miss.

'Teesside University is in a great location close to so much industry and it’s good to be able to study and follow my chosen career in the region where I live. When I graduate I will have five years of work experience. It’s been fantastic to be able to learn while I earn, putting what I’m taught immediately into practice at work.'

Teesside University graduate Liam Wintrip, now working as a chemist at Johnson Matthey Process Technologies Chemicals in Stockton, has also been shortlisted for a prize in the same awards.

Liam, 24, of Peterlee, who graduated with a First Class BSc (Hons) Chemistry last year, has been shortlisted in the Chemical Sciences Apprentice of the Year, which recognises outstanding contribution by an apprentice working in the chemical sciences sector.

He said: 'Studying at Teesside facilitated in the development of my chemistry knowledge and skills, enabling me to progress within the chemical industry and secure full time work at Johnson Matthey following a two year apprenticeship. The University’s chemistry course provided a great combination of theoretical and practical chemistry to prepare me for my current role.'

The awards will be announced in London on 15 June.

More information about the awards


More information about the awards
 
 
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