Farm study leads to academic award for consumer champion Kathryn

Kathryn Alderson will help to protect the rights of consumers after she graduates from the University of Teesside.

Kathryn, 21, from South Cowton in North Yorkshire, has graduated with a BSc (Hons) Consumer Science and Consumer Law. She also clinched the Evening Gazette Award for best dissertation.

Having secured employment with Middlesbrough Council as a Consumer Advice Officer, she will work as part of a specialist team providing a comprehensive and confidential advice and education service. Kathryn said: ‘The post will use practically every element of my degree and I’m really looking forward to the challenge. It will provide me with invaluable experience in the area of trading standards.

‘I really enjoyed the course and my time at the University. In my second year, I took part in a mentor programme which was particularly rewarding. A lot of money has been invested in the campus and it has a really good reputation in the working world.

‘I learnt so much from legislation such as the Sale of Goods Act, which helped me to understand what consumers can expect from retailers regarding repayments, refunds and replacements. I also learnt how to test petrol pumps and calibrate fuel tankers. The course is fascinating because it is so diverse.’

Kathryn was also delighted to receive an academic award for her dissertation, which examined the production of organic food and its health-related benefits.

She said: ‘I am a farmer’s daughter, so chose to do something farm-related. Living and working on the family farm during my degree stood me in good stead for researching conventional farming techniques.

‘My dissertation focused on legislation pertaining to organic production in the UK and Europe, and the pros and cons of a predominantly organic diet and its perceived health benefits. I got such a shock when I found out I’d won the award. My dissertation was hard work but it’s lovely to see that it has made a positive impact!’

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