Honoured to win prize in memory of inspirational academic

History enthusiast Donna Marie Whiting graduates from Teesside University, not only with her degree, but with a cherished prize.

Donna, 40, is this year’s Rob Lee Memorial Prize winner, having completed the BA (Hons) Social and Cultural History.

The Rob Lee Memorial Prize is awarded for the most outstanding piece of work by an undergraduate in the field of Northern History and is presented in memory of Dr Rob Lee, a Teesside University academic who died from cancer in 2010.

Donna said: 'I was shocked at first to hear I had won - I never thought my work would even get recognised.

'I remember meeting Rob Lee when I first started at Teesside University. Like me, he went back to education as a mature student and studied Northern History. So to win a prize in his name is a huge honour.

'The prize was as a result of my dissertation, which examined Middlesbrough’s 'over the border' area in the 19th Century. I researched crime, poverty, the workhouse and prostitution in the town from 1814 to 1914.

'The main research looked at two streets in that area and the people who lived there. I looked at census reports to show the town’s unique growth due to industrialisation and its iron and steel.'

Donna has started her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to enable her to become a qualified teacher and is undergoing a placement at Thornaby Academy, where Teesside University is a lead sponsor.

She added: 'I decided to return to education as I loved learning and I loved history, especially local history. I enjoyed doing my degree and received so much support from my lecturers that I decided I would like to teach.

'I have brought up my two daughters on my own, so wanted to wait until they were older before I could do the degree. I love doing the PGCE at Thornaby Academy. The pupils there are amazing and I am receiving a lot of support and guidance from my mentor.

'Teaching just seemed like a natural progression for me. I want to share the knowledge I have gained with other people.'

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