Teesside University graduates with shared bond from primary school to PhD

Two Teesside University graduates, who first met at primary school and went on to become a couple, have celebrated academic achievement by graduating on the same day.

Dr Nathan Coles and Dr Lucy Butler, both 27 and from Ingleby Barwick, received their PhDs in Biochemistry, joining other graduates in the University’s first academic awards ceremonies held in the University’s new state-of-the-art Digital Life building.

Lucy and Nathan first met as children at Whinstone Primary, before going on to attend All Saints Academy and Bede Sixth Form, both then joining Teesside University to initially complete undergraduate degrees - Lucy to study biological sciences, while Nathan studied biomedical sciences.

Both graduated from their degrees with First Class honours before progressing to PhD study at the University’s National Horizons Centre.

Nathan and Lucy became a couple during the second year of their PhD in 2021, before getting engaged this year. Lucy, who works as a lecturer in bioinformatics in the University’s School of Health & Life Sciences, said: “After graduating from our first degrees, we learned about the opening of the National Horizons Centre, an incredible, state-of-the-art facility for biological research.

“It was the perfect opportunity to stay close to home while progressing in our academic careers. I joined as a PhD student, and Nathan completed his Master of Research before also starting a PhD at the NHC.

“The centre's cutting-edge resources and supportive environment made it an ideal place for our research. My career journey has been proudly rooted at Teesside University.”

Nathan added: “Teesside has truly shaped who we are, both personally and professionally. From being students to becoming researchers and now staff, it’s been an amazing journey.”

“The main reason we chose Teesside University is that we're very family-oriented and wanted to stay close to home to support our loved ones. That said, the University’s growing campus, and new courses, made the decision even easier.”

Lucy added: “We’ve made great friends, found our passions, and been part of a university that genuinely cares. We’re proud to be part of the Teesside University community, and we’re excited to see where it takes us next.”

A total of 11 graduation ceremonies are being held throughout the week having started on Monday, all of which are being hosted in the University’s recently completed Digital Life building.

Graduands and their guests are among the first to see inside the University’s first dedicated events space which forms part of the new building, designed to transform digital and technology education in the Tees Valley and beyond.

Proceedings from each ceremony are being shown on the big screen in the Campus Heart, as well as in the Students’ Union in the centre of the campus. The May ceremonies take place ahead of the traditional summer graduations, which will continue in July.

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