Every year, IBMS eStudent members who have achieved academic distinction are awarded the President’s Prize. Here are the recent winners.
Glasgow Caledonian University
The recipient of the President’s Prize at Glasgow Caledonian University was Laura Pisarek. Laura was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Biomedical Science and was a very worthy winner, she was an enthusiastic and dedicated student throughout her degree. She intends to pursue a career in research and is currently applying for PhD posts. Laura is pictured being presented with her prize by Allan Wilson President-elect of the Institute.
In a graduation ceremony at the University of Plymouth, Victoria Hicks was awarded the IBMS President’s Prize, graduating with a First-class honours degree in BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science. Victoria successfully completed a research project in neuroscience at the Derriford Research Facility under the supervision of Dr Claudia Barros.
Pictured from left: Dr Craig Donaldson (former Head of School of Biomedical Sciences and IBMS nominated representative to present the prize) with Victoria Hicks BSc (IBMS President’s Prize winner) and Dr Kris Jeremy (Acting Deputy Head of School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Plymouth).
Rebecca Roderick, the winner of the IBMS President’s Prize at Cardiff Metropolitan University, was awarded her Prize by IBMS Council Member for Wales, Helen Archer.
Rebecca graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Healthcare Science and is now working as a biomedical scientist is the microbiology department at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Newport.
Mary Gray, the winner of the President’s Prize at Sheffield Hallam University, was awarded her Prize by Margaret Hunt, the Chair of the IBMS Sheffield Branch at her graduation ceremony in November.
Mary (known as Molly to her friends and colleagues) was described by Dr Laura Cole, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science at the university, as “possibly one of the most attentive, driven and focussed students I have had the pleasure to teach in a long time [and] a great team player in the laboratory.”
Laura Perry was awarded the IBMS President’s Prize at her graduation ceremony held at Bristol Cathedral. Andrew Usher, IBMS Regional Council Member and Chair of the Institute’s Education and Professional Standards Committee, was in attendance to award the Prize. Laura graduated with a BSc (Hons) Healthcare Science (Life Science) undertaking her placement at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, where she successfully completed the IBMS Registration Portfolio and was also awarded with her Certificate of Competence, enabling her to register with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Ciara Liptrot was awarded the Institute of Biomedical Science President’s Prize at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) graduation ceremony by GMIT’s Vice President of Academic Affairs & Registrar, Dr Seamus Lennon. Ciara was awarded a first-class BSc (Hons) Medical Science degree and aspires to work as a practicing medical scientist within the healthcare sector.
Samantha Edensor was awarded the IBMS President’s Prize at the University of Westminster, having achieved the highest course mark for an IBMS student member across all of the accredited biomedical science courses.
Samantha has been working in cellular pathology for almost six years, more recently at Milton Keynes University Hospital where she has been appointed to a biomedical scientist position.
Now that she has graduated she is looking forward to commencing work for the IBMS specialist portfolio and undertaking a distance learning masters programme.
Samantha was presented with her President’s Prize by Dr Caroline Smith, Assistance Head of School, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster.
Alexia Lawrence, the President’s Prize winner at Kingston University, passion for biomedical science developed after working in a small hospital laboratory on the remote island of St Helena. She thoroughly enjoyed studying BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree at Kingston University which she described as being both engaging and challenging. After graduating with first-class honours, Alexia secured a position in a London hospital where she will complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio and continue to pursue a career as a biomedical scientist. In the future she plans to continue with postgraduate study.
Alexia was awarded her President’s Prize by Ms Sue Alexander from the Royal Marsden Hospital; they are pictured with Dr Simon Gould new Course Director for BSc Biomedical Science at Kingston University and Dr Steve Robinson retiring Course Director.
Sarah Duffy, the President’s Prize winner at the University of the West of Scotland, undertook a multi-disciplinary placement at University Hospital Wishaw. She felt this experience was invaluable as it allowed her to gain valuable work experience while gaining a better understanding of three main departments: microbiology, biochemistry and haematology.
This helped her in her decision on which area she would like her career to focus and after graduating in the summer has now secured a full-time role as a Biomedical Scientist in an NHS Microbiology laboratory. During her studies Sarah also took part in public engagement events in hospitals promoting the role of laboratories in healthcare provision. She also played a role in helping prepare future students for the integrated placement.
Matthew Gilbert was awarded the IBMS President’s Prize at the University of Lincoln, After his graduation ceremony he said: “My degree has enabled me to explore all areas of biomedical science - From genetics to microbiology. I never thought I would be able to learn such a varied range of disciplines in such detail, yet thanks to my amazing lecturers, I have managed to do just that. I firmly believe that my time at Lincoln has laid the foundations for my future career in biomedicine and I hope to build on this by working within the NHS.
Moving forward, I hope to complete my portfolio and start my career as a biomedical scientist in the NHS. I am so excited to do this as I believe this will enable me to make a tangible improvement to a patient's wellbeing by contributing to their diagnosis. In doing so, I'll also have the potential to work with fantastic colleges in a variety of disciplines. This is why I joined the IBMS, as it will allow me to keep up to date with all areas within biomedical science, as well as the potential to constantly keep improving myself through their CPD schemes.’
Matthew was awarded his Prize by the Head of Life Sciences, Professor Stephen Bevan.
Priscilla Bonsu graduated from the University of Bradford with a first class honours in Healthcare Science Life Sciences with Blood Science. She carried out her placement at Barnsley Hospital where she completed her IBMS Registration Portfolio. Priscilla was awarded the President’s Prize by Zeshaan Ejaz, a committee member for the IBMS Yorkshire Region and also a member on the West Riding Branch committee.
Priscilla has now taken up a post as a biomedical scientist in transplant immunology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals.
Chloe Cooper was the winner of the 2019 President’s Prize award at Keele University, she was described by Mr Glenn Hussey the Programme Director for Biomedical Science as being a dedicated student throughout her time at Keele who has always wanted to pursue a career as a Biomedical Scientist. Chloe achieved a first class honours and following her graduation secured a post working in microbiology where she will be completing her IBMS Registration Portfolio for HCPC registration. She will also be continuing her studies through an accredited masters in order to develop her career within the profession.
Chloe was awarded her Prize by Kerry Rawlin from University of the North Midlands NHS Trust (L). Professor Dawn Scott, Head of School is pictured and on the right.
Alix Costell, the IBMS President’s Prize winner at Lancaster University, said: “Four years ago, I began my degree in biomedical science at Lancaster University, little did I realise how much I would gain from my undergraduate studies.
Throughout my time at Lancaster I learnt about healthcare sciences, genetics and human pathology as well as enhancing my practical skills in the laboratory. I was surrounded by research-active lecturers who supported me throughout my degree and especially during the dissertation research project. Here, I used bioinformatics to provide proof of concept data for a “universal” influenza vaccine study. Alongside this degree, the university also offers placement year opportunities to be undertaken in an NHS pathology laboratory. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity so applied for one of the competitive positions. I was successful in my application and was granted a position at Blackpool Victoria Hospital where I worked primarily in the cellular pathology laboratories. Two of my biggest achievements from the year were completing my IBMS Registration Portfolio and being offered a secondment opportunity working on a molecular diagnostics project for lung cancer testing. I became a fully integrated member of the laboratory and received training in a wide range of techniques that provided molecular diagnostics for the Lancashire region. Visits to an established molecular laboratory and seminars given by renowned leaders in cancer diagnostics fuelled my future career ambitions to train as a clinical scientist. I returned to university for the final year of my degree with additional focus on my application for the NHS Science Training Programme. I am proud to say that I have now graduated with a first class honours degree in Biomedical Science and have started the NHS Science Training Programme specialising in histopathology.
Alix (centre) was presented with the prize by Kathleen Simon, Quality & Training Manager, Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital (on right). Kathleen was herself a Lancaster University recipient of the IBMS President’s prize in 2012. On the left of the photograph is the Head of the Biomedical and Life Sciences Department, Professor Paul Bates
Emma Mayhew, the IBMS President’s Prize winner at Aston University, said: “My aim, since a child, has always been to become a biomedical scientist specialising in microbiology as I was very ill when I was young and was saved by biomedical scientists, I have always wanted to repay them and save someone else’s life myself. I have always worked extremely hard to achieve this goal often to the peril of my own health. My aspirations are to become an experienced biomedical scientist, working within a large children’s hospital, my specific interests are blood borne infections. I also hope that one day I can be involved in the training of future biomedical scientists, and be able to give support as they begin their journey.
Emma Mayhew received her prize from Dr Jonathan Cox, Lecturer in Microbiology at Aston University.
Amelia Drysdale from Manchester Metropolitan University was awarded the IBMS President’s Prize by Carol Ainley, Head of the Department of Life Sciences. Amelia enjoyed all aspects of her degree and felt that there was a great mix of laboratory work and lectures, which will prepare her well for a career as a research scientist. During the programme she developed a keen interest in vascular pathology and cardiovascular disease and will be continuing her research in this area through a PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Gemma Dawson described receiving the IBMS President’s Prize at her graduation in July 2019 as “the cherry on top of cake” of her university experience. She thoroughly enjoyed studying all aspects of her BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree and in particular her 20-week clinical placement at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, where she has recently been appointed as a trainee biomedical scientist within the haematology department. Gemma was awarded her President’s Prize by IBMS member Isla Bruce from NHS Grampian.
Issra Bulgasim is the 2019 President’s Prize winner from Liverpool John Moores University. Issra achieved first class Honours in Biomedical Science, having completed her IBMS Registration Portfolio at a work placement in the microbiology department at Whiston Hospital. She is currently continuing to work in that department while formulating her plans for her long-term future in biomedical science. Issra was presented with her Prize by Dr Janice C Harland, Programmes Leader Biomedical Science.
The IBMS President’s Prize at Ulster University was awarded to Shane Fearon. Shane, who received a First Class Honours in Biomedical Science with DPP (Pathology), was described as an excellent scholar and role model.
The award was presented to Shane by the Chair of the IBMS Northern Ireland Branch, Ruth Boyce with Dr Declan McKenna, Academic Division Head for Biomedical and Healthcare Sciences in attendance.
Diego Balassini recently graduated from Queen Mary University of London with first class honours in Biomedical Sciences. He was awarded the IBMS President’s Prize for outstanding academic achievement throughout his degree. Diego was drawn to studying biomedical sciences because he was interested in basic scientific research and the application of research to address health problems.
Unsurprisingly, Diego cites his third year research project as a key part of his studies. He conducted a primary research project in c-met signalling in triple negative breast cancer, supervised by Dr Stéphanie Kermorgant at the Barts Cancer Institute, which is one of the top five cancer research centres in the UK.
Outside of his studies, Diego was the vice president and careers officer of the Biomedics Society, which is an award-winning Queen Mary Student Union society. He was involved in organising a variety of academic, social and careers events which all received great feedback from students. Diego is also an actor and playwright in a prize-winning youth theatre company.
In the new academic year Diego will commence graduate entry medicine at the University of Cambridge. He is driven by his desire to help patients and has aspirations to combine research in cardiovascular science with his clinical practice.
Dr Jayne Dennis, Director of Biomedical Sciences is pictured with Diego.
University of Brighton
Panagiotis Giannos was awarded the President’s Prize at the University of Brighton, following the successful completion of his BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree. Panagiotis completed an outstanding final year, meta-analysis research project entitled 'Biomarker discovery in TGF B-driven Epithelial mesenchymal transition in Non-small cell lung cancer' and has now gone on to undertake an MSc in Translational Neuroscience at Imperial College London with a scope of developing novel preventive strategies in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders. He is pictured here at graduation with the course leader, Dr Peter Bush.
Bronwen Bland graduated from Coventry University with a BSc (Hons) Applied Biomedical Science degree was awarded the IBMS Presidents Prize at her graduation ceremony in November 2019. The Prize was presented to Bronwen by Alison Adkins from the IBMS Birmingham Branch.
They are pictured with Ann Green, Head of School Life Sciences at Coventry University.