A University of Aberdeen graduate has become the first student from the University to receive a prestigious award recognising excellence within the science education sector.
Sarah Bruce, who received a first class MEng in Chemical Engineering last year, was awarded a Salters Institute Graduate Prize during a ceremony in London.
The prize is awarded to outstanding graduates who are likely to occupy leading positions in public life, either by employment in the chemical or related industries, or more generally in employment that supports the industrial life of the UK.
Sarah was nominated for the award by Dr Euan Bain, Chemical Engineering programme co-ordinator, and was interviewed by a technical panel consisting of respected chemical engineers from industry and academia.
Reflecting on the experience, she said: “When I was attending the interviews, I got the chance to meet others who had been selected for interview from different universities, and from the discussions I had with them I realised the standards were very high and the competition would be strong.
“Therefore I was thrilled when I received an email the following day to inform me that I had been successful.”
Now working as a Graduate Process Engineer for engineering service provider Amec Foster Wheeler, Sarah described the experience of winning and receiving the award as “extremely rewarding.”
She added: “The event itself took place at the Fishmongers Hall at Tower Bridge in London where I got the chance to meet the other prize-winners, as well as a number of notable figures from the Salters Institute and other Livery Companies.
“It was a very enjoyable afternoon and I got the opportunity to meet a variety of very interesting individuals both from industry and academia.
“While I was obviously very happy to have received a first class degree, the Salters award was a fantastic achievement and I’m proud to be the first student from the University of Aberdeen to win it.”
For more details of the University of Aberdeen's Chemical Engineering MEng click here