An Aberdeen student has scooped a prestigious accolade in recognition of her dedication to her studies in the field of medical science.
Aysha Khalid, who graduated from the University of Aberdeen last Friday (28 November) received the inaugural A J Porter prize, created to commend the most promising and dedicated student within her degree programme - the MSc in Medical Biotechnology with Biobusiness.
Asyha, who graduated MSc with distinction, was presented with a certificate and cheque for £200 by Dr Heather Wallace, Co-ordinator of Postgraduate Studies within the University's College of Life Sciences and Medicine Graduate School, at a reception held in the Institute of Medical Sciences Building following her graduation.
26 year old Asyha who is originally from Pakistan, will begin working as a Research Assistant for the University's Bone Group based within the institution's Division of Applied Medicine in January.
Founder of the award, Professor Andrew Porter, Deputy Director of the Institute of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen and successful bio-entrepreneur said: "This award has been created in recognition of students that have shown a level of excellence in their scientific studies and also flair for the commercial aspects of biotechnology. Students must show a very high level of academic achievement to simply make it onto this course. To then come out top when the competition is so high makes Aysha a student of exceptional promise.
"This award has been created to further emphasise the University of Aberdeen's commitment to including Biobusiness training into all aspects of undergraduate and post-graduate studies. Importantly this is achieved without compromising the excellence of the science taught. Graduates from this MSc programme are already securing positions with top flight pharmaceutical companies around the world or continuing their studies at PhD or MBA level."
Dr Wallace Co-ordinator of the Bio-business Programmes said: "Aysha has consistently displayed strong academic qualities and a positive scholarly approach throughout her MSc programme making her a well deserved winner of the inaugural A J Porter prize. She is a great example of the high calibre of graduates being produced by the University of Aberdeen."