A PhD student who helped inspire an Aberdeen school pupil who went on to win two science awards is being rewarded for his efforts at communicating science in the classroom.
Mwinyihija Mwinyikione helped Advance Higher Biology pupil Alison Monro at Hazlehead Academy over a six month period as part of a Researchers in Residence (RinR) scheme, which is funded by Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust.
The scheme encourages science, technology, engineering and maths researchers to work with school pupils in a bid to enthuse them about science.
Now Mwinyihija is preparing to head for London to pick up a Science Communicator's Award. Only around 10 of these awards are given to the 300 RinRs who take part in the scheme each year. They are given to those who have done “extras” as well as their placement.
In Mwinyihija's case this involved helping Alison with her project which earned her two top Crest (Creativity in Science and Technology) Awards.
Mwinyihija, who is originally from Mombassa, said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be getting this Communicator's Award. I think it's a great reflection of the academic excellence that is here at the University of Aberdeen . It has also made me think that perhaps I should dedicate myself to science teaching. My time at Hazlehead has been such an enjoyable experience.”
Eighteen-year-old Alison, who has just began studying Biomedical Sciences and Psychology at the University of Strathclyde , said: “Mwinyihija was very enthusiastic. He had a lot of ideas and his knowledge of his area is very in-depth. He was a great help with my project, showing me how to write it up. Learning those kind of skills will give me a headstart at university.”
Fiona Saunders, Principal Teacher of Biology at Hazlehead Academy , added: “Mwinyihija's award is so well deserved. He was so friendly and helpful. Alison gained a lot from his time here and so did I. Mwinyihija's enthusiasm was brilliant, really infectious.”