Published on 12 July 2017
A Sunderland graduate has picked up a prestigious national science prize for her commitment and dedication during her degree course.
Nadia Amoor has been awarded the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) President’s Prize at this week’s graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light, having achieved a First-Class Healthcare Sciences degree and proving herself an outstanding student.
The President's Prize of £100, plus certificate, is awarded to one student graduating from an IBMS accredited BSc Hons programme who has achieved academic distinction in a particular year who is also a member of the Institute.
Nadia, from Middlesbrough, took full advantage of the opportunities available at Sunderland. Specialising in cellular science she proactively sought a placement at James Cook University Hospital while still continuing her studies. She showed initiative throughout her placement working in the research area of cellular medicine which has led to a full-time role as an associate practitioner, now she has graduated.
Michelle Payne, Healthcare Sciences Programme Leader, said: “Nadia has excelled in her programme of study, integrating academic practice with a work-based placement in cellular medicine at the James Cook University Hospital. She impressed her placement providers to such an extent that she now has a job with them. It has been a pleasure to see her grow into a skilled and conscientious Biomedical Scientist.”
Nadia, whose love of science was inspired by her own mum’s role as a chemistry teacher, was fuelled by a commitment to work in the area of cellular medicine following her grandfather’s battle with cancer. She said: “I feel incredibly proud of what I have achieved. To win the President’s Prize just feels like the cherry on top after all the hard work; it was nice to be acknowledged in this way.”
The 21-year-old received her award from David Robinson, IBMS Chairman for the North East region, during the graduation ceremony.
David Robinson said: “We are delighted to award this year’s President Prize to Nadia, who has excelled in the field of Biomedical Science and was the highest performing student overall on the degree course.
“Achieving this accolade certainly gives Nadia opportunities, not only to highlight the academic excellence from the university but also the real-life workplace experience. I think that is more and more what employers are looking for.”
Nadia added: “I have loved every minute of my university experience, I'm really glad that I completed my course within three years.
“I came to university knowing that this was exactly what I wanted to do, I knew it would be three years of my life working hard and giving up my social life for a while, but to walk away at the end with a great degree and a job, makes me realise it was worth all the effort.”