Student wins young scientist prize
A HARPER Adams University student has won a prestigious prize in a global young scientist competition.
Bioveterinary science student, Becca McLean from Tilehurst, Reading, came top out of all UK undergraduates in the Alltech Young Scientist Award competition.
The award brings together the world’s brightest scientific thinkers from colleges and universities across the globe. To compete, students are asked to submit a scientific paper on a topic such as veterinary science, animal nutrition, feeding technology, agricultural developments or agricultural management. Becca, 22, wrote about Streptococcus equi superantigens (bacterium), – the subject of her final year research project.
She said: “I entered the competition after Alltech came to speak to students at the start of the academic year. I was also encouraged by my lecturer, Dr Sandy Mackenzie.
“I feel really chuffed about winning against all the other competitors in the UK at undergraduate level. I never thought it would happen because it was open to all universities.
“I hope it will really benefit me in the future as I want to pursue a career in research, therefore I hope this award will be recognised when I apply for PhDs at various institutes.
“It shows that I am capable of writing a sound piece of academic research which I hope is something that other applicants won’t have.”
As a 2013 ‘Local Winner’, Becca receives a trophy, certificate and a commemorative memory stick in recognition of her achievement.
The global competition takes place at the Alltech headquarters in Kentucky during the annual International Animal Health and Nutrition Symposium. The overall winners receive a scholarship of either $5,000 or $10,000 and also receive a trophy.
Aside from entering the competition, Becca is also a Harper Adams Student Ambassador and a local school mentor.
She visits GSCE triple science students at Burton Borough each week, helping them with topics related to biology and chemistry.
The Alltech Young Scientist Award competition is open to undergraduate, PhD and Masters students from any animal or agricultural science field currently enrolled at an accredited college or university.
ENDS
Janine M Heath
Press Office
Harper Adams University
01952 815428
Harper Adams University is the UK's leading specialist provider of higher education for the rural and land-based industries. Our mission is to deliver higher education and research for the delivery of a sustainable food chain and rural economy. To see how Harper Adams can help you, visit www.harper-adams.ac.uk
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