Graduates celebrate in the sunshine
Graduands from the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations and the General Engineering Research Institute came together to celebrate their graduation at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral on the morning of Tuesday 14 July. The afternoon marked the achievements of graduands from the School of the Built Environment and the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences.
Jigang Ma graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy for Defects and Lifetime Prediction of Germanium MOSFETs . He now works as post-doc Research Associate at LJMU focusing on the characterisation of emerging memory technology. Jigang was also selected as one of five finalists in Engineering Sciences, in the Association of British and Turkish Academics (ABTA) 2015 Doctoral Researcher Awards, with over 150 applications from nearly 50 universities in the UK.
He commented: “At LJMU, the research and publications are strong in microelectronics, especially electrical characterisation, which is very closely related to my masters research study in China. It is also good to have the opportunity to study overseas, to experience new life, new culture and to make lots of friends. I love the city of Liverpool.”
From Silverstone to employment success
Richard Dolan gained a First Class in MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering and undertook work placements at Vauxhall and Gulf Racing, also winning prizes for the InstMC Chester and Manchester Best Project and the IMechE Best Project Prize. He was also one of the drivers for the LJMU Racing Team, who recently achieved their highest ever event finish, securing 11th place overall at the Formula Student event which took place at Silverstone where the team design and build their own single-seater racing car. The team are judged on design, speed, endurance and environmental criteria against university departments from around the world.
Prize-winning students
Thomas Brockbank (BSc (Hons) Port and Maritime Management), Jack Todd (BSc (Hons) Management, Transport and Logistics) and James Tebay (BSc (Hons) Maritime Business and Management) all received awards for their outstanding achievements.
Thomas and James both achieved the Bibby Ship Management Prize, an award reflecting the long-standing relationship between LJMU and this locally-based shipping and logistics group.
Jack, who was awarded the John Burt Memorial Prize for achieving the highest mark for his dissertation, was able to draw on the experience of his placement year with Bibby Logistics, and this same organisation has now taken him on in a full-time role after graduation.
Jack said: “LJMU has a diverse number of lecturers who have a lot of experience and knowledge in their fields. They each show a passion for their programmes and make each lecture engaging for the students. I have been fortunate enough to secure a position with Bibby Distribution one of the leading logistic companies in the country and hope to progress through their ranks.” (Pictured above, left to right: Thomas, Jack, James)
The Vice-Chancellor's Excellence Award was presented to Dr Trung Thanh Nguyen, from the School of Engineering, Technology and Maritime Operations, for his commitment to and demonstration of the values of the University.
Honorary Fellowship
Andrew Miller received his Honorary Fellowship for outstanding services to science and technology in politics. His citation was presented by LJMU Honorary Fellow Ian Meadows OBE DL.
Andrew was Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston from 1992-2015. He has been Chair of both the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee and the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee during the last Parliament. He has been recognised by the Science Council as 'one of the UK's leading practising scientists' and he is a keen supporter of LJMU's Astrophysics Research Institute.
During his acceptance speech Andrew took the opportunity to highlight the excellent work of scientific institutions, companies and organisations in the North West.
He commented: "During my retirement I will be flying the flag for the great centres of excellence for science and technology in the region. We need to sing from the rooftops about the case for investment."
He added that he is extremely proud to receive his Honorary Fellowship and he will be working with LJMU on every possible occasion to ensure the North West continues to be recognised for its achievements in science, technology and engineering.
You can read the full oration for Andrew Miller here
Ready for professional success
Emma Keaney graduates with a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology and will be progressing onto postgraduate studies through a Masters in Architectural Engineering, continuing at LJMU in September.
“Studying Architectural Technology at LJMU has been a really positive life experience for many reasons," she explained: "The amazing staff that run the course have supported me throughout my studies and have fully prepared me to work within the industry. I found all of the course modules engaging and interesting, this helped me to develop the relevant skills required within my chosen profession. LJMU has been a fantastic place to study and has enriched the academic and social aspects of my life.”
Lewis Fahy achieved a First Class BSc (Hons) in Software engineering. As part of his placement year, Lewis worked in various IT roles at a finance company and now has a full time position there as an Application Support Developer.
He commented: “My choice to study at LJMU was based upon the University’s focus on employability combined with a strong academic research element linked directly to industry. I feel I have been challenged throughout the experience. This has been hugely beneficial because not only have I developed the technical skills for my profession; I have also developed industry soft skills such as teamwork, communication and organisation. I feel it has positioned me in a far stronger position for my future career.”
Companion of the University
Helen Orme received a University Companion Award in recognition of her contribution to LJMU during 40 years of continual service and in gratitude of her dedication and celebration of her distinguished professional career.
As a first point of contact for potential students, Helen has been responsible for recruiting generation after generation of students and has represented the University at thousands of higher education events across the country.
You can read the full oration for Helen Orme here
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Take a look at a round-up of the day's celebrations
