A high-flying chemistry student has received a national award for her scientific work after impressing judges for two years in a row.
Megan Todd, 22, was awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Industry Technician of the Year award, which recognises the outstanding contribution made by an individual in a technical role in the industry.
She was shortlisted for the award last year but managed to win it this time around. Megan, from Ingleby Barwick, on Teesside, is completing her BSc (Hons) Chemistry degree part-time at Teesside University, while working as an Experimental Scientist for DuPont Teijin Films at the Wilton Centre near Redcar.
Her role involves the development and testing of polyester films for uses such as food packaging, solar panels and electronics.
Megan became a member of the RSC after the TTE Young Scientist programme was accredited for Registered Scientist status. The programme incorporates the first two years of the part-time degree.
She said: “I was delighted to be shortlisted for the award again, but I wasn’t as nervous this time.
“’When they read out my name I was really shocked but incredibly proud to have won. It is a great achievement and something that will certainly help me in my career.”
Megan has always wanted to be a scientist and is now entering the final year of her degree.
She added: “It can be quite tiring working and studying at the same time – especially when I have exams and coursework deadlines.
“But, for me, it has been worth it and definitely a good way of obtaining a degree. I will be graduating with five years of industry experience.
“In this profession, there is only so far you can go without a degree. When I graduate, it will enable me to go deeper into research and progress further within the profession.”’
Megan chose Teesside University as it was local and had strong links with the industry.
She said: ”I really love my job and am doing exactly what I have always wanted to do. ‘There are quite a few part-time students on my course and we get the opportunity to work together on group projects.
“It gives you that extra motivation because there are people around you with common interests – plus you want to do your best for the company which has invested in you.”