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Don Whitley Scientific (DWS) recently attended the University of Bradford's graduation ceremony, celebrating those who have just completed the BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science degree.
DWS has a long-standing tradition of sponsoring a prize for the student with the top marks in the Microbiology module of this degree course. Our founder, Don Whitley, felt passionate about our relationship with the University and initiated the prize more than 30 years ago. We have also recruited several of its Biomedical Science graduates over the years, including our Head of Science, Andrew Pridmore, who won the prize back in 1991 and now has the honour of presenting it to a new graduate each year.
This year’s prize was won by Harisa Cheema, who has worked tremendously hard to achieve top marks and commented the following:
"I am honoured to be the recipient of the 2024 Don Whitley Scientific Microbiology Award. Microbiology has always been a scientific area of great interest to me as I believe it to be a subject which is integral to facing many of the healthcare challenges seen today, such as antimicrobial resistance and hospital acquired infections.
My final year project focused on the action of a commensal bacterial species against a more pathogenic strain and the creation of fluorescent Staphylococcal strains for future use.
My experiences and the support and insights given by teaching staff at the University of Bradford have further increased my appreciation and passion for the treatment of illnesses and betterment of public health. I believe the skills and experiences gained during my undergraduate degree will aid me in future study and will drive my dedication to enhancing patient care and improving future healthcare."
Supporting local organisations and educational
institutions has been at the core of DWS from
our early days. Not only do we strive to support
a variety of scientific industries with our products
and services, but we also work closely with them
to ensure more opportunities are presented to
future generations in the local area, including
science graduates and engineering apprentices.
These traditions are now carried on by Don’s son, Managing Director Paul Walton and grandsons,
Joe and Tom Walton, who are both directors at the company. Paul Walton concluded: “There can be few microbiologists in the world who have not used
something in which Don has had a hand”.
Congratulations to Harisa and very best wishes for a successful future and rewarding career.
Harisa Cheema the University of Bradford
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