Civil Engineering student Lauren wins prestigious scholarship

The Materials Processing Institute has named Teesside University civil engineering student Lauren Skidmore as the latest Millman Scholar at a Postgraduate Research Symposium in London.

She is currently in her second year of a Bachelor of Engineering degree and is a former student of Laurence Jackson School in Guisborough and Redcar and Cleveland College.

Established by the Middlesbrough-based Institute, in conjunction with the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers, the annual Millman Scholarship is awarded to a deserving candidate from the Tees Valley who is either planning to, or has begun a materials, science, or engineering-related degree.

As a result, the 27-year-old from Skelton, will receive a range of practical and academic support throughout her degree course, including an annual £1,500 bursary, a paid summer placement at the Institute, mentoring support from an appointed industrial advisor, and an invitation to attend the annual symposium.

Lauren, who is a student representative for her course and achieved an overall first in her first year at university, was selected because of her determination to succeed and excel.

That was further underlined by the fact that she returned to education following a break of eight years, during which she had a daughter, now aged five. She also worked at The Co-Operative and as a service advisor at Drive Vauxhall – where she gained valuable administration, computer and customer service skills.

She said: “I’m extremely grateful to the Materials Processing Institute and the Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers for giving me this amazing opportunity, one that will allow me to progress both my studies and my career.

“I had an eight-year break from education, which allowed me to gain valuable real world experience, and to return to my studies more motivated and knowing exactly what I need to achieve.”

Chris McDonald, Chief Executive Officer of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “The Institute is a national centre for research and innovation in the fields of advanced materials, industrial decarbonisation, the circular economy and digital technologies, and we are dedicated to promoting STEM careers and providing opportunities to the next generation of talent here in the Tees Valley.

“Lauren is a deserved recipient of the Millman Scholarship, having displayed a flair for her chosen subject, together with a determination to succeed.”

The scholarship was established in recognition of Dr Stuart Millman, an internationally renowned industrial researcher, who retired from the Institute in 2018, having spent a 40-year career in industrial research.

Lauren was named as this year’s Millman Scholar at the 6th Postgraduate Symposium on Ferrous Metallurgy held at the Armourers’ Hall in London.

The closing date for applications for the 2023/24 Millman Scholarship is 17 March 2023.

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