Friday 23 September 2011

 

The 2011 Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Awards took place on Friday 23 September 2011 in the Ballroom of the Millennium Hotel, Grosvenor Square at the heart of London's Mayfair. With many nominations in each of the 15 categories there was fierce competition from universities from across Europe. Only three finalists are selected from each category. This year Laura Weddell MEng (2011), who carried out her final year research project with Professor Vida Sharifi on the "design and optimisation of a small scale biomass heating system", was shortlisted for the AWE Award for the Best Chemical Engineering Student. Following a champagne reception, the evening continued with a splendid dinner of five-spiced duck cake, lemon & lime marinated chicken and chocolate fondant, accompanied by a selection of red and white wines. Each of the finalists and their guests were hosted by a member of the judging panel for their category and members of the sponsoring company.

The awards ceremony followed the dinner and was hosted by television and radio presenter Angela Lamont.

It was not long to wait for the Best Chemical Engineering Student category. Before presenting the award the judges noted how close the competition had been this year. Sadly, it was not Laura's year to win. However, everyone acknowledge the achievement to get to this stage of the competition and how proud we are at Sheffield of Laura. Speaking to one of the judges after the ceremony, he noted how Laura was a "particularly good ambassador for the profession". Laura thanked Professor Sharifi for nominating her and said that it had been "an amazing experience".

Laura was accompanied by her very proud boyfriend Andy Wignall.

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering was represented by Dr Robert Edyvean, Deputy Head of Department, and Dr Nigel Russell (on behalf of Professor Sharifi).

The evening finished just after 10pm and Laura and Andy returned to their hotel with exciting plans for the weekend, including a trip on the London Eye and tickets for the Lion King; a great way to celebrate the achievement of being one of Europe's top three Chemical Engineering students

Text and photos by Nigel Russell.