• Second year PhD student shortlisted for Innovator Awards category
• Earlier this summer Clíona was also awarded inaugural Christopher J Hewitt Prize for exceptional student citizenship
• College of Health and Life Sciences student joins three others from the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences who have been shortlisted
A high-flying PhD student from Aston University has been shortlisted for the Midlands Women in Tech Awards which will be announced in Autumn.
Clíona Kelly, who has a masters in cognitive neuroscience and works with virtual reality (VR) and electroencephalogram (EEG) to investigate psychology questions was announced as one of the finalists earlier this month, and is part of the College of Health and Life Sciences.
She is an advocate to diversify science and technology through outreach programmes within the university and outside with initiatives like Black In Neuro helping students of all ages and levels to focus for an hour of independent study during the period of lockdowns.
In July, she was awarded the inaugural Christopher J Hewitt Prize for exceptional citizenship in recognition of her advocacy for diversity and support of fellow students from diverse backgrounds.
The Midlands Women in Tech Awards are an opportunity to highlight and recognise the ongoing contribution of women in the tech sector. The aim of the awards is to raise the visibility of women in the tech space and enable the next generation to ‘see it and therefore aspire to it’.
Liz Moores, deputy dean for the College of Health and Life Sciences said: “We are proud and delighted that Clíona Kelly has been shortlisted for a Women in Tech Innovator award. Clíona is one of our ‘home grown’ doctoral students, having studied at both undergraduate and masters level with Aston University.
“She is a fantastic ambassador for the University and for diversity in science; always willing to share her experience and expertise with others. Regardless of the outcome of this competition, she is one to watch.”
Clíona joins three other STEM pioneers from Aston University’s College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, including Reham Badawy and Lucy Bastin who have picked up nominations for the academic category and Jessica Morgan, having been put forward in the apprentice category for the awards.
Voting closes on August 20 and more details about the finalists can be found by clicking here.
The ceremony takes place on 7 October where the winners will be announced.
- Notes to Editors
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Professor Alec Cameron is the Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Rebecca Hume, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)7557 745416 or email: r.hume@aston.ac.uk
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