- Emily and Natasha Baker both graduated with a first class BSc Honours in Applied Biomedical Science
- The twins, from Burton-upon-Trent, each received an Alumni Scholarship to support them financially through their studies
- Emily and Natasha will now both be studying for PhDs at Aston University.
It was a double celebration for twin sisters Emily and Natasha Baker as they both graduated from Aston University with first class honours degrees in applied biomedical science this summer.
The twins, from Burton-upon-Trent, graduated in a ceremony held at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Wednesday 20 July.
Emily and Natasha were both financially supported through their studies by an Aston Alumni Scholarship. Available to UK students who acheived BBB+ at A Level, these scholarships are awarded to students with amazing ambitions, those who want to create a better world through community activity or business ideas, or who have overcome significant barriers to study at Aston University.
Emily said: “Throughout my degree, I continued to live at home and commute to campus. The Aston Alumni Scholarship has been extremely helpful with my travel costs and it meant that I was able to attend all of my lectures, practicals and workshops comfortably without any financial burden.
“It also funded many extra opportunities throughout my degree, including the 'Vivit' experience (the world’s only semi-synthetic human cadaver) in 2019, which me and my twin sister attended as part of our 19th birthday treat! I was also able to take up an unpaid placement opportunity at my local hospital as a trainee biomedical scientist.
“I cannot thank all of Aston University's donors enough. They have helped me grow closer to my dreams of becoming an impactful scientist and I hope that one day I too can become successful enough to contribute to the growth of so many aspirational students through this scholarship scheme.”
Natasha said: “My scholarship has helped me in so many ways, particularly with travel, since I lived at home and commuted to University. It has also allowed me to be able to comfortably buy the resources I need to do well, such as textbooks, and has ensured that I can put more energy into studying without financial stress. I couldn’t be more grateful for this opportunity.
“My final year was challenging, but it was also my favourite. Undertaking an eight week lab project meant I learned so many more technical scientific skills, and it helped me confirm the career path I want to take.
“I’m very proud that I have been able to achieve my goals and extremely grateful to everyone who has helped me through my journey so far: Aston University, fellow students and the donors who fund scholarships like mine.”
Carol Fryer, stewardship manager at Aston University, said:
“Aston University’s reputation is built on a long-standing commitment to provide students from all backgrounds with a practical education, equipping them with the skills and the mindset to make the most of their talents.
“We provide donor-funded scholarships to support undergraduate students from a range of backgrounds who might face a variety of financial challenges. The scholarships are intended to enable the recipient to fully participate in university life without being restricted by financial worries for the duration of their degree.
“I am delighted to see how Emily and Natasha have made the most of their opportunities, supported by our scholarships.”
Both Emily and Natasha will be continuing their education at Aston University, having both been accepted onto PhD positions.
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
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. Saskia Hansen is the interim 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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