The IOM3 annually confer a number of awards for personal achievement, published work and contributions to the Institute, knowledge, outreach and profession.
The IOM3 Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Studies was awarded to Sam Jackson for being a well-rounded individual that, in addition to academic excellence, has made a positive contribution to department/company life and demonstrates a passion and commitment for their subject and future career.
Sam said: “To have been nominated and selected to receive the Excellence in Undergraduate Studies Award and the Royal Charter Prize is a great honour, and I am proud to have dedicated these awards to my late parents. While my undergraduate experience was undoubtedly challenging at times, I feel privileged to receive recognition for my work and academic performance, including my contributions as a member of the Student–Staff Committee in creating a new MEng with a Year in Industry programme for future undergraduates, and collaborating with the Students’ Union to help improve student support during difficult periods and leave of absence.”
Since graduating in the summer, Sam has started his PhD here at the University researching the effect of machining forces on the microstructure and fatigue properties of titanium hip implants within the Sheffield Titanium Alloy Research (STAR) group under the supervision of Prof Martin Jackson. Sam explained that he “chose to do a PhD as it gives me a unique opportunity to further develop the skills and technical knowledge gained during my undergraduate studies here at the university, working on a metallurgy project which is sponsored by an internationally recognised manufacturing tool company, Seco Tools.”
Sam was nominated for the award by Professor Kathy Christofidou who said: “He is, simply put, a fantastic student who consistently achieved high grades, reflecting a deep engagement with his studies. Sam’s positive contribution to departmental life beyond his studies has been both extensive and enduring. He has a keen desire to make a difference and worked tirelessly to support both his peers and future cohorts. As an active student ambassador and faculty champion, he supported numerous pre-applicant and open days, and he was an influential member of the Student Staff Committee (SSC), representing his cohort and the entire Materials Engineering undergraduate body at faculty meetings.”
