Twenty-one-year-old Rumana Hussain was awarded the Undergraduate Microbiology Prize by the Microbiology Society, a professional body for microbiologists in academia and research worldwide.

Every year the Microbiology Society awards the prize to an undergraduate student from each qualifying institution who performs best in microbiology in the second year of a Bachelor’s degree.

Rumana, from Luton, said: “It was such a wonderful surprise being presented with a prestigious award that distinguished the quality of my work. There was a feeling of immense satisfaction in knowing my hard work and dedication was recognised.”

Rumana will receive free membership to the Society, giving her the chance to network with researchers, educators and students with an interest in microbiology.

“The Microbiology Society membership will be a very beneficial supplement in my studies and interests, allowing me to continually test my potential,” said Rumana.

The prize was awarded to Rumana after she carried out a series of experiments to identify a range of pathogens. The examiners agreed that Rumana’s submission was exceptional, with an excellent blend of creativity and research skills in reporting and interpreting the experiments carried out.

Senior Lecturer in Microbiology Dr Arthur Hosie said: “Rumana is an enthusiastic student who is keen to receive and respond to constructive feedback so we are delighted to see her skills and hard work recognised by this prize, which will open doors to networking and learning opportunities at this early stage of her career.”

Pictured: From left to right: Senior Lecturer in Immunology Dr Anna Furmanski, Rumana Hussain and Dr Arthur Hosie.