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Daily Record
14-07-2025
- Science
- Daily Record
Outstanding East Kilbride student hailed for his academic achievements
Stephen Cardwell graduated with a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, and was awarded the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering, which was established in 2013 by retired Lanarkshire-born businessman and UWS alumnus and Honorary Doctor, Dr Les Hutchison. An outstanding East Kilbride student has been hailed for his academic achievements at University of the West of Scotland's summer graduations ceremony. Stephen Cardwell, from East Kilbride, has graduated with a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, and was awarded the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering, which was established in 2013 by retired Lanarkshire-born businessman and UWS alumnus and Honorary Doctor, Dr Les Hutchison. The award recognises the best performing undergraduate engineering student graduating from the University's School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences. On being recognised with the award, Stephen, who now works as a graduate Civil Engineer at Scottish Water, said: 'I'm delighted to be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with first-class honours and it has been made even more special being recognised with the Les Hutchison Award. 'None of this would have been possible without the firm support of the lecturers at UWS and their commitment to a comprehensive education, covering theoretical knowledge and technical skills required for a capable engineer. 'My journey at UWS has been deeply personal as it has allowed me to change discipline, with my recent move from an Analytical Chemist to a Civil Engineer. 'I am very grateful for the support of my tutors and am proud of the work I have produced. I hope this expresses how much my time at UWS has meant to me and what the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering would allow me to yet achieve.' Professor Gordon Morison, Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, paid tribute to Stephen's hard work. He said: 'Stephen has been a fantastic student throughout his studies, including being recognised with best dissertation and performing exceptionally across all of his assignments. 'Stephen has a keen interest in continuing to produce Civil Engineering research and so we look forward to seeing Stephen thrive in his future endeavours.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
UWS student cared for mum and mourned brother while studying
Amy Bowers, a graduate of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), completed her BSc (Hons) in Mental Health Nursing while caring for her mother during frequent hospital stays and coping with the sudden loss of her brother. She was awarded the Amundsen Trophy, which is given to a student who has overcome significant adversity during their studies but has managed to successfully continue with their programme. Stephen Cardwell received the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering (Image: Supplied) Amy said: "I'm truly honoured and grateful to have received this special award. "The recognition means a great deal to me, as it reflects the hard work, dedication, resilience, and commitment I've put into my studies and personal growth. Read more: LIVE Three rushed to hospital after car crash on Glasgow's High Street "I sincerely thank my lecturers, especially my personal tutor, peers, and support network who have been in my corner, supporting me through the toughest and most challenging period of life. "I would not have been able to cope with the pressures of university and life, if it wasn't for this support throughout. "This recognition means so much and motivates me to continue to keep striving for excellence, no matter the challenges." Julie Edgar, dean of the School of Health and Life Sciences at UWS, said: "We are extremely proud of Amy's achievements. "Despite the challenges she encountered during her studies, she remained fully committed to her degree, and it's truly wonderful to see her graduate today." Ms Bowers now works as a community addictions nurse with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Her programme leader described her as an 'inspiration to other students.' Stephen Cardwell, from East Kilbride, was also recognised at the summer graduation ceremonies. He received the Les Hutchison Award for Engineering after graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Civil Engineering. The award recognises the best performing undergraduate engineering student graduating from the university's School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences. Mr Cardwell said: "I'm delighted to be graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with first-class honours and it has been made even more special being recognised with the Les Hutchison Award. "None of this would have been possible without the firm support of the lecturers at UWS and their commitment to a comprehensive education, covering theoretical knowledge and technical skills required for a capable engineer. "I am very grateful for the support of my tutors and am proud of the work I have produced." Professor Gordon Morison, dean of the School of Computing, Engineering and Physical Sciences, said: 'Stephen has been a fantastic student throughout his studies, including being recognised with best dissertation and performing exceptionally across all of his assignments. "Stephen has a keen interest in continuing to produce Civil Engineering research and so we look forward to seeing Stephen thrive in his future endeavours.'
Techday NZ
05-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Unitec launches Doctor of Computing for advanced research
Unitec has introduced its Doctor of Computing (DCOMP) programme, offering new opportunities for advanced, applied research in computing for both domestic and eligible international students. The launch of the DCOMP marks a development for Unitec's School of Computing, Electrical, and Applied Technology, broadening the scope for postgraduate study in response to evolving industry demands in the computing sector. The programme builds on the foundation laid by Unitec's Master of Applied Technologies – Computing (MAT) and is open to graduates from a range of international institutions. According to Professor Hamid Sharifzadeh, Professor and Academic Programme Manager at the School of Computing, Electrical and Applied Technology, "The DCOMP is a natural progression for our Master of Applied Technologies – Computing (MAT) graduates and an exciting opportunity to welcome talented master's graduates from around the world." Professor Sharifzadeh further stated, "It reflects our school's deep commitment to applied research that makes a tangible difference across industry and the communities we serve, addressing local and global challenges." The DCOMP is a research-intensive doctoral programme designed to accommodate students from varied computing backgrounds. It covers a range of topics, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and additional emerging areas. Supervision within the programme is provided by a team of experienced academics, with Professor Sharifzadeh responsible for strategic academic oversight. The DCOMP structure is specifically tailored to professionals with substantial industry backgrounds, ensuring a blend of practical expertise and academic research. "We're proud to offer a professional practice pathway that allows students to embed their industry insights into their research, producing outcomes that are not only academically sound but highly relevant to real-world challenges," said Professor Sharifzadeh. The DCOMP has gained early attention from both local and overseas students, many of whom are past graduates of Unitec. Professor Sharifzadeh remarked, "It's been especially encouraging to see our past students eager to continue their journey with us." Entry requirements for the DCOMP include holding a master's degree, ideally with a research focus. The selection process is described as rigorous, aligning with the programme's aim to attract candidates with demonstrated academic capabilities and a strong commitment to advancing the field of applied computing. Unitec also encourages applications from individuals with multidisciplinary backgrounds, especially where computing intersects with sectors such as health, education, business, and the creative industries. This is intended to support research that addresses the practical needs at the intersection of technology and other fields. Graduates of the DCOMP are expected to move into significant positions across industry sectors, academic institutions, and government agencies. Professor Sharifzadeh noted, "Whether leading innovation in tech firms, shaping AI policy, or contributing to research institutions, we expect our graduates will drive meaningful digital transformation."
Reuters
18-04-2025
- Health
- Reuters
Health Rounds: DNA researchers are warned to beware of hackers
WASHINGTON, April 18 (Reuters) - (To receive the full newsletter in your inbox for free sign up here) Publicly accessible DNA research is a prime target for hackers, according to researchers. Keep up with the latest medical breakthroughs and healthcare trends with the Reuters Health Rounds newsletter. Sign up here. The vulnerabilities present risks to the privacy of individuals, scientific integrity and national security, they said. So-called next-generation DNA sequencing - the fast, modern way to determine the sequence of chemicals in a DNA molecule - lets researchers analyze large amounts of genetic material and discover variations associated with diseases, drug treatments and other biological phenomena. But the highly specialized instruments, technologies and software have multiple points of vulnerability, the researchers reported in IEEE Access, opens new tab after reviewing previously published studies. And because many DNA datasets are openly accessible online, there are many possible ways for cybercriminals to access and misuse the information for surveillance, manipulation or malicious experimentation, they said. Among the weaknesses, for example: biochips used with DNA sequencers are susceptible to malware attacks, including trojans that can masquerade as legitimate software, the researchers said. An infected microchip can leak sensitive sequencing data or manipulate genetic information, introducing inaccuracies in crucial genetic data essential for medical diagnostics and research, they added. Another example they cited: attackers could analyze regions of DNA that have been "amplified" - that is, when many copies of that region have been created for research purposes - and find ways to match those regions against public genealogy databases to infer personal information associated with the DNA profiles, linking DNA samples back to individuals. "Despite its importance, cyber-biosecurity remains one of the most neglected and poorly understood research disciplines and is leaving a critical gap in global biosecurity," study leader Dr. Nasreen Anjum of the University of Portsmouth's School of Computing said in a statement. "To make sure our DNA information stays safe and is used only for good, we're urging more research and collaboration to find ways to keep this powerful technology secure," Anjum added. Clogged neck arteries might not need reopening Many patients with a narrowed neck artery may not need one of the risky stroke-preventing procedures that are the usual standard of care, according to a study conducted in Europe and Canada. In the United States alone, well over 100,000 procedures are performed each year to reopen carotid arteries with narrowing, or stenosis. Removing the clogged section of the vessel has been shown to reduce the risk of a stroke. But the procedure itself can trigger a stroke. Along with surgery or minimally invasive placement of a stent, these patients receive blood thinners and drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Because these medications have improved over the years, researchers wondered whether routine carotid artery operations are still necessary in all patients. The researchers recruited 429 mostly older adults with a carotid artery that was at least 50% clogged but whose risk of stroke - at less than 20% - was not very high. Everyone received the usual medication regimens, and half were also randomly assigned to undergo surgery or stenting. Two years later, the researchers saw no differences in rates of stroke, heart attack or death in the two groups, according to a study in The Lancet Neurology, opens new tab. This was true regardless of whether or not patients had been having symptoms from the narrowed carotid artery, such as sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden vision loss or blurred vision or dizziness. An editorial, opens new tab published with the study notes that researchers will continue to follow the trial participants for another three years, and the results at that point will be more reliable. In the meantime, the results suggest that for up to about 75% of patients, medication alone will probably be sufficient to reduce the risk of a stroke, study coauthor Dr. Paul Nederkoorn of Amsterdam UMC said in a statement.
