Two engineering students in the Faculty of Science and Technology at Lancaster University have been rewarded a prestigious prize for high achieving female students studying science and STEM-related subjects.

Hannah Burford and Isabel Parsons have each been awarded a Women into Science (2018) accolade, and £600, by Ede & Ravenscroft, who supply robes for Lancaster University students during graduation.

The prize aims to draw upon the success of females in science subjects by showcasing their outstanding academic performance.

Hannah Burford, who studies for a MEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree at Lancaster University, said: “It’s been a real honour to be recognised for my hard work by receiving this prize.

“I think it’s important to highlight female STEM students’ achievements and prizes like this help to promote the subjects to young women, inspiring them to consider a career path which is exciting, innovative and rewarding.

“I came to study at Lancaster University because it is one of the best universities to study mechanical engineering and has a Gold TEF rating.

“My course provides a great balance between learning technical knowledge and applying this in practical sessions using the university’s state-of-the-art, industry-led facilities.

“My favourite aspect of studying at Lancaster University is the opportunities that the course brings, including industry trips, and the campus is located in a beautiful part of the country with easy accessibility to the Lake District and major cities.”

Isabel Parsons, who studies for a MEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering degree at Lancaster University, said: “It was a pleasant surprise to win the Ede & Ravenscroft Women into Science award.

“I chose to study engineering at Lancaster University because I liked the idea of having a common first year, this meant that I learnt core concepts and key knowledge of the engineering industry to allow me progress into my second year and specialise in a specific subject [electronic and electrical engineering] for the rest of my degree.

“The cross-discipline approach is one of the best things about my degree programme as it has given me a well-rounded understanding of the industry and its wide range of career paths.

“My favourite module was the robotics project in my second year, I loved learning the theory elements in lecturers and using this knowledge to build my own robot.”

The Head of Department for Engineering at Lancaster University, Professor Claudio Paoloni, added: “The Ede and Ravenscroft award is a well-deserved recognition of Hannah and Isabel’s enthusiasm to excel in their studies within the Engineering department at Lancaster University.

“Hannah and Isobel are great example students who are sure to inspire and encourage young women to start a career in engineering.”