Three physics 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.

Alice Lake, Chloe Zornemann and Jenny Thornton 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 highlight the success of females in STEM-related subjects by showcasing their outstanding academic performance.

Alice Lake, who studies for a MPhys Hons Theoretical Physics degree at Lancaster University, said: “Winning the Women into Science award was a lovely surprise and it means a lot to me. I know of some of the previous winners who I find inspirational and I am very passionate about encouraging more girls to consider studying STEM subjects further.

“I chose to study at Lancaster University because my degree allowed me to specialise in areas which most interest me and the department felt so friendly that I immediately felt right at home.

“I always enjoyed maths at school and my degree allows me to apply maths to describe and explain the world around us which I find really interesting. From this, I’m hoping to study a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics to study neutrinos (subatomic particles that we don’t know much about yet!).”

Chloe Zornemann, who studies for a MSci Theoretical Physics with Mathematics degree at Lancaster University, said: “I worked very hard during the exam period and winning this prize has inspired me to continue putting all my effort into revision.

“The course options available attracted me to study at Lancaster University. I am able to study both mathematics and physics elements throughout my degree, which contrasted many other universities which only allowed me to specialise in just one subject.

“The physics department at the University also offers a great working environment and all the lecturers are very approachable.

Jenny Thornton, who studies for a MPhys Hons Physics Study Abroad degree, said: “I’m really pleased to have won the Ede & Ravenscroft prize as I put a lot of hard work into my degree and it is nice to have my efforts acknowledged.

“The study abroad option was a key appeal of the degree course at Lancaster University, as I always wanted to experience life in a foreign country to expand my horizons.

“I have always had an interested in particle physics and my favourite module so far has been ‘Relativity Nuclei and Particles as the content was modern and relevant. I have always really enjoyed the experience of studying at the University of Florida as part of my degree, allowing me to experience new ways of life.”

The Head of Department for Physics at Lancaster University, Professor Roger William Lewis Jones added: “The Women into Science prize won by Alice, Chloe and Jenny is an outstanding achievement which recognises the hard work they contribute to the Physics Department at Lancaster University."