The first person to graduate with a doctorate from the University of the Highlands and Islands is a microplastics researcher from Wales.
Winnie Courtene-Jones, 29, from Cardigan, was presented with the qualification at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (Sams) UHI graduation ceremony in Oban yesterday.
The postgraduate award marks a milestone in the development of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
While the organisation has hosted PhD students before, the final sign off for its doctoral degrees was made by the University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen or the University of Strathclyde as sponsors of the institution.
The Privy Council granted the University of the Highlands and Islands research degree awarding powers in 2017, meaning the institution can now award its own doctoral qualifications.
Dr Courtene-Jones’ PhD thesis explored the extent of microplastic pollution in the deep sea.
Her research, the first long-term study in this area, found that 48 per cent of creatures which live 6,560ft below the surface of the sea have ingested microscopic pieces of plastic.
The study sampled starfish and snails from the Rockall Trough off the Western Isles.
She said: “It’s a great feeling to finish my PhD. It has been a challenging, but incredibly fulfilling experience.
“I chose to study here because I wanted a PhD experience that was more personal and intimate. I wanted to be part of a university which knew who I was.
“The reputation of SAMS UHI was also a factor in my decision. I have enjoyed the opportunity to broaden my knowledge by mixing with researchers from different marine science disciplines and I have had a fantastic experience studying in such a beautiful location. It has been so much more than just a PhD.”
Dr Courtene-Jones received her qualification alongside 24 other graduates at the Oban ceremony.
Professor Crichton Lang, interim principal and vice-chancellor at UHI, said: “Gaining research degree awarding powers was a key milestone in the development of our university.”
SAMS UHI director Professor Nicholas Owens added: “I am very proud that a SAMS UHI student is to receive the first PhD from the university and it is fitting that an award-winning scholar like Winnie should have that honour.
“Her research on the effects of microplastics on deep-sea organisms has not only helped to establish SAMS UHI as a centre for marine plastics research but has added considerable knowledge to the research effort globally.”