An Aberdeen University honorary research fellow has been made an OBE for her contribution to science and agriculture.
Jenna Ross, a world-renowned malacologist and nematologist, has been an honorary fellow of the School of Biological Science at the university for more than 10 years.
She currently leads international development for the UK Government-funded Agri-Tech Centre, Crop Health and Protection (CHAP), which fosters UK and international collaborations to develop game-changing agricultural innovations.
A former Aboyne Academy pupil, Ms Ross praised her former chemistry teacher at the school, Dr Campbell, who gave her extra tuition at lunchtimes and said that “she turned something I hated into something I loved”.
After this, she completed a first-class degree and MBA at the Robert Gordon University and then did her PhD and post-doctoral training in environmental science at Aberdeen University.
‘Champion for others’
Ms Ross, from Tarland, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Dr Campbell and to all the amazing teachers, lecturers, mentors, champions, friends and of course my family, who have supported me along my journey.
“I hope that in the work that I do, I am that same champion for others in agriculture and science. I am particularly passionate about encouraging the next generation in Stem subjects and showcasing the wide range of career opportunities which are available within agriculture and science.
“I am hugely shocked and massively honoured to receive an OBE and I look forward to using it to help champion career opportunities in agriculture and science.”
As well as the north-east, she has also lived in Angola, Norway, South Africa and Tanzania, where she furthered her research and supported MSc and PhD students.
‘Outstanding contribution’
Aberdeen University’s principal and vice-chancellor, George Boyne said: “This is great news for Dr Ross and I am delighted that her outstanding contribution to agriculture and science has been recognised in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday Honours.
“I know the university community will be very pleased that Dr Ross has been recognised for her work.”
In her spare time, Ms Ross is a keen bale artist.
Her numerous creations during lockdown inspired many in Aberdeenshire and subsequently led to her winning the Tour of Britain National Land Art competition with a creative environmentally friendly bike display.
All proceeds raised through the imaginative displays go towards North-East Sensory Services (Ness).
Conversation