Burnley College University Courses Students Celebrate Prestigious Awards Win

Burnley College University Courses is proud to announce that two of its exceptional Alumni - Katerina Gkzimpala and Sammy Chocron - have been honoured with prestigious awards from the Royal Society of Biology (RSB), celebrating their talent and dedication in biological sciences.

Katerina has been named Student of the Year while Sammy has been awarded Project of the Year.

Katerina’s story is one of ambition and an unwavering commitment to education, ensuring she could combine her roles as an Undergraduate and mother to succeed at the highest levels and inspire others.

Katerina says:  

“This award is the culmination of all the hard work and perseverance over the years. I’ve always been driven to continue learning throughout my life. I once heard a 90-year-old man say ‘I’m still learning everyday…’ and it stuck with me.”

Katerina shares her passion for learning with her Students, refining her skills while studying for her PGCE, also at Burnley College University Courses.

“I believe the best person to be in competition with is yourself because then you always have the opportunity to progress.

“Being involved in teaching now makes that easier and biology is always expanding so there are new skills and new information to learn all the time.”

Katerina is also a strong advocate for women in STEM and currently works at BCUC as a lab technician alongside her studies:

"The support I received from Burnley College and the strong female role models I encountered inspired me to prove that a place in science is attainable for everyone, regardless of gender." 

Katerina plans to further explore opportunities in genetics, microbiology and potentially a PhD in stem cell research, with a focus on women’s health.

Sammy Chocron’s pioneering work on antibacterial sprays earned him the Project of the Year Award, a testament to his innovative approach to science.

Now reading a Master’s degree in Clinical Embryology at Liverpool John Moores University and the Care Fertility Clinic, Manchester, Sammy continues in his journey to becoming an Embryologist. He also envisions further specialisation in foetal medicine, inspired by renowned Professor Kypros Nicolaides.

Reflecting on his achievements, Sammy credited the unwavering support of his lecturers at BCUC:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at BCUC, from the building layout to the high fives from the customer experience team. The college setting didn't let me forget my youthfulness and reminded me to enjoy my studies. 

“All the while, I was surrounded by professionals who came from different backgrounds, professions, education and brought their experiences and specialities.”

The Royal Society of Biology Awards represent the pinnacle of recognition for individuals excelling in life sciences. Open to students, researchers and professionals across the UK, these awards highlight outstanding contributions to the field.

BCUC’s passion to deliver individualised support to every learn, its dedication to creating modern, state-of-the-art facilities and its focus on academic excellence ensures learners like Sammy and Katerina have the opportunity to excel.

Nina Parkin, Assistant Principal (University and Adult Education) at Burnley College shared her heartfelt congratulations with Katerina and Sammy:

"Their achievements reflect BCUC’s commitment to nurturing talent, unlocking potential and driving excellence. We are immensely proud of their remarkable contributions to the world of science and their inspiration to future generations." 

Take your learning to the next level at BCUC: award-winning education in the heart of Burnley.

Learn more: https://www.burnley.ac.uk/university/