 |  |  | | | STUDENT NOMINATED FOR TOP AWARD | | | | |
| |  Claire Pearce
Release Date: 16th August 2005
A Birmingham student’s role in pioneering research into tumour cells has led to a nomination for a prestigious student award.
Claire Pearce, 21, has been nominated for the Science, Engineering and Technology Student of the Year (SET) Awards, which recognises exceptional achievements of students and universities.
Based at the University of Birmingham, Claire began her research last summer under the supervision of Dr Chris Bunce. Thanks to funding from Leukaemia Research, Claire has been using modern techniques to test the different genetic expressions in normal tumour cells and compare them with leukaemic cells.
Claire’s research has already won her the opportunity to present her findings at a conference last April for students and senior members of Virginia University in America.
"It was an excellent experience," says Claire. "I was able to learn a lot from students and leading researchers in the US and hopefully this will help me improve my own work. It also broadened my horizons in terms of experiencing a different culture."
Claire will find out later this month whether she has been selected as one of the final three nominees for the award. If successful, Claire will attend a ceremony in September at the London Guildhall where the overall winner will be chosen and be presented with a prize of £1,500.
Originally from Wolverhampton, Claire then moved to Blackpool where she attended Bisthan High School and did her A Levels at Blackpool Sixth Form College.
Claire has already amassed an impressive academic record including First Class Honours in her biochemistry degree. She has also had a paper published in the University of Virginia Journal and is eager to continue in the field of research, as she will begin a PhD in September.
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