Two PhD scholars in the Department of Medicine have received Student Awards for Outstanding Achievement.

Calls for nominations are announced annually by the College, with the aim of recognising outstanding achievement in any extramural activity that brings credit to Imperial.

Mike Asavarut and Nathalie MacDermott were successfully put forward for the prize by their respective supervisors in July, and will each receive £250 and a medal for their achievements.

Professor Michael Levin, who nominated Nathalie, described her as “an outstanding PhD student whose contributions to date identify her as a future international leader in the development of medical responses to humanitarian crises and disasters”.

Nathalie MacDermott

“Nathalie’s nomination for a Student Award for Outstanding Achievement was based on her humanitarian relief efforts in responding to the 2014 Ebola epidemic in Liberia.”

“Since returning to the UK, she has continued to raise awareness of the Ebola epidemic via the UK media and has worked to develop a research project to investigate the genetic basis of Ebola, which forms the basis of her PhD.”

Upon being informed of her success, Nathalie explained, “it came as quite a surprise to receive a Student Award for Outstanding Achievement!"

"It was really thoughtful of my supervisor to nominate me, and I am very grateful to the College for recognising the work I do in humanitarian emergencies, particularly my work during the Ebola epidemic in West Africa."

“It was an experience that has to some extent defined me and my future career, and the recognition means a lot."

Nathalie (far right) at work in the ELWA2 Ebola treatment facility in Monrovia, Liberia

Dr Amin Hajitou, who nominated Mike, explained that, “he has participated in a variety of activities and taken on numerous roles in the past six years of his enrollment”.

“I knew Mike initially as his Personal Tutor during his three year BSc Biomedical Science, and then as his PhD supervisor. During these years, I have seen that he is very active both in his studies as well as in activities that have definitely benefited the student community and Imperial College”. 

“Most recently, Mike was successful in exposing the College to the international community through his role in organising the royal visit of Princess Chulabhorn Mahidol. Due to his strong links with the Thai community, Mike was contacted by the Royal Delegation and served as the key liaison between the Royal Thai Embassy and the International Office. The meeting included key members of the President’s and Provost’s boards, and consuls and academics from the College who presented their research on Thailand to the Princess.”

Mike Asavarut

“It is evident that he has chosen to carefully exercise his extramural activities in a way that positively benefits the College, and its students in the international community.”

In response to receiving his award, Mike said, “I am deeply thankful to Imperial for recognising my achievements and equally grateful to the large number of people to whom this award belongs.”

“At Imperial, a few of the many names include Dr Amin Hajitou, Professor Simon Taylor-Robinson and Dr Jane Saffell.  I am also indebted to H.E. Kittiphong Na Ranong and Ms Orrawan Nuypakdee of the Royal Thai Embassy in London, and Rachel Harrison from the School of Oriental and African Studies, who all played vital roles in supporting my activities.”

“My final and greatest thanks goes to my family and friends, who always gave their unwavering support.”