Charlotte Graham, Animal Management student at SMB College Group’s Brooksby Campus, has officially been declared winner of Best Scientific Research Poster at the UFAW Student Animal Welfare Conference.
Charlotte, who is in her final year of the BSc (Hons) Animal Management (Science and Welfare) degree at Brooksby, earned top prize for her research project on ‘Would Item-based Enrichment Benefit Free-range Chickens’ Welfare?’. This impressive win was due to the innovative nature of the project, in addition to its focus on animal welfare.
Charlotte, who has studied at Brooksby for 5 years, first completing her Level 3 qualification in Animal Management before progressing onto the BSc (Hons) degree, said of her experience:
‘I was really surprised to win the award for best research poster – I didn’t expect it at all!
‘I have always had a passion for working with animals so it was a natural choice for me to study at Brooksby. Throughout my time at the college, I have made so many valued friendships and have really enjoyed the high level of practical training.
‘On the degree in particular, the small class sizes and high contact hours with lecturers means that it’s been an incredibly supportive academic environment where someone is always on hand to answer my questions – especially compared to what some of my friends have said about their experience studying for their degree at larger universities.
‘My dream career is to work in animal welfare, particularly with chickens, and my time at Brooksby and the opportunity to work on this research project for my dissertation have been invaluable steps towards my goals.’
Charlotte with her winning Dissertation Research Poster
In addition to her UFAW success, Charlotte’s winning streak has continued, having secured the judges’ vote for ‘Best Baked Research’ at the Inter-college competition hosted by Derby College this week!
Charlotte receiving her award for 'Best Baked Research'
The UFAW Student Animal Welfare Conference is an annual cross-college event attended by degree-level Animal Management students from across the country. Students are given the opportunity to share their final year dissertation research and network with their peers from other colleges.
This year’s event also saw key note speaker Dr. Monica Bando, BS, MS, BVSc, PhD MRCVS speak on ‘A Global Perspective on Animal Welfare.’ – a wonderful insight into the Animal Management and Welfare Industry for all attendees.
There’s still time to apply to study Level 3 or HND Animal Management at Brooksby starting this September! Apply today or book to visit a Brooksby Campus Open Day at www.smbcollegegroup.ac.uk.