First class student wins award

Jul 31 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

THE Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) North East has presented a student from the region with a prestigious award to recognise his work at Durham University.

Malcolm Hudson, from Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, achieved the highest score for a civil engineering student at the university on his way to a first class MEng civil engineering degree.

Malcolm was presented with the ICE Annual Award for the best performance over the final and penultimate years of the four-year degree course, which will now see him will move to Sheffield to study for a PHD linked with civil engineering firm WSP. His studies will focus upon the active control of vibration in floor structures, particularly focusing on open plan buildings which have less supporting walls, and Malcolm will also spend time with WSP’s Leeds office.

Professor Peter Tavner, head of Durham’s School of Engineering, said: “Malcolm has shown excellence in civil engineering throughout his time at Durham. His coursework and examinations have been universally at a first class level, and his design and practical activities exemplary.

“He is graduating with the best civil engineering degree this year out of a class of 36, and with a mean weighted average of 78.5%.”

Stephen Larkin, regional director of ICE North East, said: “Malcolm has clearly excelled to earn the overall highest marks at Durham University, so this award is well deserved and will prove valuable to his future.”

Hudson added: “Winning the ICE Annual Award is clearly an added bonus on top of gaining my undergraduate masters degree and getting the place I wanted in Sheffield to continue my studies.

“The Institution of Civil Engineers and its Graduates and Students committee do a lot to help people within the profession to get more out of their careers and it is great that they take a keen interest in those studying to join their ranks.”