Reading undergraduate wins international award
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Law student, Chantelle Bacchus
A University of Reading undergraduate has won a top prize for her research project at this year's British Conference of Undergraduate Research.
Law student, Chantelle Bacchus has beaten over 200 students from 51 institutions worldwide. This year's event included a total of 80 student talks and 94 research project posters over two days.
Chantelle said: "Taking part in Reading's Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme, [UROP] is a big thing for me and the beginning of fulfilling a dream. It's been a big eye-opener and has shown me the importance of legal research and the career opportunities that could follow on from it. I have developed a set of skills that will set me up for life including self-management, thorough researching and analysis at a higher level."
The event included a packed programme of 172 presentations. Chantelle was one of five winners of the poster exhibition, each winning £200 of Amazon vouchers.
Dr Helen Walkington from the hosting Institution University of Plymouth said: "The quality of work this year was extremely high but these students excelled in their research and fully deserve this accolade."
Chantelle was one of nine University of Reading students who submitted their research this year. Leading the initiative was UROP and Placement Development Officer Dr John Thompson, who reflected on the University's approach to research:
"We are one of only a handful of UK Universities to offer undergraduates paid opportunities to undertake real-life research, which in turn makes them more employable in an increasingly competitive jobs market.
"These placements provide a great opportunity to develop new research ideas or fund a discrete section of an existing project. Students who undertake a UROP placement gain a unique insight into the research process with the support of senior academics, whilst developing their wider skills."
Chantelle's research, 'An analysis of Self-Determination and Peoplehood in International Law' forms part of research contributing to Dr Barnidge's monograph project: 'Self-Determination, Statehood, and the Law of Negotiations: The Case of Palestine and Its Engagement with International Institutions at Reading University's school of Law.'