Earlier this month, International Partnerships & Development colleagues were delighted to welcome alumna Athanasia Yiapanas (BSc Biomolecular Science, 2018) to Canterbury.

As one of our Diamond Jubilee International Alumni winners, Athanasia was invited back to campus to view our new buildings and facilities and reminisce with International Alumni Ambassador, Ena Begovic.

We interviewed Athanasia about her reasons for studying at Christ Church, her perspectives on women in science, and her advice for those wishing to follow in her footsteps. Athanasia was also pleased to meet with Professor Alison Honour who remarked that:

“Athanasia’s achievements are remarkable. She spoke fondly of how the outstanding support from academic staff at Canterbury Christ Church University had been such a positive influence on her decision to pursue her research and how she attributed her success to this.”

Studying at Christ Church played a transformative role in Athanasia’s professional journey to date. Being part of a global and diverse community has inspired her to create lasting social change and we are proud of her ongoing desire to act as an ambassador for the University. During her visit she said:

“Christ Church played an important role in who I am today. The people I interact with, the tutors and lectures, and my passion for Biology put me on the path I am currently on – finishing my PhD and believing in myself. I would do it all over again!”

We hope that fellow winners Yu Zhu, Elina Smyrniou, Mahmood Hardan and Farzana Kazem will join us on campus once travel restrictions permit and shall be encouraging all to submit applications to the British Council’s International Alumni Awards later this year.