Thesis of the year shortlist

An Equine Studies graduate made it into the final four of a competition that showcases the best academic research in the equestrian industry. Petra Gashi's thesis, which focused on horse behavior with humans, beat significant competition from agricultural and equine students to be short listed for the 2012 Eqvalan Duo Equine Thesis of the Year Award. She also picked up the University of Animal Welfare's Award for an Outstanding Research Project in the Field of Animal Welfare at her graduation in October 2012.

Petra is applying for sponsorship to complete a PhD at Anglia Ruskin and intends to focus her research around the impact of animal contact with people who are suffering from mental health issues.

Anglia Ruskin's impressive new audio studio

A brand new £1.2m audio studio has revolutionised the learning experience for students studying audio and music technology related courses. Fitted with industry standard equipment and software, the 163.2 square meters of studio space rivals that of commercially run studios, incorporating five sound-proofed, climate controlled recording studios. The performance room in the studio can accommodate large ensembles such as choirs and bands.

With students' learning at the forefront, the equipment has been chosen and distributed so that each studio becomes more complex. This allows students to start at a point that suits their abilities before moving on to more complex rooms, until finally being able to operate the main studio.

Building relationships with Kazakhstan

Academics have been working towards setting up a strong relationship between Anglia Ruskin and Pavlodar State University, Kazakhstan, and as a result have overseen the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

Visits between the universities have been taking place for the last year and further exchanges are planned by Professor Michael Cole and Dr Alison Greig. Exchanges of taught postgraduate students have been discussed and it is anticipated that an exchange programme will be developed, ensuring the relationship with PSU is long lasting. Professor Cole has been contacted by colleagues at the Kazakh National Pedagogical University in Almaty to develop a similar relationship to that with Pavlodar State.

Sport and Exercise Sciences celebrates a first place finish

Our Sport and Exercise Sciences course is celebrating after being ranked in joint first place for satisfaction with its teaching by the 2013 Sunday Times University Guide. Course Group Leader Roy Luckhurst commented, "We are very proud of this ranking. The quality of our teaching, as perceived by students, is extremely important to us, so it's gratifying to receive such an endorsement."

Optical Assistant of the Year 2012

Two Anglia Ruskin University alumni have been recognised in the Optical Assistant of the Year awards. Awarded to the optical assistant who has done the most to promote and expand the role of optics or has brought the benefits of optics to a wider audience, Cheryl McDermott is this year's winner. Cheryl completed an Ophthalmic Dispensing Assistant's Diploma last year to further strengthen her understanding of optics and has gone from strength to strength, immersing herself in the local community to promote eye care.

Catherine Stokes was a runner up and highlights her industry qualifications, which include an Optometric Clinical Assistant's Diploma from Anglia Ruskin University, as the driving force behind her success.

Attend a research talk

The Faculty of Science and Technology regularly hosts research talks at the Cambridge and Chelmsford campuses, all of which are free to attend and open to alumni and members of the public. Previous talks have included 'A Tanzanian elephant's case study' and 'New methods for Sustainable Design'.

For a full schedule please visit www.anglia.ac.uk/fstresearchtalks