PhD student awarded The Bennett PhD Scholarship

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics is delighted to confirm that Nathan Burns has been awarded the 2020 Bennett PhD Scholarship. The Scholar will receive £20,000 per annum to cover his PhD fees and stipend, with the donor Pat Bennett providing £10,000 per annum and the Department of Mathematics & Statistics match funding the donation with an additional £10,000 per annum. The total amount awarded through the scholarship over three years will be £60,000.

Nathan Burns graduated in July 2020 from the University of Strathclyde with a First Class (Honours) degree in Mathematics and Statistics. Throughout his time at Strathclyde, Nathan excelled in both his academic studies and his contribution to student life and outreach. He was an active member of the Faculty of Science Outreach Programme – Strath Science Scouts. As part of this programme, he interacted with many school pupils, inspiring them to study mathematics at university. In his third year, he undertook volunteering mathematics tutoring at a school with a high proportion of young people from the most deprived areas in Scotland (SIMD quintile 1). The PhD research project that Nathan will work on is entitled: “The relationship between widening access and success at university: a data-driven statistical investigation.” This project will allow him to continue his work in relation to outreach, applying his statistical and mathematical knowledge to a very high profile element of the Scottish Government’s strategy on raising attainment.

‘I'm most grateful to the donor of my scholarship and to the Department of Mathematics & Statistics for awarding me this scholarship. It will enable me to devote all of my energy to my research and related projects within the University community.’

Professor John Mackenzie, Head of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics said, '​​​’Many congratulations to Nathan on being awarded the first Bennett PhD Scholarship at the University of Strathclyde. Thanks to the generosity of the donor, Pat Bennett, we are able to offer this award. We wish him every success in pursuing his research on the relationship between widening access and success at university.’