EDM Graduate Apprentice Eva wins big at Scotland’s Life Sciences Awards
Eva McEwan joined MR CoilTech Ltd, a cutting-edge radiofrequency coil company, straight from school as a Graduate Apprentice. The RF Design Engineer, now in her fourth year of our Engineering: Design and Manufacture programme, she has already made a significant impact both at work and in her studies.
Eva is part of the team that won the prestigious Innovative Collaboration of the Year award at the 2025 Scotland’s Life Sciences Awards.
The award-winning project involved the development of next-generation radiofrequency coils for 7T MRI by MR CoilTech Ltd, University of Glasgow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and Wideblue Ltd, designed to improve imaging precision for neurological diagnostics. Eva contributed to the design and prototyping of key components, applying advanced manufacturing techniques she learned during her apprenticeship.
Drawing from her academic work at Strathclyde and hands on experience at MR CoilTech, Eva played a crucial role in refining the design for manufacturability, working with the team to maintain product functionality while accelerating development timelines.
The ex-Knightswood Secondary School pupil, Eva’s journey highlights the many benefits of Graduate Apprenticeships. Through the GA, it has allowed Eva to specialise in key areas, in particular in 3rd and 4th year with medical devices and neurodegenerative imaging
Quote from Eva:
Being part of something that’s changing how medical imaging is done and getting recognised for it has been incredible. The Graduate Apprenticeship has given me the chance to learn, giving me a really good grounding in my chosen topics. I am so glad I chose the GA route and that I am gaining practical experience everyday and also so pleased that I have been accepted to continue my learning in a masters in Medical Physics once I complete my GA.
Eva plans to continue her work with MR CoilTech post-graduation, focusing on product development and scaling the company’s technology for wider clinical adoption. She also hopes to support future apprentices and promote STEM careers to school leavers.
Eva has been a joy to work with throughout her 4 years of GA EDM studies and as Chair of the Staff Student Liaison Committee I have welcomed Eva’s constructive feedback in her capacity as Class Representative.
It is great to see the breadth of engineering companies that can develop new talent through the Strathclyde GA EDM degree programme, and with the direction and support of her University Academic Mentor, Susan Walker, Eva delivered two impressive workbased projects during her senior years of study.
Dr Susanne Boyle, GA EDM Programme Director
This case is a shining example of how Scotland’s Graduate Apprenticeships are preparing young talent to lead in innovation and drive success in life sciences.
