A PhD student studying at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre has been recognised as a rising star at the prestigious Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Excellence Awards 2018.
Emma Samuel, who is currently carrying out research in the field of hand hygiene compliance, was highly commended in the ‘Rising Environmental Health Star’ category which recognises individuals who demonstrate initiative and inspirational qualities in the field of Environmental Health.
Emma said “I am honoured and delighted to have been highly commended for this award; it was a complete surprise. Environmental Health, and indeed food safety, is a field I am passionate about and receiving recognition at this early stage in my new career is a privilege.”
Emma graduated from Cardiff Metropolitan University this year with a 1st class BSc honours degree in Environmental Health and also received the 2018 Michael Morrison Memorial Award for the outstanding Environmental Health graduate. During her studies, Emma volunteered as an environmental champion to help the local community and also received a Cardiff Met Award in Sustainable Thinking.
For her final undergraduate year research project, Emma designed, implemented and evaluated a food-service focused handwashing intervention which used shock tactics and led to a significant improvement in hand hygiene practices in a catering establishment. Her research was presented at the International Association for Food Protection conference in Salt Lake City, USA.
Emma is now undertaking a PhD with ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre, investigating hand hygiene compliance at a large Welsh food manufacturer. Her project has the potential to influence fundamental food safety practices in food manufacturing and is funded by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.
Alastair Tomlinson, Senior Lecturer in Environmental & Public Health, Cardiff Metropolitan University said “Emma’s personal and professional drive and enthusiasm have already made a big impact in the field of Environmental Health. Her recognition from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health is a testament to her achievements.”
Professor David Lloyd, ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre Director said “It’s great to see that Emma has been recognised as a rising star. She has a bright future ahead of her in the field of food safety and we’re delighted that she’s part of the ZERO2FIVE team.”
Dr Elizabeth Redmond, Senior Research Fellow, ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre said “Emma’s award is a fantastic achievement and well deserved. She is a hard-working and thorough student as evidenced in her undergraduate studies and in the early stages of her PhD.”
