Crowds of graduands and their families descended on the Otago Department of Biochemistry this week to celebrate the completion of degrees in Biochemistry, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences and Applied Sciences.
Every year in May and December, the department holds an informal party for those who have spent a significant part of their studies here, and are about to graduate in the more formal University graduation ceremonies.
38 graduands came to Wednesday's party, and are graduating in a variety of degrees, including BSc, BSc (Hons), BBiomedSc, BBiomedSc (Hons), BAppSc, MSc, and PhD.
Head of Department Professor Catherine Day welcomed the former students and their families to the function in the department reading room, and thanked everyone for all of their hard work. She and the director of the Genetics teaching programme, Associate Professor Caroline Beck, presented a gerbera flower to each of those about to graduate, and everyone enjoyed a splendid spread of food and sparkling wine.
We all give heartfelt congratulations to the graduands, especially to those earning their PhDs, the budding scientists who have contributed so much to the department both in research and beyond (Anubrita Das, Pavel Filipčík, Gabriel Rawcliffe, Thomas Wiggans, Philem Devi, Georgi Hampton, and Sandeep Biswas).
From left, Associate Professor Caroline Beck, Dr Georgi Hampton, and Professor Iain Lamont.
Professor Catherine Day (left) and Dr Thomas Wiggins.
Professor Catherine Day presents Divya Nagappan with a gerbera in front of graduands, staff, and other supporters.