A STAR student earned a special award at her graduation for her work with a Dorset business.

Emma Latham was among mechanical engineering students to work with Christchurch structural steel firm REIDsteel on an aircraft hangar doors project.

She received a Student Design Award at her Bournemouth University graduation for her project report, Improving the Safety of Aircraft Hangar Doors with REIDsteel.

Richard Hanson, REIDsteel's pre-construction director, presented the graduate with her award certificate when she received her BEng (Hons) mechanical engineering degree.

He said: “She, and her fellow mechanical engineering students, are a credit to themselves and Bournemouth University.

“All at REIDsteel have been impressed tremendously by their aptitude, enthusiasm, and commitment on the hangar doors project.”

REIDsteel – the trading name of John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Ltd – is working with Bournemouth University on a new hangar door system to improve safety and usability. Mechanical engineering students used it as the topic for their final project.

Mr Hanson and head of technical John Harrison have been among the experts involved with students and the department of design and engineering. Dr Diogo Montalvao, head of the design and engineering department at Bournemouth University, was Emma’s final year project supervisor.

Ms Latham is a founder and former president of the Bournemouth University Women in STEM Society.

She said: “It was a very special moment to receive the prize.

“A huge thank you to John Harrison, Richard Hanson and all at REIDsteel for the opportunity to work on the hangar doors topic for our final project.

“I am also grateful for all of the support and guidance offered by Dr Diogo Montalvao, head of the design and engineering department at Bournemouth University.”