Durban University of Technology Chemical Engineering BTech graduate, Nastasia Ramsamy has been awarded the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary…

Durban University of Technology Chemical Engineering BTech graduate, Nastasia Ramsamy has been awarded the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. Ramsamy will be representing DUT and will join 17 other students/junior staff from other universities across South Africa for an educational and cultural tour of the UK.

“This is my first trip abroad. I am extremely nervous and excited, I would like to attribute this success to the hand of God over my life. It is indeed a blessing,” said Ramsamy.

Ramsamy, a Chemical Engineering Teaching and Research Laboratory Technician, was the top student for 2010. She was also bestowed with the merit award for Most astounding performance. She is a pioneer in her field as she has been selected by the Institute of Professional Engineering Technologists (IPET) to receive an award for the highest academic achievement by a woman in BTech Engineering (all disciplines) in South Africa for 2010.

She hails from Chatsworth where she has also served in youth leadership as well as Sunday school teaching. Her future plans are to complete her Masters and Doctorate qualifications in chemical engineering.

Ramsamy said, “I want to learn about the culture and tertiary education system of the UK, to affect a greater understanding of the South African culture and to spread the Ubuntu spirit.”

The tour begins on 23 November and concludes on 17 December 2011.

Dr. Lavern Samuels, Director: International Education and Partnerships, Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor at the Durban University of Technology said, “DUT is proud that in three consecutive years, we have had a winner in the prestigious Abe Bailey Travel Bursary. This Bursary has been won previously by former presidents, cabinet ministers; present judges as well as Vice-Chancellors. We are encouraged by the fact that the Abe Bailey Trust has chosen a DUT student to receive this life changing opportunity. We congratulate Nastasia and wish her well.”

The Bursary is awarded to suitable students or junior lecturers. Academic excellence, strong leadership skills and service to the wider communities form part of the criteria of prospective applicants.

– Savie Naicker