The school was very proud to hear of Stephen’s continued academic success, when we were informed that not only had he graduated with a first-class degree in Electronic Engineering from Southampton University, but that he had been awarded a Zepler scholarship.  This recognises Stephen obtaining first-class marks in his undergraduate studies, in addition to undertaking placements within the

areas of web science and optoelectronics.  The scholarship will fully support Stephen’s doctorate studies.  His supervisor, Professor Peter Smith, observed: ‘Stephen stands out as an intelligent, committed and perceptive student. I was not surprised to hear he had won the scholarship, as he is well motivated for PhD study. I believe he will be fully committed and become an excellent researcher.’  Stephen’s award was kept a close secret until the presentation, and he reports : ‘I found it odd that my supervisor was so keen to attend this particular induction party. What I did not imagine was that the party was to announce the winner of the Zepler scholarship and that I would be receiving it !  Winning the bursary, I feel, exerts a weight of great expectation and responsibility to make my PhD project a success, and it drives me to meet the challenge.’ We wish Stephen well as he begins his PhD research at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC), one of the world’s leading institutes for photonics research, based at Southampton University.