A ST Helens chemistry student has won a top accolade recognising her as one of the top ten students in her field in the UK.

Former St Julie’s and Carmel College student Samantha Price won the Salters’ Graduate Awards which is awarded to celebrate the achievements of undergraduate students in chemistry and chemical engineering.

Every year the Salters’ Institute offers up to 10 graduate awards to final-year UK undergraduates who are set to achieve a first class honours degree, each winning a grant of £1,000.

Graduating with a first class honours degree, Samantha excelled during her time at the University of Leeds.

Her final year project focused on hydrogels and their link to abiogenesis, achieving high marks.

In addition to her impressive academic performance, Samantha gained professional experience at Lubrizol for her Year in Industry placement and at Nippon Sheet Glass during a summer placement.

Samantha Price said: “Choosing to study chemistry at the University of Leeds was an easy decision but also the best decision I have made. Any staff member I have been fortunate to meet has gone above and beyond to support my cohort and I to achieve our best. The course was both intellectually stimulating and enjoyable and provided relevant insight into the industry related roles and issues of today.”

“Throughout my degree I have had many opportunities to supplement my chemical experience and interpersonal skills through the likes of a year in industry at Lubrizol, a summer placement at Nippon Sheet Glass and a Master’s project focussing on hydrogels and their link to abiogenesis.”