Oban trainee Kati wins top aquaculture award
KATI Michalek, a 32-year- old aquaculture post-graduate researcher from Oban, has won the higher education category at Lantra Scotland’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards.
Kati and fellow trainees received their awards from farmer and BBC TV presenter Adam Henson of Countryfile at a ceremony and gala dinner in Dunblane on Thursday March 2.
Adam said: ‘It’s inspiring to see such talented people getting the support of employers and training providers as they start their careers within these key industries. It really is a fantastic achievement and I’m sure win- ning these awards will be great for their prospects and their self- confidence.’
Kati is doing a PhD in shellfish aquaculture in Oban through the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI). Her work is part of a bigger European project aiming to provide new insights into how bivalves such as mussels, scallops, oysters and clams will cope with climate change.
Last year, Kati had her first peer-reviewed paper published, highlighting important results for the shellfish industry. These are being made available to the EU and distributed locally through the Association of Scottish Shellfish Growers.
Kati said: ‘I am honestly touched and surprised to have won the higher education award. The support I have received throughout my time at SAMS UHI, particularly from my director of studies Dr Kim Last, has been truly humbling. It’s a great place to work and I hope I made them proud by winning this award.’
Dr Last added: ‘Kati was selected two years ago from a very large pool of candidates to join a European PhD programme, funded through the prestigious Marie Curie training scheme.
‘Kati grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has worked tirelessly ever since. Having her research published is testament to her hard work and dedication, and we are so pleased that this has been recognised at Lantra’s awards.’