As well as excelling academically, Baiba distinguished herself as a practitioner during her work placement experiences at the Anthony Nolan Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Baiba volunteered with the Anthony Nolan Trust blood cancer charity in her second year and completed her registration portfolio during her year-long placement in the immunology department at Great Ormond Street Hospital, which allowed her to secure her current role.

"The laboratory techniques we learned were awesome and we gained hands-on experience. Moving forward, I'm starting my specialist portfolio later this year, to build on my Band 5 position and become a Band 6 biomedical scientist."

Dr David B. Guiliano, Head of Bioscience in the School of Health, Sport and Bioscience, said, "By receiving the President's Award, Baiba has been recognised by the IBMS for her overall excellent performance in her BSc Biomedical Science degree."

"The Bioscience faculty are very proud of her success and are looking forward to following her future career as a biomedical scientist."

In her current position, Baiba works in a laboratory diagnosing autoimmune disease disorders including systemic lupus, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

"The lecturers, staff and my dissertation tutor were always there for me, offering support whenever I needed it and encouraging me to be successful in my career, and the placements pushed me to do even better in my studies and career."