LSBU Engineering student scoops national award for outstanding academic performance
An engineering student from London South Bank University (LSBU) has been awarded a prestigious prize by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
The IET is one of the world’s largest engineering institutions with 154,000 members in 148 countries. The IET is working to inspire, inform and influence the global engineering community to engineer a better world.
Igors Lokmanis, who graduated this year with a BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, was nominated by LSBU for demonstrating academic distinction. The IET Prize is awarded annually to outstanding students who are completing a course of study that is accredited by the IET. As part of his prize, Igors will receive two years’ free student membership of the organisation.
The 38-year-old from Riga, Latvia who is currently studying a MSc at LSBU in Electrical and Electronic Engineering recalls that it was a “very big surprise” to be nominated. He said: “I’m grateful to LSBU for giving people like me a chance who may not have had access to education.”
The North London resident recalls his pathway to education was not via a traditional route. Igors, who arrived in the UK in 2007, initially worked in construction but was unable to continue working in the industry due to a back accident. “I did an electrician course but found the labour-intensive work tough due to my back, so it was a breath of fresh air to return to studying. LSBU was the only place who gave me a chance.”
Igors credits the support of his professors for his success as well. “This award is not solely my achievement – my professors were supportive. If you are lagging behind, there will always be the opportunity to improve in skills you’re lacking. It’s a wonderful institution with an academically rigorous course.”
Igors encourages engineering students to explore opportunities beyond the classroom. “Read the news to find out about innovations. It really opens your mind into how things work in the world and analyse how engineers have achieved it. It’s very fulfilling.”
“Winning two years’ free student IET membership is a great incentive. As an undergraduate, I attended their exhibitions and talks in London with impressive engineers who are inventing and working on exciting projects. Now I’m studying my MSc part-time (and tutoring in mathematics for LSBU part time), I will have more time to go to these events and find out more about this industry.”
Dr Oswaldo Cadenas, Head of Division, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, said: “We are thrilled that the IET has recognised Igor's outstanding academic performance by awarding him this prestigious prize. This achievement is a testament to Igor's exceptional intellectual capabilities, unwavering dedication, and tireless effort throughout his degree programme.
“The staff are proud to have played a supporting role in his success. Our contribution involved providing specialised technical guidance, which helped nurture Igors’ talents and deepen his understanding of complex engineering concepts.
“The results of Igors’ hard work and our collective support have been nothing short of exceptional. As he embarks on his career as an engineer, we are confident that his achievements at our institution have laid a solid foundation for future success.
“We have no doubt that Igors will make significant contributions to the field of engineering and continue to make us proud.”