Stephanie Anani overcomes the odds to graduate as a top class mechanical engineer

Ever since she was young, she had always wanted to study engineering but didn’t quite get the grades needed for university. Today, she’s graduating in Mechanical Engineering, and has been nominated for the Institution of Mechanical Engineers Best Project Award.

Stephanie arrived in the UK from her home city of Lagos, Nigeria to study at the International Baccalaureate Sixth-Form School, United World College of the Atlantic, Wales before successfully applying to the University of Dundee through clearing – although she wasn’t always certain she would stay!

“I’ve started two societies, I’ve worked at the Centre for Entrepreneurship, I’ve worked as a Senior Student Advisor, I’m a student blogger, and I just feel the world is my oyster!”

“This university has given me such a good quality of life, it’s easy to be happy here!”

She has also been a huge champion for Women in STEM, founding a society in 2017 which continues to grow from strength to strength.

“We currently have over 150 members and we will continue to grow. It’s been my greatest achievement because I believe everybody, regardless of gender, race or culture has the ability to excel in STEM. Therefore, creating a climate and platform for this to occur is essential.”

Keith Johnston, programme lead for Mechanical Engineering also passed on his congratulations, "Stephanie is an intelligent, dependable, dedicated person, who is willing to work hard to achieve her goals..”

"She was nominated for the Wimberly Award for her outstanding contribution, to represent University of Dundee for Women in STEM, operated by Equate Scotland, also for positively contributing to the Student Staff Liaison Committee meetings as class rep."

"I'm delighted for Stephanie and all of our graduating students of 2020."

Stephanie is now looking to the future and hopes to gain a career within technology using the skills she’s gained throughout her studies.

“Studying at the University of Dundee has given me resources to gain both technical and soft skills that are essential in the job market. The careers service is exceptional and has guided me through the application process for most of the internships and external experience I’ve had.”