Dr Melanie Gibbs, a physicist and manufacturing expert from Gloucestershire, has been awarded an honorary doctorate from Aston University in Birmingham for her impact on promoting STEM subjects to young girls in the county through her career as a physics teacher.
After achieving her PhD in mechanical engineering and initially working in the manufacturing industry, Dr Gibbs retrained as a physics teacher and worked at an Islamic secondary school in Gloucester, making it her mission to inspire the next generation of girls to explore the wonders of STEM subjects and the careers they can lead to.
She has also held voluntary roles in numerous educational and community youth organisations for over 40 years, as well as non-executive roles as chair of the South Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust and vice chair of Gloucestershire Police Authority.
Acknowledging her outstanding contribution to the field, the honorary award is a symbol of gratitude from Aston University for all the hard work Dr Gibbs has contributed as both an educator and a Gloucestershire community figure.
Executive dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at Aston University, Professor Stephen Garrett, said: 'Across her career, Melanie has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and to education, particularly to increasing diversity in STEM.
'I am delighted that Aston University has bestowed this honour on her in recognition of the positive impact she has made on so many young lives.'
