Students with Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw

Student researcher wins prize at Houses of Parliament poster exhibition

A budding student researcher from the University of Exeter has secured third place at a prestigious poster exhibition of undergraduate research at the Houses of Parliament.

Rhoda Frost represented Exeter among 25 other UK universities at “Posters in Parliament” on Tuesday 14 March.

Rhoda, final year BSc Medical Science with Professional Training at the University of Exeter Medical School, presented her poster on the link between increased aortic stiffness and increased pulsatility in cerebral arteries.

Rhoda’s research, which she completed during her placement year at the University of Oxford, provides vital information for improving the way medical practitioners treat and care for a range of patients, in particular stroke victims.

Reflecting on her experience as a student researcher, Rhoda said: “I really enjoyed working alongside patients and other researchers, and compiling my findings into something I could present to a wide audience. To be given the opportunity to present this research in Parliament, to MPs, peers, and staff from other institutions was amazing. It’s really important to be able to collaborate and communicate the research we're doing.”

Joining Rhoda at Posters in Parliament was Patrick Burns, final year MEng Mechanical Engineering with International Study, who presented his research on an engineering solution to create a disposable cardboard mattress. The mattress has numerous applications such as disaster relief, but is principally addressed to improve sleeping conditions for the homeless community.

Both Patrick and Rhoda secured their places at Posters in Parliament by winning the University’s first Undergraduate Poster Competition, held in November 2016 and entered by nearly 40 undergraduate students across all campuses. Now in its fifth year, Posters in Parliament is hosted by the British Conference of Undergraduate Research, and aims to provide an insight into the innovative student research undertaken across the UK for MPs and national policy makers.

This year’s event was attended by numerous MPs, including Hilary Benn, Caroline Lucas, and Ben Bradshaw, MP for Exeter, who came to support the attending students and find out more about their research. Speaking about the event, Hilary Benn said: "Shut your eyes and listen to that buzz! It's ideas, it's determination and it's cutting-edge research. This is the sound of the future. It's fantastic that this event has taken place in Parliament today."

Date: 17 March 2017