22 June 2006

Two graduations in two cities for Dundee Doc

It was a case of déjà vu for University of Dundee lecturer Sandra Wilson today when she walked up on stage to receive her doctorate at the graduation ceremony for Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

Only two days ago Dr Wilson, who is based at the School of Design, was taking part in another graduation ceremony at the University of Edinburgh.

However the Dundee-born jewellery designer was on the other side of the graduation proceedings in the Capital as she was there to present a special commission to Professor Fraser Stoddart, professor of organic chemistry at the University of California Los Angeles.

"I suppose it is fairly unusual to be making a presentation at one graduation ceremony and then graduating at my own a few days later," said Dr Wilson.

"My PhD explores the relationships between craft and science and as part of the degree process I was commissioned to work with Professor Stoddart who is also interested in that relationship."

"His work on Borromean rings explores the potential application of art and science in nanotechnology. My commission was to create a series of models of the rings and on Tuesday I presented him with a silver model plus an Ipod of images taken during the joint project."

Dr Wilson is no stranger to designing special commissions. She was involved in designing and making a gift for The Princess Royal to mark her opening of the Queen Mother Building at the University of Dundee earlier this year.

Two students who helped Dr Wilson with the Borromean rings project also graduated this afternoon.

Scott Millar graduated with a First class BDes honours in Jewellery & Metalwork and was responsible for producing some 3d models of the Borromean rings, which are historical symbols consisting of three inter-linked circles.

Emily Walters also graduated with a First class BSc honours in Interactive Media and she produced the ipod of images with Prof Stoddart’s favourite music as part of his presentation gift.

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