23 June 2005

Award of Posthumous Postgraduate Degree to Mandy Baranowski

A graduation ceremony at the University of Dundee today (June 23rd) will be marked by a poignant moment with the award of a posthumous postgraduate Degree for Mandy Baranowski, who died suddenly last year.

Mandy (26), from Crieff, suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. She died suddenly while carrying out her studies for a PhD in Biological Psychology. Her work involved examining eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia in children.

Her fiancée, Mark Cargill, will collect the MPhil degree on Mandy's behalf at the graduation ceremony in the Caird Hall, Dundee, on Thursday morning, watched by Mandy and Mark's families.

"Both families and I are happy that the great work she had done during her studies has been recognised in this way by the University," said Mark, who is the IT Manager for the Department of Law at the University.

Mandy's death came when she was nearing the end of her PhD research. Following her death the University investigated whether would be possible that the work Mandy had already completed was sufficient for her to be awarded a postgraduate degree.

The Examining Committee decided that Mandy’s work, which included two peer-reviewed publications, merited an MPhil.

"Mandy was an outstanding student and one we were devastated to lose in such a tragic manner," said Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, of the Department of Psychology at the University and Postgraduate Advisor. "She had come to the University as an Access student, went on to achieve a First Class degree and eventually was teaching Access students herself.

"She is missed by staff and students here at the University, but we are happy that we can mark her work in this way."

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Both her fiancée Mark and her family would appreciate not being disturbed on graduation day itself.

Any further queries should be directed to Roddy Isles in the press office at the University, contact details below.

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk