Speaking of her time at Queen’s, Aine said: “I have really enjoyed my time at university, especially all the friends I have made and the student life in Belfast. All the staff at Queen's are always more than willing to help and give you their time - no question goes unturned.

“There is an abundance of help for every aspect of university life and the facilities at the university are top class, including the MBC (where I spent a lot of my time), the McClay library and Queen's Sport on the Upper Malone Road.”

Aine has a very promising career in the field of biomedical research ahead of her, having secured a PhD place in Professor Ken Mills’ laboratory with Professor Kevin Prise to research drug repurposing in paediatric cancers; a PhD funded by a legacy from Ena Quirk and Leukaemia Lymphoma NI. She said: “I enjoyed my time at Queen's so much I will be returning in September to complete my PhD to study radiotherapy and chemotherapy combinations for paediatric cancers, with the aim to research treatments that will reduce side-effects for paediatric cancer patients in later life.

“I always wanted to use my experience and knowledge to help others and am so excited to get started.”

Aine intends to celebrate her graduation success today with a garden party with her family and friends at home. She adds: “I am proud to be graduating today. It is great to be celebrating the hard work I have put in to my degree for the past three years. I can’t wait to celebrate with my family and friends from home and it makes me excited for the future.”

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