A group of University Centre Reaseheath students and graduates were given the opportunity to deliver presentations at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research (BCUR) for the first time.

The conference, held at the University of South Wales in Cardiff, saw over 600 delegates and over 550 students presenting their work at this prestigious event.

University Centre Reaseheath were one of the few institutions to present land-based research and one of only a handful of colleges with students presenting.

Our students presented the following topics at the conference:

Shannon Edwards [BSc (Hons) Equine Science]

“Industry professional’s perceptions of veterinary physiotherapy, when considering the impact of factors upon the horse returning to full work post kissing spines surgery.” 

Connor Smith [BSc (Hons) Agricultural Business Management] 

“A comparison of selective dry cow therapy against selective in lactation therapy as procedures for reducing antimicrobial resistance in dairy cows.” 

Nicole McCluskey [BSc (Hons) Zoo Management] 

“A meta-analysis of species exposure to microplastics.” 

Joseph Cooper [BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation and Ecology] 

“Influence of artificial nest box variables and thermal experience on barn owl (Tyto alba) reproductive success.” 

Rory Clover [BSc (hons) Animal Management] 

“Measures of success of wolf reintroduction in the United States and Europe.”  

Nicole Cashman [BSc (Hons) Wildlife Conservation and Ecology] 

“The effects of livestock and wildlife grazing on lowland heathland flora.” Leonie Walker-Panse (BSc (Hons) Equine Science Graduate)

“Does bedding material type influence the growth of bacterial populations?”

Agriculture Business Management undergraduate, Connor Smith, said: “University Centre Reaseheath presented me with the opportunity to represent the university, presenting my current research, at the British Conference of Undergraduate Research.

“During the event, I showcased my work, giving other students an insight into the studies being undertaken here at the university. At the conference, students from the across the UK presented up-to-date research from a wide range of academic subjects and fields of study. The conference itself provided me with an excellent networking environment.

“For my presentation, I did a talk alongside a PowerPoint on the methods dairy farmers can use to reduce antibiotic usage, evaluating the ways in which they are currently used within the industry. I highlighted the threats which can potentially arise due to the way antibiotics are currently being used by the dairy industry.

“Having been a student at Reaseheath College now for five years, I am looking to further my studies and research through a master’s degree in Ruminant Nutrition. The university has provided me with a deep level of knowledge and understanding of the agricultural industry; my experience at the university has opened a greater avenue of future career prospects and provided me with confidence to pursue them.”