A former St Ninian’s High School student has been shortlisted to become the PhD Student of the Year.

Now studying a PhD in psychology at Bangor University in north Wales, Ashleigh Johnstone from Douglas was one of 140 students nominated for the inaugural Postgrad Awards.

She has been shortlisted along with six other students from different universities.

The judges will announce the winners at the end of July.

Ashleigh, 25, said: ’I’ve really enjoyed working on this project so it’s amazing to see my work be recognised in this way.

’I’m truly grateful to my supervisor, Dr Paloma Mari-Beffa, for supporting me throughout and nominating me for this award.

’I’ve really loved my time in Bangor - as evidenced by the fact I’m still here after a BSc and MSc!

’The staff have always been so supportive, encouraging me to keep aiming higher and never give up.’

Ashleigh initially completed her first degree in psychology with Neuropsychology before completing an MSc in psychological research at the university’s School of Psychology.

She is now assessing the cognitive benefits of martial arts training as part of her PhD.

The winner of the PhD Student of the Year will receive a Postgrad Awards trophy and a £500 cash prize as a reward for all of their hard work, dedication and commitment demonstrated as a postgraduate student.

They will also be featured in the organisers’ blog pages which will showcase their success so far, winning application, and discuss the impact of their studies and what’s next for them.

Andy Pritchard, managing director of FindAUniversity Ltd, said: ’Our Postgrad Awards underline our continuous commitment to celebrate postgraduate students and staff.

’We want to showcase their achievements and recognise them for not only their academic merit or teaching excellence but for everything else that comes with being a postgraduate student.

’We have been overwhelmed with the number of high-quality entries and reading the stories and experiences that aren’t always shared but are hugely inspiring.’

Recently Ashleigh won a teaching award organised by the BPS Division of Academics, Researchers and Teachers in Psychology (DART-P) in association with PsyPAG - a national organisation for all psychology postgraduates based at UK Institutions.

The award recognised her efforts teaching small groups, observing experienced teachers, and providing feedback to students.

She added: ’I don’t think any of this would have been possible without the supportive environment of the School of Psychology.

’I’ve really tried to make the most of my time as a Bangor University student, and it’s incredible to see it all paying off - it makes me speechless.’

The new national award is run by FindAMasters.com and FindAPhD.com.