A Wolverhampton post graduate student has been chosen for a special award by the Black Country’s most famous business family.
Iman Hussain, aged 21 from Redditch who is studying for an MSc in computer science at the University of Wolverhampton, is the second winner of a £5,000 bursary courtesy of the Richardson family.
Iman, who also studied for his BSc at the University of Wolverhampton, impressed the judges made up of Richardson representatives and lecturers to win the bursary against tough competition.
He stood out with his beliefs that computer science can be a force for good. Through his studies at the university Iman is proposing that smartphone apps can help with the redistribution of food that would otherwise be sent to landfill and that will, in turn, help the people that need it most. He also has a vision of how virtual reality can allow people to view Wolverhampton through history, as well as into the future. Using a “Pokemon go” style of app to show how the city shaped British industry in the past and how it can now deliver on an international stage.
Alongside his studies Iman works part time as a tutor, with a particular focus on special educational needs. Last summer he volunteered at the British International School in Somalia.
Iman said:
“Winning this award means the world to me. It gives me stability to pursue my own ideas and projects, as well as the confidence to continue in my ambitions to prove technology can make a real and positive difference to local communities.
“The University of Wolverhampton has given me a fantastic platform for the future. With the backing of my lecturers and the support of the Richardson family I can look ahead with great optimism.”
Joe Robinson, Investment Manager at RCL Partners, speaking on behalf of the Richardson Foundation, added:
“We believe we’ve found a real star in Iman. A young man with a bright future ahead of him, who is not only extremely talented in his field but also has a passion for making a difference to the local community and is committed to the area.
“As a business that was established in the West Midlands but now has interests across the UK and around the world, we share Iman’s values and are pleased to have the opportunity to help nurture future talent and for the family to continue its backing of the region as whole.”
For more information:
Jan Jennings - call 07074 073731. email: jan.jennings@rclpartners.co.uk