Faculty of Science and Technology

Two former members of Science and Technology staff have received New Years Honours which recognise outstanding achievement.

June Coulson, who worked in the Department of Psychology for 18 years where she was the departmental secretary, was awarded the MBE for services to Higher Education.

"It's a great honour and I'm so thrilled I couldn't believe it. I've been fortunate to have a job I enjoyed doing and I've met some wonderful people, students and staff."

June was also a senior tutor at Fylde College in a pastoral and welfare role.

"One of my best skills is that I'm a people person. I listen to people and don't judge them, especially not the first time you meet them. I've dealt with problems like bereavement and I've learnt a lot about people."

She said she had been overwhelmed by the messages of congratulation she had already received from staff and students.

June is now enjoying her retirement, visiting her son in Australia and still keeping in touch with Fylde College. But she is continuing her caring role through looking after her mother and uncle, who are both 89.

Also receiving an MBE is retired technician Ian Miller for services to Ultralow Temperature Physics at Lancaster University.

He was one of the world's leading low temperature technicians, working in the Microkelvin Group in the Physics Department. He helped other low temperature groups around the world by providing Lancaster experience and technology which can now be found productively operating across Europe, North America and the Middle East.

Ian said: "I'm pleased because it's a recognition that technicians are an important part of research. We're in the background setting everything up and a lot of academics wouldn't be where they are without technicians."

Professor George Pickett said it was clear from the start that Ian was brilliant at his job.

"He could do everything from building brick walls with his bare hands to machining to instrument-making quality. He soon learned all the tricks of low temperature physics."

Ian has already received a prestigious Hauksbee Award from the Royal Society in London in recognition of his valuable role in supporting scientific research.

The ten new Hauksbee Awards - named after Isaac Newton's assistant Francis Hauksbee - were created to recognise the "unsung heroes" who work behind the scenes to support the UK science base.

Tue 03 January 2012