A local Masters student has been presented with the William Bald Scholarship for developing a technical solution aimed at addressing the persistent issue of harmful algae blooms in Lough Neagh.

Kerri Ennis, who works with McAdam Design and studies at Queen’s University Belfast, received the £750 award for her design of a pilot floating solar–UV hybrid system. Jointly sponsored by Farrans and Graham, the scholarship requires winners to present their findings to industry leaders to ensure the sharing of innovative engineering knowledge.

The scholarship was founded by colleagues of David Orr, a Queen’s graduate who became President of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 2007. Orr dedicated his tenure to celebrating the "unsung heroes" of civil engineering, specifically citing William Bald, the engineer who constructed the Antrim Coast Road between 1832 and 1842. This trading link proved vital for the people of the Antrim Glens and serves as a historical example of the infrastructure essential to Northern Ireland.

Selection for the award is a rigorous process. The Civil Engineering Exam Board nominates students from Masters programmes based on their dissertation performance. Nominees then face an interview panel consisting of industry experts and representatives from the sponsoring companies.

Independent administration of the scholarship is handled by W Alan Strong, Visiting Professor in Civil Engineering at Ulster University. The award continues to recognise high-level research and excellence in the field of civil engineering and transport.