BCHC congratulates Morgan Leesing, finalist in the prestigious British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Equine Thesis of the Year award.

Posted on behalf of/written by Russ Morphew

Please join the BCHC and Department of Life Sciences, in another undergraduate success story, in congratulating Morgan Leesing, who has been named as one of the finalists in the prestigious British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) Equine Thesis of the Year award for her final year dissertation project. As one of four finalists, Morgan’s dissertation focused on the characterisation of a important protein family within the neglected equine tapeworm in the hope to renew focus on this parasitic helminth with the long term aim to generate new control options.

‘I was grateful for the opportunity to present my research project at the BETA final to a panel of expert judges. It was a privilege to share my growing passion for parasitology, a field in which I have developed a strong and lasting interest. I have had a truly memorable experience at Aberystwyth University and I am thankful for the constant support and guidance provided by my tutor, Dr Russ Morphew, over the course of my three years of study.’ 

Morgan Leesing, Finalist in BETA Equine Undergraduate Thesis of the Year 2025 competition.

Morgan is soon to be moving on to study Veterinary Science at the University of Nottingham, where she plans on pursuing research in the important field of equine parasitology, building on the skills and experiences gained from her excellent thesis. As with the previous undergraduate award, Morgan’s achievement is a reflection of the quality of students studying helminth control through the BCHC, and as with the last award a proud moment for her supervisor Dr. Russ Morphew.

“Morgan came into this project with a real enthusiasm to learn about equine parasitology and I don’ think she was prepared to love parasitic helminths as much as she does now! I’m so proud to see her make this finalists list and it is a real testament to her academic potential and work ethic.”

Dr. Russ Morphew, Morgan’s dissertation supervisor.

To find out more about the Veterinary Biosciences scheme at Aberystwyth University, please follow the link here. Additional schemes are also offered for Veterinary Science and Veterinary Nursing. More information on schemes and facilities are available from the School of Veterinary Sciences website.