A FORMER factory worker, who is now a qualified zoologist invited to speak at conferences around the world, has become the first Sunderland College Access to Higher Education student to achieve a PhD.

Dan Reed, 39, who left his role at Hogg Engineering to pursue his studies in 2007, completed an Access to Higher Education course, which is designed for people over 19 who are looking to return to study to advance their career.

He went on to study for a degree in Zoology at Newcastle University and has now qualified with a doctorate in Evolutionary Biology.

With conference organisers approaching him to speak at events as far away as New York, Dr Reed is held up by the college as a shining example of what can be achieved, with hard work and determination.

Dr Reed, who received his doctorate earlier this month, said: “I really do have to pinch myself when I think about how far I have come.

“When I made the decision to go to college, I didn’t think for one minute it would end in me achieving a doctorate, and I am so pleased, and grateful to Sunderland College for setting me off on this track and showing me that anything is possible.”

To find out more about access qualifications at Sunderland College, visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk or call 0191-511 6000.