A young North East scientist with Asperger's syndrome is hoping his academic journey will defy stereotypes and inspire others about what they can achieve given the right support.
Daniel Parker, 29, from Gateshead, has recently completed his PhD at the University of Sunderland, developing advanced chemical analysis for complex drug compounds.
Despite a childhood marked by bullying and social exclusion, Mr Parker said his experiences only fuelled his determination to succeed.
Mr Parker said: "Growing up with autism was admittedly a struggle, some things did not make sense until after I was formally diagnosed.
"I was consistently bullied and excluded from normal social activity; thankfully everything changed for me once I was accepted into the University of Sunderland."
Diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of 14, Mr Parker began his academic journey at Sunderland with a degree in biopharmaceutical science, graduating in 2018.
Mr Parker said: "The University was open, honest and accepting of my condition, and offered sincere assistance in the application processes and disabled student allowance guidance.
"The support has been unparalleled, from getting me through the first-month nerves of my bachelor’s degree, to helping transition to my PhD.
"Without the support of the University, I would not be even half the analytical scientist I am now, especially the support mentorship offered by the student support services.
"It feels validating to finally graduate with my PhD.
"It is proof of the skills I have developed, and that the work I have poured into developing novel high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods for difficult drug-related substances was worthy."
Mr Parker’s academic achievement is also a source of pride for his family.
His mother, Sharon Parker, attended his graduation ceremony in January at The Fire Station.
She said: "It was the proudest moment seeing Daniel receive his doctorate and walk across the stage.
"He has become the confident and happy man he was always meant to be.
"It has been a long road, but the success he has achieved, made possible through both his commitment and the University’s Disability Support team, is something that only the University of Sunderland could enable."
Mr Parker is currently working at the University as a student demonstrator, assisting academic staff by guiding undergraduates through practical laboratory sessions, computer exercises, or field work.
His academic journey has been supported by staff from the university throughout his studies.
Ben Hodgson, Head of Student Life within the University’s Student Journey services, said: "Having worked with Daniel since he began his University of Sunderland career as an undergraduate, seeing him graduate with a PhD is a very humbling and proud moment.
"Daniel has made excellent, consistent use of student support throughout his time at the university, helping him with day-to-day structure, but also to navigate particular periods of adversity.
"What he has achieved is incredible and a testament to his own resilience, hard work and undoubted talent."
Dr John Lough, who supervised Mr Parker’s PhD, said: "Over the last few years Daniel must have been the most knowledgeable research student in separation science in the entire UK.
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"Through his strong commitment to his research programme and his dedication to his science, he has overcome daunting challenges such as giving a 35-minute oral presentation to an 80-strong audience of experts and peers at Burlington House, home of the Royal Society of Chemistry in London, presenting posters at international conferences and, of course, his PhD viva.
"I would also acknowledge the amazing support Daniel received from the various individuals involved in the University's wellbeing team and from his mentors.
"The University has a hard-earned reputation for student support.
"Long may it continue."
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