A former engineering student has won a competition to act as the UK ambassador for the Brazilian Science without Borders (SwB) scholarships programme.

Lucas Chung Man Leung, who studied BEng Manufacturing Engineering, has been named as the SwB UK alumni ambassador by the British Embassy in Brazil.

British ambassador to Brazil Alex Ellis presented Lucas with a certificate and said it was a 'great achievement'. Lucas delivered the winning presentation at the finals of the competition in the Brazilian city of Recife. Part of his prize is a week-long visit to the UK where he will participate in a cultural and scientific programme tailored to his academic interests.

During his time at Sheffield Hallam, Lucas became an international ambassador featuring in the University’s international prospectus, won the International Award for his participation in the International Career Enhancement Club and planned a Brazilian Day as part of the University's week-long celebration of diversity and culture, SHU Fest.

Since returning to Brazil in July 2014, Lucas has continued to support the University by participating in online open days and talking about his experiences at a number of events and exhibitions.

James Richardson, director of international development said, 'Since he returned to Brazil, Lucas has continued to be an excellent and enthusiastic ambassador – both for Sheffield Hallam and the Science without Borders programme. I know that he will continue to make us proud as he continues his studies in Brazil and in his role as SwB UK alumni ambassador.'

SwB UK aims to send 10,000 Brazilian students on undergraduate sandwich courses, PhD sandwich courses and full PhDs in science, engineering and mathematics at UK universities.