Hundreds set to graduate from University of Wolverhampton
This year's list includes astronaut Jannicke Mikkelsen, a graduate from the university, who has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Arts.Ms Mikkelsen made history earlier this year by launching into space aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.She served as the vehicle commander for the four-crew mission, which was a first-of-its-kind astronaut flight over Earth's poles.
The space explorer has also worked in virtual reality filmmaking and extreme expedition documentation.Overcoming a severe childhood accident that left her temporarily quadriplegic, she channelled her passion for technology and exploration into a thriving career in film and cinematography. Ms Mikkelsen directed the first live-concert film in virtual reality for Queen and produced documentaries with Sir David Attenborough. She also contributed to NASA projects, including a VR exhibit commemorating the Apollo 11 50th anniversary, and led a Guinness record-breaking circumnavigation of the Earth in under 48 hours.She gained a BA Hons Video and Film Production at the University of Wolverhampton.
Another honorary award will go to Jai Herbert, a Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter born in Wolverhampton.The fighter, known as The Black Country Banger, will be awarded an Honorary Fellowship. Professor Ebrahim Adia, vice chancellor at the university, said: "We are an ambitious university that is proudly rooted in our communities. "We offer opportunity to all, regardless of background and that spirit of social mobility and aspiration to equip people with the skills they need to succeed in life and work runs through the heart of what we do."
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