| After graduating from Edinburgh University with a degree in molecular biology, he went on to gain his doctorate in plant molecular biology at the University of East Anglia.
He then embarked upon a career that took him around the word and ended up at St Andrews University involved in work associated with the Scottish Crop Research Institute at Invergowrie.
However Joe’s career was cut short when a genetic disorder, retinitis pigmentosa, caused his sight to deteriorate to such an extent he was registered blind.
But Joe refused to let the affliction get the better of him and enrolled at Dundee College where he gained an HND in legal services.
Today, he was one of 400 students who shook hands with Dundee College Principal Christina Potter at the Caird Hall.
More than 1500 guests filled the venue for the awards ceremony, recognising the achievements of students who have completed advanced programmes such as Higher National Certificates or Diplomas and post-graduates.
As well as being welcomed by the principal and Lord Provost John Letford on stage, the packed hall heard an address from guest speaker Professor Bernard King of the University of Abertay, Dundee.
“I was really impressed with the help I received at college,” said Joe, who is pictured, left, at the ceremony with wife, Lifang.
“The vast majority of the staff bent over backwards to help students.”
Joe now draws on his own experiences to help people while working at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in St Andrews and Dundee. |
