College of Business, Technology and Engineering
Finalists
Rebecca Darwin
Mohammed Sahnon
WINNER!
Rebecca Darwin – MEng Mechanical Engineering
What they did:
“Volunteered to coach and mentor an Industrial Cadets project with a local school, which consists of a team of all girls. Instrumental in the design of the project and attends the school and events associated on a regular basis. Encourages the students to put themselves forward for other events and potentially participating in the North Star 2023 event. Key skills observed have been interpersonal skills with both students, teachers and peers and has influenced both internally and externally to ensure the project is supported.
Relates well to everyone associated with the project and positively encourages students to consider careers in Engineering, therefore positive impact on diversity. Demonstrates a true passion for STEM. As an example, during time at AMETEK has designed a new retraction system for the cameras and came up with a concept to final product. Final dissertation is the thermal analysis of that. In addition to the project demonstrates an ability to apply theory to practical and has the ability to explain and help the students understand the technical elements of this type of work, whilst coaching them through projects such as the EDT.”
What was the Impact?
“Encouraging increasing diversity in STEM through the work with students. Shows passion for the subject and the projects. Students benefitting from the passion and encouragement that is shown in addition to time spent helping them to understand. They keep everyone associated updated and through balancing part-time work with full-time study is an inspiration to the students. Inspiring and educating the students to consider STEM seriously as a career. Demonstrates the talent to inspire others by the ability to explain and help others understand.”
How it inspired others:
“Inspiring the students to consider STEM as a career and proactively encouraging them to participate in future events which maintains the excitement. Inspiring them to deliver the best with the project which they will present to other students, teachers, members of the EDT and will be judged on their efforts. Open and approachable which provides an environment where the students will be more open and inquisitive. Comes up with new ideas, is innovative and brave, and this comes across when coaching and inspiring others to do the same. Inspires not only the students but in the work environment too.”
College of Social Sciences and Arts
Finalists
Daniel Challinor
Azmina Singh
WINNER!
Azmina Singh – BSc (Hons) Criminology and Psychology
What they did:
“As part of their Graduate Research and Development module, the student attended a guest lecture regarding Knife Crime from South Yorkshire based charity, Always An Alternative. Following this lecture the student took it upon themselves to speak to and team up with Always An Alternative’s founder, Anthony Olaseinde, to support his charity which works to educate young people around the implication of carrying and using weapons. To support the charity, the student organised, marketed, and ran a Winter Charity Ball at Ye Olde Bell Hotel, Barnby Moor, on November 26, 2022.”
What was the Impact?
“The event was a huge success with over 104 guests and raised £3545 for the charity. As further outcomes of the event, the student is in contact with Brendan Clarke Smith, the local MP for Bassetlaw to meet in the new year to discuss potential funding for Always An Alternative to reach out past South Yorkshire regarding the new sports youth fund that aims to tackle youth crime. As a result, the student has been asked to join Always An Alternative as a trustee and is currently supporting on a project, Victims Voices by reaching out to people whose family members pass away due to knife crime so they can speak at an event in March 2023.”
How it inspired others:
“Being in level 4, this student has demonstrated the impact students can have by pursuing their passions from very early on in their course. They have also shown by leading through example how students can make impact for social change through activism and fundraising. This student continues to engage with opportunities provided by SHU having signed up to attend the Human Rights field trip in Lesotho in June 2023. This is a humanitarian two week project in partnership with Rotherham-based charity, Africa’s Gift. The aim of the visit is to have a direct positive impact on human rights, specifically on the health and education of women and children in the country.
The student will be fundraising again to fund the trip, as well as supporting other students fundraising, so that they can make an impact internationally as well as locally.”