Final-year Zoology student Lily Turnbull has been on a mission: to tackle period poverty and change the way we talk about menstruation. As the Events and Social Media Manager for the Once a Month (OaM) project, Lily has brought new energy and visibility to this student-led initiative.
She launched Periodico, a creative newsletter packed with articles, recipes, and even anonymous “confessions” to get people talking. She revamped the OaM website to connect students with resources on mental health and domestic abuse. Lily championed inclusivity through events and collaborations and even hosted the group’s first major public event, featuring speakers from MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) and Women’s Aid.
Lily also secured over £1,000 worth of sanitary products from a corporate donor, ensuring the group’s sustainability. Her leadership isn’t just making waves on campus, it’s reshaping cultural conversations around menstruation.
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The Tree Musketeers has created significant impact through their dedicated research-based environmental conservation efforts, taking on major projects across Manchester, from restoring rivers and planting moss in the Peak District to managing urban woodlands in Didsbury. They have established strategic partnerships with key stakeholders including Groundwork, RSPB and Manchester City Council to deliver impactful conservation projects combining scientific know-how with hands-on fieldwork and sustainable planning, throughout Greater Manchester and beyond. They combine their practical conservation with educational outreach, thus also addressing long-term sustainability awareness. Their work has included peatland restoration at Dovestones Nature Reserve and pond management activities at Clayton Vale to maintain critical aquatic habits.
Their work supports biodiversity, tackles climate change, and gives students meaningful ways to reconnect with the natural world. They have created a sustainable volunteering model that maintains high engagement levels throughout the year. They’re not just planting trees - they’re planting ideas, action, and leadership for the future.
As the founder of the ‘Global PhD Network in Education’ and ‘Study Society’, Luman has led almost 400 students from 129 universities in 25 different countries to support global Postgraduate Research students. Through this innovative and transformative platform she has organised dozens of events such as free academic workshops to connect students from across the world addressing issues such as academic isolation, mental health struggles and the need for collaborative opportunities. Furthermore the social media reach of the network is over 2000 students. Unlike conventional networks, Luman's network bridges the gaps between local and international students, fostering a diverse and inclusive network. the GPEDU is as a result a platform that offers unparalleled opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration.
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