Student winner

Luman Zhou, School of Environment, Education and Development

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.

2nd Place (joint)

Rhianna Patel, School of Biological Sciences

As Station Manager of Fuse FM, Rhianna is responsible for all aspects of the station, including leading the committee of 28 and supporting the 150 students involved across all the different sections including podcasting, music, DJ and talk to deliver 83 different radio shows each week.

Rhianna has also led the station’s participation in a range of community building events including involvement with a campaign against redevelopment in Hulme and leading the station’s Transfusion 2.0 fundraiser event. 

Ella Logan-Wilson, School of Social Sciences

Ella is Head News Editor of the Mancunion, the Student Unions' student newspaper, covering news on campus and showing a deep commitment to honest, open campus dialogue. She mentors other writers, teaching them the skills and ethics that makes them a great news writer, and acts as editor to other contributors, as well as having more articles published than any other writer. She’s been the first to break important news stories and interviewed key figures including our University President and also the mayor for Greater Manchester Andy Burnham. Through her role she has innovated, for example in the way she covered the LeadMCR democratic elections, ensuring students were able to make better more informed choices about their representation.

3rd Place

Sarah-Sonia Balan, School of Natural Sciences

Sarah is part of everything that goes on in the Mathematics department including outreach days, as a student rep, MathsSoc activities, PASS leader activities and student staff focus groups. Most recently  she worked alongside staff as the key student organiser, taking on a leadership role in aspects such as publicity, creative direction and internal admin for the Manchester Interdisciplinary Mathematics Undergraduate conference, giving students an experience similar to an academic conference environment.