Student Prizes
Additional Student Prizes and Awards
Congratulations to all students on their achievements.
China Blackstock- Brown
Winner of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Bursary Award for Excellence in Footwear.
For an excellent dissertation entitled: “Women re-writing their desire: contemporary adaptations of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, E.M Forster’s Howards End and George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four to elevate the ‘othered’ female identity from oppression.”
China Blackstock-Brown
Winner of the Worshipful Company of Cordwainer’s Sneaker and Athleisure Footwear Award.
We are proud to recognise China, winner of this highly respected national competition celebrating excellence in footwear design. China’s work demonstrates exceptional creativity, innovation, and commitment to footwear design.
Ben Green
Winner of the Goblin Games award for Outstanding Achievement in Games Art.
Ben has worked consistently hard year on year finding himself an industry placement and now leading an indie game studio – Mothlight.
Hendrik Percival Francis
Winner of the Sylvia Hughes Award.
Awarded to H for their incredible journey over three years of intensive and challenging actor training. They frequently went above and beyond expectations and represented the university to the highest standards.
Lucy Sleep
Winner of the Tony Smith-Howell Award for Childhood and Youth or Education Studies.
Lucy has achieved an exceptional level of academic excellence in her final year of study. Her willingness and ability to listen and respond to feedback and persevere despite challenges, all whilst engaging in academically rigorous work that tackles highly significant and problematic social justice issues has been outstanding.
Shannon Mullane
Winner of the Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
Shannon produced a dissertation of exceptionally high quality.
Andrea Purcell
Winner of the BA English Dissertation Prize.
Andrea’s final-year dissertation was innovative and original in its analysis of the role of parenting across a range of literary texts, demonstrating excellent research and astute critical insight.
Lily Fox
Winner of the Jamie Silvester Filmhouse Award for Film and Screen Studies.
Over the three years of her degree Lily proved herself to be an engaged, enthusiastic and hard-working student who was always a pleasure to teach.
Shantel Idun
Winner of the Goblin Games Award for Outstanding Achievement in Games Design.
Shantel showed creativity throughout the Game Design course, with a high standard in all her projects. They showed excellent design skills through a large variety of software.
Frankie Boorman
Winner of the History Dissertation Prize.
The prize committee was greatly impressed by Frankie’s work, entitled Sex, Disguise, and Dressmaking in post-Restoration Literature, 1660 to 1750. They commended a thorough interrogation of the sources which underpinned his analysis and argument, leading to a dissertation that demonstrated both theoretical and methodological maturity.
Farah Goulmy
Winner of the Creative Conscience Award for Environment & Sustainability.
Farah’s project uses the power of design to inspire conscious food choices by encouraging people to eat sustainably and strengthen their connection with local farmers and the environment.
Rasmus Skeppstam
Winner of the Goblin Games Award for Outstanding Achievement in Games Programming.
Rasmus showed a high level of creative and technical achievement throughout their time on the Games Programming course. Supporting industry practice through Goblin Games and their work with Mothlight studios.
Condoleezza Hankins
Winner of the Worshipful Company of Leathersellers Award.
Awarded for Condoleezza’s creativity, craftsmanship and expressive work in leather.
Eve Kempen
Winner of the Worshipful Company Leathersellers Award
This award recognises Eve’s exceptional and innovative use of leather in textiles for fashion, showcasing both creative skill and originality.
Courtney Krause
Winner of the Sociological Imagination Prize
Awarded to Courtney for bringing sociology to life. Linking self and society through outstanding academic achievement and generous service as a student rep, event supporter, and all-round team player.
Emily Budden
Third place in the PCR Biosystems Poster Prize at the Life Sciences Student Research Conference.
Emily’s poster was entitled “The role of Fusobacterium nucleatum in the dental implant failure of diabetics”
Xhorda Dervishi
Second Prize in the PCR Biosystems Poster Award at the Life Sciences Student Research Conference.
Xhorda’s poster was entitled “Flow cytometry analysis of apoptosis induced by Dp71 isoforms in U2OS osteosarcoma cells”
Luka Ross-Johnson
Winner of the PCR Biosystems Poster Award at the Life Sciences Student Research Conference.
Luka’s dissertation poster was entitled “The Effect of Varying Iron and Oxygen Concentrations on Oxidative Stress and Growth of Streptococcus Pneumoniae “
Ahtisham Nawaz
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Ahtisham has exemplified academic excellence, commitment, and a high level of engagement in all aspects of his learning. He has achieved consistently high grades, which is a testament to his commitment, hard work, engagement, and academic discipline. He has also been an engaged and proactive member of his cohort, contributing thoughtfully to class discussions and collaborative projects. His professional attitude, intellectual curiosity, and perseverance represent the values we encourage in our postgraduate students.
Baffour Asante-Abedi
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Baffour has shown exceptional and consistent dedication, perseverance, and a strong desire to grow. He demonstrated remarkable progress both academically and personally. He consistently pushed himself beyond his comfort zone, embracing challenges and making the most of every opportunity, even when the path wasn’t easy. His resilience and determination were inspiring, showing that personal challenges don’t define us, but how we respond to them does. Baffour took steps today that his future self will undoubtedly be proud of.
Callum McDonagh
Winner of the Dean’s Award
Callum has demonstrated exceptional resilience, dedication, and peer support throughout his academic journey. He has actively supported fellow students across multiple cohorts by sharing advice and encouragement, consistently showing a positive attitude and strong work ethic regardless of academic outcomes. Even when facing difficulties, Callum remained committed to his studies, sought guidance when needed, and maintained a determined, optimistic approach. His perseverance, compassion, and motivation to succeed are truly commendable.
Jayda Franks
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Jayda made an outstanding contribution to student community life and was a committed champion of diversity and inclusion.
Kinza Martin
Winner of the Dean’s Award
Kinza produced the outstanding dissertation of her cohort and showcased her exceptional research skills whilst exploring the implementatation of augmented reality tools within the UK cosmetics industry.
Bartosz Bratek
Winner of the Digital Marketing Institute – Student of the Year Award.
Bartosz has demonstrated a strong academic performance throughout his course but has particularly impressed us with his strong willingness to step out of his comfort zone and challenge himself.
Nkiruka Monye
Winner of the Digital Northants – Promising Digital Marketer Prize.
Quiet and unassuming in the classroom, Kiki has consistently impressed through her creativity and professionalism. Alongside her studies, she developed her skills as a photographer and creative director, culminating in an exceptional, striking website that showcased her talent and vision. There is no doubt that Kiki will go on to enjoy a fulfilling and impactful career — and we hope she stays in touch to inspire the next generation of digital marketers.
Anuoluwapo Opesanwo
Winner of the Channel 4 “Altogether Different” Award.
Anu had the best overall performance in the Channel 4 Consultancy Project where she and her peers worked to develop a concept to promote the BCorp movement. We loved watching Anu growing in confidence and skill. Not always the loudest voice in the room, Anu usually has something interesting to say.
Abbie Robinson
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Abbie has shown exceptional professionalism throughout her studies. She consistently applied herself with determination and curiosity, approaching challenges with perseverance and insight. As a student representative, she demonstrated outstanding diligence and skill, chairing meetings with confidence and clarity. A pleasure to teach, she exemplifies the values of hard work, reflection, and commitment.
Hannah Goodridge
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Hannah has demonstrated consistent focus, hard work and dedication throughout her degree. She has actively engaged, showing a positive attitude and dedication to her studies.
Pablo Lirio Benitez
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Pablo has shown true dedication to his studies. As a mature student he has successfully balanced his study alongside work and family to an extremely high degree. His motivaton and enthusiasm has been unwavering.
Joseph Buswell
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Throughout his studies Joseph has demonstrated a very keen interest in the discipline of Criminology. He has engaged with all aspects of the discipline, both inside and outside of the classroom. Equally important, Joseph has proven to be a constant presence, familiar to both staff and students. His empathy, willingness to listen and support for his peers has made him a popular member of his cohort.
Sarah Mills
Winner of the Criminology Silver Jubilee Award.
Sarah exemplifies the spirit and purpose of our University. As an institution committed to lifelong learning, we take pride in offering opportunities to students from all walks of life, particularly those who join us later in their journey. Our mature students are woven into the fabric of our academic community, and their achievements are a testament to the enduring value of education. Sarah joined the University with a thirst for knowledge and a genuine desire to engage in campus life. Her openness to challenge, explore new perspectives, and embrace diverse viewpoints enriched both her own learning and that of her peers. Far from being held back by age, she became an integral part of the student body, generously sharing her insights and experiences. In the classroom, Sarah was both intellectually rigorous and ethically engaged, contributing meaningfully to the complex debates that define criminology. Beyond the classroom, she actively participated in discussions, supported fellow students, and helped shape a more inclusive and thoughtful academic environment. Sarah’s journey is a powerful example of academic excellence combined with personal resilience and community engagement. Her success reflects not only her dedication but also the University’s mission to foster lifelong learning and scholarly growth. As a team, we are confident that Sarah’s academic journey is far from over. Her degree stands as a symbol of commitment, curiosity, and the transformative power of education.
Kerensa-Cheyenne Smith
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Throughout three years of reading Criminology Kerensa has demonstrated commitment and perseverance, despite many challenges. Kerensa’s dissertation exploring the effects of racism on Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people when accessing health care allowed her the opportunity to combine a longstanding personal interest with academic exploration. Given the levels of marginalisation and discrimination faced by those with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller heritage, this endeavour involved much emotional, as well as academic labour and is to be commended.
Renee Omere
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Renee has demonstrated the true spirit of academic excellence through her unwavering commitment to resilience, hard work, and continuous improvement. Throughout her studies, she embraced feedback not as guidance, but as a catalyst for transformative growth. Renee has shown us that true scholarship extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge – it requires the courage to ask difficult questions, the humility to learn continuously, and the determination to effect meaningful change. She has approached her studies with remarkable humility and intellectual curiosity, and she leaves this institution not only as an accomplished graduate, but as an advocate prepared to make a lasting impact on society.
Lydia Addo
Winner of the Max Engel Memorial Bursary.
Max Engel was a local solicitor who was highly respected both within his profession and within the community generally. Following his death in 2005, his son Richard Engel was instrumental in setting up the Bursary which assists a deserving student who is to undertake postgraduate study leading to a law based career. The Law team would like to thank the Sudborough Foundation and Max Engel Solicitors LLP for their continuing support of this Bursary. This year the Law team have awarded this to Lydia Addo who overcame many challenges when relocating to Northampton to study on the 2 year Accelerated LLB. She is the first in her family to attend university, achieving a first class degree in Ghana before starting her studies with us. She overcame significant difficulties both financial and personal during her studies, but her perseverance and resilience enabled her to succeed. Despite this and studying on a 2 year degree she resurrected the Student Law Society which she successfully led for a year, organising activities and events to benefit our law students. She was also a course representative and represented the University in the Midlands Mooting Competition alongside working part time. She is set on a career as a barrister and has completed a mini pupillage through the Midland Circuit Commercial Bar Association Black Mini Pupillage Scheme. We have no doubt that she has a long and successful career ahead of her and she is a worthy recipient of the Max Engel Memorial Bursary.
Lauren Knights
Winner of the Northamptonshire Law Society Prize for Outstanding Academic Achievement.
The Faculty of Business and Law is a proud sponsor of the Northamptonshire Law Society who award an annual prize for outstanding academic achievement by a student in their final year. The Law team determine this on the basis of the best dissertation. This year the winner of that Award is Lauren whose dissertation focused on the complex and sensitive issue of assisted dying and explored whether the continuing illegality of the practice in England and Wales is out of date in contemporary society. Her dissertation was exceptionally well researched, carefully argued, and strongly supported by literature. She engaged deeply with the core debates surrounding autonomy, human rights, and medical ethics, and examined how shifts in public opinion and international legal developments challenge the current position in England and Wales. Alongside her in-depth analysis of the domestic framework, Lauren also explored comparative perspectives from jurisdictions where assisted dying has been legalised. This provided a valuable context to highlight both the safeguards and challenges that other systems have faced, and allowed her to critically evaluate whether such approaches could work here. Lauren’s dissertation was a testament to her dedication and eagerness to learn. She consistently brought fresh ideas and a wide range of sources to supervisory meetings, showing determination to refine her arguments and strengthen her conclusions. The resulting piece was thoughtful, balanced, and compelling, tackling a challenging topic with sensitivity and academic rigour. Her supervisor said that it was a real pleasure to supervise Lauren’s work over the past academic year. She has shown great promise as a researcher, and she is fully deserving of recognition for her hard work and achievement. The Law team would like to thank the Northamptonshire Law Society for their continuing support of this prize.
Christopher Watkins
Winner of the Sentencing & Penal Policy Prize for Outstanding Achievement.
Christopher was a pleasure to teach on Sentencing and Penal Policy. He possessed a high level of critical thinking and the ability to apply solutions to complex problems. Christopher was a tremendous student who encountered a great deal of personal challenges throughout his final year – the fact he was the highest performing student on the module is a testament to his academic ability. Congratulations!
Hamza Naveed
Winners of the BA Commerce & International Business Project Competition.
Awarded for demonstrating exceptional creativity in problem-solving and making commendable efforts to incorporate external insights from the industry into the selected business project. Their innovative approach and strategic thinking have set a benchmark for excellence.
Han Chen
Winners of the BA Commerce & International Business Project Competition.
Awarded for demonstrating exceptional creativity in problem-solving and making commendable efforts to incorporate external insights from the industry into the selected business project. Their innovative approach and strategic thinking have set a benchmark for excellence.
Thanakorn Chitsuksom
Winners of the BA Commerce & International Business Project Competition.
Awarded for demonstrating exceptional creativity in problem-solving and making commendable efforts to incorporate external insights from the industry into the selected business project. Their innovative approach and strategic thinking have set a benchmark for excellence.
Tyler Watts
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Tyler graduated with a First Class in BA (Hons) Politics and International Relations. His academic performance was consistently strong across all three years, culminating in a final-year dissertation that achieved a remarkable 77%. This work, which demonstrated his exceptional ability to conduct deep, critical, and original research, highlighted his strong analytical skills and a remarkable capacity for creative and critical thought – qualities that promise a bright future in his field. Beyond the classroom, Tyler’s commitment to enhancing the student experience and making a positive social impact is truly exceptional. He personally founded and served as President of the Politics Society from 2023 to 2025. This initiative significantly enhanced the co-curricular life of his cohort, providing a vital platform for critical engagement and peer support, and demonstrating genuine leadership. Furthermore, Tyler showed a deep commitment to social responsibility by completing all three levels of the UON Changemaker Certificate, centring his Level 3 project around his extensive volunteer work with Citizens Advice West Northants and Cherwell (CAWNAC). During his time there, he provided crucial administrative support to advisors resolving client issues. Demonstrating exceptional initiative, he was transferred to the Research and Campaigns Team during the 2024 General Election season, where he managed outreach to political candidates across nine constituencies, successfully ensuring the aims of CAWNAC and the needs of vulnerable clients were brought directly to local political decision-makers. In summary, Tyler Watts not only achieved the highest academic result possible but also leveraged his time at university to create a lasting legacy – by establishing a key student society and executing a high-impact, professional volunteering project. His dedication to academic rigor, student support, and social impact makes him an ideal recipient for the Dean’s Award.
George Neyhus
Winner of the Prize for Economics.
George is a thoughtful student who always brought a wide range of thoughts and views to sessions. His contributions were well considered and he is valued by his colleagues for his level of understanding.
Dawood Anjum
Winner of the Diligence & Involvement Award.
Dawood showed consistent, persistent, and careful effort during their studies. The breadth and depth of their participation in university life beyond the classroom should be commended
Ogagaoghene Osivwemu
Winner of the Diligence & Involvement Award.
Ogagaoghene showed consistent, persistent, and careful effort during their studies. The breadth and depth of their participation in university life beyond the classroom should be commended
Anastasija Gore
Winner of the CFA® Program Student Scholarship Award.
Awarded for demonstrating strong dedication to her studies, despite additional commitments and challenges in life. Anastasija’s positivity and drive to achieve her chosen investment career goal has been inspiring.
Ashante-Paisley Temeng
Winner of the CFA® Program Student Scholarship Award.
We have been excited and inspired by how Ashante has grown and developed during her time with UON. We have been particularly impressed with her consistent commitment and enthusiasm in embracing challenges to make the most of every opportunity
Abdullah
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Abdullah demonstarated commitment to studies through his focus, discipine and work ethic. Beyond academic excellence he played a key role in building a supportive learnng environment – bringing students together and fostering collaboration.
Auranut Areechalerm
Winner of the CIPM® Student Scholarship Award.
Auranut has demonstrated consistent focus and commitment in pursuing her investment career goals throughout her academic journey. She has actively participated in various investment related activities and achieved outstanding performance during her time with UON.
Joseph Farmer
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
Joseph was an outstanding student academically, producing research that offered actionable insights for the NHS. He also went above and beyond to support his classmates.
Rut Baez Bandres
Winner of the Dean’s Award for Co-curricular Engagement.
Rut has been an outstanding student who demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism throughout her studies, most notably by leading her event team in successfully delivering the Multicultural Market event, held in Northampton Town Centre in March 2025. Through her initiative, perseverance and determination, Rut built strong and productive relationships with the charity partner, the town council and a range of local suppliers. Her confidence, communication skills and ability to network were key factors in the event’s success. Rut then further used her enthusiasm, creativity and a collaborative spirit to support the University’s inaugural team at the Future Leaders Challenge UK & Ireland 2025, a national hospitality student competition in June 2025.
Ines Lopez-Salamar Gomez
Winner of the Silverstone Award for Excellence in Events.
Ines engaged with every opportunity during her studies to apply her knowledge and develop her skills in practice. She particularly engaged with Silverstone through study visits, mentoring, work experience and the Operation Nexus simulation, leading to her being contracted to work on the F1 British Grand Prix in July 2025. She demonstrated resilience, determination, an excellent work ethic and a positive approach to solving problems and working with the team.
Ari Torres Sayos
Winner of the Dean’s Award for Co-curricular Engagement.
Ari has been an exceptional student with a genuine passion for events management. She succesfully led the team that delivered the Flash Fringe Festival, demonstrating outstanding commitment to leadership, creativity and teamwork. Her eagerness to receive and apply feedback to continuously develop her skills earned her the respect of her peers, academic staff and the client. Ari also represented the University exceptionally well as a member of the team for the Future Leaders Challenge UK & Ireland 2025, the national hospitality student competition in June 2025.
John Koroma
Winner of the Aspiring People & Professional Conduct Award.
During John’s time at the university, he demonstrated exceptional people professional qualities such as initiation of HRM students’ participation with the CIPD festival of works as well multitasking two roles as a course representative and president of the Human Resources society in his final year. John interacted with HRM students at undergraduate and postgraduate level to promote the HR society. He is highly regarded in his cohort adn was awarded mentor awards during his course. There is no doubt that John will be an exceptional talent that will contribute enormously to any organisation. We wish him all the best in his future career.
Mia-Rose Smith
Winner of the Resilience & Scholarship Award.
Mia is graduating with a first class honours degree despite battling with severe health challenges througout her studies. Mia has been a great support for her peers, and has provided others with hope and strength despite her own situation
Joe Pitcher
Winner of the Course Team Award.
Joe has worked incredibly hard throughout the course and the course team would like to praise him for his effort, resiliance and demonstrating the core values of the physiotherapy profession continuously throughout his time with us. Joe has achieved outstanding feedback from his practice placements and they requested that he receives the recognition that he deserves at Graduation. Joe has developed into an an outstanding physiotherapist and the course team wish him all the best.
David Wilson
Winner of the Academic Excellence Award.
David has demonstrated consistent high standards since commencement of the course in relation to his levels of engagement and organisation. David’s professional attitude has been outstanding throughout all modules and practice placements. The distinction achieved for his dissertation should be recognised and celebrated, as it was an exceptional project.
Nora Eyo
Winner of the Academic Excellence Award.
This award is presented to Nora in recognition of her outstanding academic performance, intellectual dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in her studies. Despite the challenges of being an international student, Nora demonstrated extraordinary resilience and adaptability in adjusting to a new academic system and culture, while successfully balancing the demands of postgraduate study. Her exceptional performance, culminating in a Distinction in her MSc in Public Health, reflects not only her intellectual brilliance but also her determination to succeed. Her achievements reflect the highest standards of academic integrity, perseverance, and dedication, serving as an inspiration to her peers. We are proud to honour Nora for her integrity, resilience, and outstanding contributions to our academic community.
Jennifer Capell
Winner of the Simon’s Occupational Therapy Placement Award.
This award is recognition that goes beyond academic achievement but recognises those students who have excelled in their placement learning experience. Despite her personal challenges Jennifer stayed focused and committed to her studies and excelled in her final placement.
Kimberley Feehily
Winner of the Innovation Award in Occupational Therapy.
This award recognises Kimberley for the theoretical development of an excellent vocational rehabilitation occupational therapy service, ‘New Chapters’ designed to support prison leavers to find meaningful employment.
Ange Noguem
Winner of the Simon’s Occupational Therapy Placement Award.
This award is recognition that goes beyond academic achievement but recognises those students who have excelled in their placement learning experience, acknowledging the commitment and resilience demonstrated amid personal challenges. Congratulations to;
Corinne Parker
Winner of the Apprenticeship Award.
For consistent hard work and /commitment to her studies, Corinne has always remained positive and focused despite setbacks. Corinne’s positive attitude has made a difference to her cohort and to her work-based clients as she has completed her apprenticeship journey.
Penny-Ann Pope
Winner of the Research Award.
This award recognises Penny for her excellent research exploring the impact of occupational therapy on the wellbeing of survivors of sex trafficking.
Georgina-Mae Rolle
Winner of the Apprenticeship Award.
Georgina has shown significant and consistent resilience and positively despite a range of setbacks on her journey. Her commitment has been excellent, and she has shown significant growth in her abilities.
Sofia Rose
Winner of the Student Engagement Award.
This award recognises Sofia for her continued commitment and enthusiasm in promoting occupational therapy, the course and the university.
Amy Swallow
Winner of the Student Paramedic Excellence Award.
The Student Paramedic Excellence Award recognises a graduating student who has exemplified the highest standards of dedication, compassion, and leadership throughout their time on the BSc Paramedic Science program. This year’s recipient Amy, has consistently gone above and beyond in her commitment to both her academic journey and the well-being of her peers. From her first year, Amy has demonstrated exceptional performance, not only in her studies but also in her clinical placements, where she has been praised for her bravery, professionalism, and ability to integrate seamlessly into the Ambulance service team. Amy’s impact extends far beyond the classroom and placement settings. As a student representative, she has been a tireless advocate for her cohort, working closely with lecturers and the ambulance service to improve the student experience. She has provided revision support, created learning materials, and offered guidance to fellow students in times of need—all without ever seeking recognition. Her voluntary work in Northampton town center, helping ensure the safety of others, is yet another example of her selfless dedication to community service. Amy embodies the values of the paramedic profession: compassion, resilience, and leadership. She is not only a role model for her peers but also a shining example of what it means to serve others with integrity and heart. It is with great pride that we present this award.
Kimberley Green
Winner of the Therabody Student Researcher of the Year in Sport Rehabilitation.
Kimberley developed an innovative dissertation exploring the effects of TECAR therapy on arterial dilation, oxygen saturation and skin temperature. Conducting many hours of laboratory based testing, Kimberley’s use of Ultrasonography, Moxy Sensor and Thermal Camera imaging helped her to determine a wider understanding of the mechanism of effect created by TECAR therapy. Kimberley’s supervisors are currently suporting her work to gain publication, as was requested by the TECAR manufacturers, Winback Medical, as part of their recent white paper submission.
Taylor Gower
Winner of the Graham Mitchell Award.
Taylor pushed hard to get the equipment (including VR and biometrics) needed for a challenging dissertation. It could have all gone horribly wrong but Taylor stuck with it and produced an absolutely excellent dissertation that he was awarded an A+ for. Taylor’s supervisor said this was the best dissertation he’d seen in years.
Neve Kollhoff-Waldron
Winner of the David Stewart Memorial Award.
This is awarded to Neve as the highest achieving student in Health Psychology
Alex Piesse
Winner of the John L. Randall Memorial Award.
Alex is very deserved of this award as the student with the highest grade achieved in the Parapsychology & Anomalous Experiences module.
Kya Morgan
Winner of the Kevin Buchanan Award.
Kya had to overcome various setbacks during her studies that ended up increasing her studies by a year. In spite of this she persevered and her grades really improved over her degree meaning that she ended up with a 2:1
Rachel Orvis-Johnson
Winner of the Kevin Buchanan Award.
Rachel had a number of personal challenges to deal with during her degree, including having to relocate further away (hence making regular very long journeys back to campus for class, and her attendance was excellent). In spite of these challenges, Rachel till managed to graduate with a 2:1
Louise Allen
Winner of the Children and Young People’s Award.
Louise deserves this award for a number of reasons. Firstly because of the responsible way in which Louise undertook the course advocate role and secondly how well she was seen to support her colleagues at all times. There was always kindness and compassion. The CYP team also agree that Louise made no qualms about finding parts of the course difficult but still managed to never lose sight of her main goal – to qualify as a Children and Young Peoples nurse.
Anthony Sackey
Winner of the Best Poster Award at the Annual Health Sciences Dissertations Conference 2025.
Anthony’s research addresses air pollution as a major global environmental health risk. Through a critical review of recent epidemiological studies, he demonstrates strong associations between air pollution and increased respiratory diseases, diminished lung function, and higher mortality rates. The study also underscores how climate change intensifies these risks, especially in densely populated and disadvantaged communities. The dissertation ends with a strong call for action, urging stricter emissions controls, greater public awareness, and integrated environmental health surveillance to reduce long-term health impacts. In recognition of this timely and impactful contribution, Anthony has received the Best Poster Award Certificate.
Muniira Adow
Winner of the Julie Quilter Award for Commitment to Midwifery Excellence.
This award is presented to a student who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the course, to their peers, to the staff at the NHS Trust host site and to the women and birthing people that they are supporting. Muniira has embodied all these qualities throughout her three years at the University of Northampton. She has been a strong role model within her cohort. She has overcome her own academic challenges to be able to support others, through her role as Course Rep and whilst on shift. She has been consistently commended by midwives for her compassion, dedication and advocacy for for those she cares for and will be an asset to the midwifery profession.
Kikope Williams
Winner of the Dean’s Award.
This prize is awarded to Kiki a student who has demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment throughout the programme. She has attended every single lesson with enthusiasm and dedication, continuously building her confidence and developed her presenting and teamwork skills. Her positive energy, determination, and radiant spirit have inspired those around her and made her a true joy to work with. She truly shines in all that she does—congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!
PC Holly Cunnington
Emerging Talent prize at the Society of Evidence-Based Policing (SEBP) Awards.
Holly went beyond requirements to carry out primary research in which she gathered her own evidence and built recommendations based on the accounts of over 100 serving officers.
Holly’s recommendations include improving data collection across forces, embedding mental health discussions into performance reviews, and fostering a more open, less procedural culture around wellbeing. Her work is now being considered for publication and has attracted interest from senior leaders across multiple forces.
Leah Grant, Bethany Hope, Holly Lewis, Aidan O’Brien
Winners of the Primary Science Enhancement Award (PSEA).
The PSEA has been developed by the Primary Science Teaching Trust and will start their career with increased competence and confidence to teach science.
Muhammed Hafiz
Student Leader of the Year category (Shortlisted).
In the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UCISA) #WeAreInternational Awards, Muhammed Hafiz, the Education Officer at the Students’ Union, was shortlisted in the Student Leader of the Year category.
N-Live Radio
Gold at the Community Radio Awards for Elections & Political Coverage of the Year.
The University’s partner station, NLive Radio, is a finalist in the prestigious national awards thanks to ‘VOTE WNC’, a dedicated six-hour programme planned, produced, and presented by Multimedia Journalism and Multimedia Sports Journalism students. The ambitious broadcast covered the West Northamptonshire Council election count in May this year, capturing the drama of local democracy as it unfolded
Read more about the Community Radio Awards 2025 winners.
Mellonia Gray
Finalist in the World of WearableArt awards.
Mellonia has gone from strength to strength, experimenting with her creativity and pushing the boundaries of avant-garde fashion, with shortlisting as a finalist in the 2025 World of WearableArt (WOW) show in New Zealand as her latest success.
Goblin Games
The Digital Champion award, Digital Northants.
This recognition celebrates the recent partnership between Goblin Games and West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), which commissioned the talented team to deliver a purpose-built arcade machine – accompanied by four mini games designed specifically for the event – as part of their build-up to the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2025.
