undergraduate of the year awards
2022
Winners
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The
Celebrating Resilience
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Artemis Webster
Chemistry
|
Queen Mary University of London
Artemis is a penultimate-year chemistry student at Queen Mary University of London. She is proud to be a care-leaver who now tutors other students from underrepresented backgrounds at the not-for-profit social enterprise, Peppo Tutors. As well as this, Artemis is a Unite Foundation Scholar and runs the social media pages for the scholarship. She hopes to break the stigmas surrounding care-leavers and estranged students at university. Artemis is also a student ambassador, helping to recruit new students in STEM subjects at Queen Mary. In the future she hopes to continue her unique journey, helping others to achieve excellence through adversity.
finalists
Jacques Burgess | University of Manchester | Aerospace Engineering
Murtada Dafalla | University of Leeds | Mechanical Engineering
George Diamantopoulos | University of Brighton | Mechanical Engineering
Muskan Gupta | University of Bristol | International Business Management and French
Fiza Khan | The University of Law | Law
Chidera Okoli | University of Birmingham | Mechanical Engineering
Natasha Pickard | University of Leeds | Financial Mathematics
Sam Rhodes | University of Sheffield | Robotic and Mechatronic Engineering
Jess Robinson | University of Nottingham | Mechanical Engineering
Paris Stott | London School of Economics and Political Science | Accounting and Finance
Artemis Webster | Queen Mary University of London | Chemistry
The
Young Activist
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Bana Itani
Law
|
SOAS, University of London
Bana Itani is final-year law student completing the senior status LLB at SOAS, University of London. She previously graduated from the American University of Beirut with a degree in political studies and a minor in international law. Bana has completed work placements with research institutes, law firms and NGOs. Most recently, Bana co-founded Be Brave Beirut, a grassroots initiative providing free remote mental health services in Lebanon that began after the devastating explosion in Beirut on August 4, 2020. To date, Be Brave Beirut has helped over 1,000 beneficiaries, delivered more than 6,000 hours of emotional support and garnered more than 4,000 social media followers.
finalists
Max Boulton | University of Bristol | Politics and International Relations
Elle-Sue Calderbank | Manchester Metropolitan University | Law
Emily Garton | University of Nottingham | English
Phoebe Hanson | Lancaster University | Politics
Bana Itani | SOAS, University of London | Law
Natasha Lovel | University of Oxford | History
Louise Lyons-Appiah | University of Birmingham | History and Political Science
Shantel Marekera | University of Oxford | Jurisprudence
Tasha Mhakayakora | University of Warwick | Sociology
Marcin Pisanski | University of Oxford | Jurisprudence
Yassmina Popescu | Lancaster University | Law
The
Future CFO
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Emily Gardner
Economics
|
Durham University
Emily is a third-year economics student at Durham University. She is currently on her year abroad at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, where she studies business and management and is part of the investment society. As a part-time job Emily works as a maths and economics tutor online. She recently took part in Tsinghua University’s global summer school, working with a team from across the world to find technical solutions to reach carbon neutrality. In her spare time she enjoys learning languages and playing sports. She is part of Durham University’s Taekwondo team and is also a member of her college’s finance committee.
finalists
Onabikoa Aliakai | Loughborough University | Accounting and Financial Management
Jiahao Fang | University of Manchester | Accounting and Finance
Emily Gardner | Durham University | Economics with Study Abroad
Adit Kaleka | Lancaster University | Accounting and Finance
Amelia Lunnon | University of Surrey | Business Management
Faezah Manga | SOAS University of London | Accounting and Finance
Dominic Radley | University of York | Economics and Finance
Vatsal Thadhani | Queen Mary University of London | Accounting and Finance
James Whelan | University of Bristol | Economics and Finance
Craig White | University of Edinburgh | Economics with Finance
The
First Generation
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Isabelle Brown
French and Spanish
|
University of Exeter
As a trilingual, sports-loving, determined, and diligent Exeter University modern languages undergraduate, Isabelle loves travelling and exploring new cultures. During her year abroad, she was an assistant English teacher in France for five months and is now studying in Spain. Previously she taught as an ASA qualified swimming instructor, completed work experience as a business analyst at Kimberly-Clark and worked as a retail assistant at Exeter Marketplace. During lockdown she volunteered for university’s digital welcome team and trialled a French conversation platform. She achieved the Exeter Award and completed Grand Challenges, an innovative, multi-disciplinary course combatting issues in the digital world.
finalists
Charlotte Avery | University of Oxford | Experimental Psychology
Isabelle Brown | University of Exeter | French and Spanish
Kevin Guo | University of Warwick | Economics
Long Hin Tony Ho | University of Sheffield | Accounting and Financial Management
Emilie Kofler | University of Sheffield | Business Management with Modern Languages
Tim Li | University College London | Economics
Ewan McBride | Durham University | English Literature
Giorgis Simakou | University of Leeds | Business Economics
Leona Schneider | Abertay University | Psychology
Lauren White | King's College London | Psychology
The
Future Lawyer
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Jack Whittaker
Law
|
University of Salford
Jack is a final-year law student at the University of Salford, who aims to develop a successful career in commercial law. Jack has gained a range of work experience, including an internship at Monarch Solicitors, completing the Common Purpose Future Leadership Programme, participating in his university’s internal moot competition, and securing a service volunteer position at Support Through Court. Other interests include running, family time and travelling. Jack was lucky enough to travel around India and Southeast Asia in 2019.
finalists
Darcy Anderson | University of York | History
Maria Barragan | King's College London | English Law and Spanish Law
Meera Chauhan | University of Leicester | Law
Lydia Fellows | University of Nottingham | Law
Katelyn Groenewald | University of Sheffield | Law
Alice-Andreea Magean | Nottingham Trent University | Law
Caroline Manakit | University of York | Philosophy
Ella Quashie | Royal Holloway, University of London | Law
Anashwara Shankar | University of Nottingham | Aerospace Engineering
Jack Whittaker | University of Salford | Law
The
LGBTQ+
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Joel Mordi
Social Sciences
|
University of East London
Joel is in his foundation year at the University of East London studying social science. He calls himself a proud global citizen, father, brother, son and farmer. But he is also a founder of M.I.F Nigeria, Nigeria’s largest charity focused on achieving the United Nations sustainable development goals. Joel is the organiser and face of Nigeria’s first ever LGBT Pride parade/protest. He is a Young Leader advocate for Safe Passage, part of a group of people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds campaigning for change.
finalists
Joanne Beverley | University of Leeds | Environmental Science
Joel Cooper | The University of Warwick | Economics
Shea Davis | University of Cambridge | Psychology and Behavioural Science
Junaid Lama | Leeds Conservatoire | Popular Music
Joel Mordi | University of East London | Social Sciences
Luke Muschialli | University College London | Medicine
Amaaya Nath | King's College London | Politics, Philosophy and Economics
Billy Nicholles | University College London | History
Goose Summers | University of Surrey | Economics
Sam Winton | University of St Andrews | Economics and International Relations
The
Software Engineering
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Leah Hughes
Computing Science
|
University of Aberdeen
Leah is currently a penultimate-year computer science student at the University of Aberdeen. She’s always looking for opportunities to advocate for women and non-binary people in STEM and has taken part in several events promoting this including this year’s Lovelace Colloquium. At the beginning of 2020 she took part in Digital Skills Partnership’s National Student Software Development Competition and was fortunate enough to be part of the winning team. In her spare time Leah enjoys volunteering with her local Cub Scout pack and getting out to spend time in nature.
finalists
Megan Crothers | University of East Anglia | Computing Sciences
Joe Duin | Edinburgh Napier University | Cybersecurity and Forensics
Salma Hassan | University of Sheffield | Computer Science
Leah Hughes | University of Aberdeen | Computing Science
Tazmena Hussain | Queen Mary University of London | Computer Science
Kristina Pavlou | University of Glasgow | Software Engineering
Matthew Reynolds | University of Huddersfield | Computing
Aaron Vickers | Oxford Brookes University | Computer Science for Cyber Security
John Watkins | Cardiff University | Applied Software Engineering
The
Female
undergraduate
of
The
year
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Oyindasola Bello
Economics and Management
|
University of Oxford
Oyindasola is a first-year economics and management Student at the University of Oxford, where she is on the committee for the university’s leading investment management society, Oxford Alpha Fund. She is also the only student on the committee for 100 Women in Finance, a global organisation through which she seeks to encourage other young women to enter a career in finance. Alongside these commitments, she has secured internships at Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, UBS, EY and now Rolls-Royce. Outside of her degree, she enjoys gymnastics, learning languages (she speaks five so far), a good novel and walks with friends.
finalists
Emily Armstrong | Royal Holloway, University of London | Theoretical Physics
Oyindasola Bello | University of Oxford | Economics and Management
Marianthi Bitsika | University of Edinburgh | Computer Science and Management Science
Sophie Gibson | University of St Andrews | Mathematics
Dona Gjyshinca | University of Southampton | Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace
Niamh MacDermott | University of Glasgow | Mechanical Engineering
Jessica Man | University of Warwick | Chemistry
Jolie Meawad | Imperial College London | Mechanical Engineering
Amaani Moress | Lancaster University | Mechanical Engineering
Aisha Reza | University of Birmingham | Accounting and Finance
Katherine Young | University of Sheffield | Aerospace Engineering
The
Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Rachel Muir
Computer Science
|
University of Kent
Rachel is in her penultimate year at the University of Kent, studying computer science. She currently sits on committee for TinkerSoc, which is a society for individuals who love to create and tinker. She aims to become president next year with the goal of increasing outreach within underrepresented groups of individuals. During her second and third years of study, she assisted a research firm in building bespoke hardware and software with the aim of providing affordable and accessible treatment for mental health issues around the globe. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys playing guitar, gaming, and tinkering.
finalists
Eoin Cunningham | Queen's University Belfast | Maths
Jacob Dombkowski | University of Leicester | General Engineering
Dan Everett | Imperial College London | Physics
Tadhg Foley | Queen's University Belfast | Mathematics
Ryan Herbert | Lancaster University | Business Management
Lucy Hitchens | Lancaster University | Law
Nadra Mohamed-Dahir | King's College London | Economics
Rachel Muir | University of Kent | Computer Science
Aneesa Riaz | University of Manchester | Mechatronic Engineering
Gracie Stavers | University of Bath | Chemistry
Kalia Themistocleous | University of Sheffield | Mechanical Engineering
The
Black Heritage
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Samuel Ola
Business Analytics
|
Loughborough University
Samuel is a second-year business analytics student at Loughborough University with a passion for entrepreneurship. During his gap year before university, he started a health technology business, which he led to winning multiple grants, securing a partnership with Portsmouth Hospital, and raising over £50,000 in investment. Outside of business, Samuel loves uplifting students in the Afro-Caribbean community and has served as the President of Loughborough ACS for 2021–22. During his term, he co-founded the Black in Sport Summit, an event gathering together high-profile athletes to inspire students to achieve excellence. Samuel has also completed internships at the likes of Google and the Financial Times.
finalists
Sharon Adebola | King's College London | Politics
David Ameyaw | University of Exeter | Law
Effie Armah-Tetteh | University of Oxford | Literae Humaniores
Canaan Brown | Birmingham City University | Art and Design
Jesy Luyengi | University of Manchester | Mathematics with Financial Mathematics
Gareth Ncube | University of Portsmouth | Software Engineering
Samuel Ola Loughborough University | Business Analytics
Mary-Grace Oludoyi | London School of Economics and Political Science | Law
Sanchia Sylvester | Queen Mary University of London | BSc Computer Science and Mathematics
Annabelle Woghiren | Queen Mary University of London | Law and Politics
The
Built Environment
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Sonali Patel
Civil Engineering
|
University of Warwick
Sonali is a civil engineering student at the University of Warwick. She has immersed herself into her undergraduate career by taking on roles of responsibility throughout, including being the head of site visits for Warwick Engineering Society and a student ambassador for her university. She also takes part in outreach activities to inspire the next generation of engineers. In her spare time, Sonali enjoys playing netball and mentoring.
finalists
Ali Aljadri | University College London | Construction
Alex Callens | Durham University | General Engineering
Ionut Ciuta | University of Sheffield | Civil and Structural Engineering
Sulakna Herath | The University of Edinburgh | Civil Engineering
Miyu Kudo | University of Bristol | Engineering Design
Ria Mistry | Liverpool John Moores University | Civil Engineering
Joe Parkins | University of Surrey | Civil Engineering
Sonali Patel | University of Warwick | Civil Engineering
Kathryn Vest | Lancaster University | Environmental Science
Hoi Yui Lai | University of Reading | Construction Management and Surveying
The
Management
undergraduate
of
The
year
.jpg)
Yasmin Coffey
Management
|
University of St Andrews
Yasmin is a management student at the University of St Andrews. She has been recognised for her academic achievements on the Dean’s List and elected as a class representative. Yasmin is a passionate advocate for social mobility, recently being nominated for a social mobility award. Yasmin has also completed internships at J.P. Morgan and Vogue. She is proud to have represented Europe and central Asia as part of With and For Girls, allocating funds to charities tackling girl’s rights globally. She has also been heavily involved with societies in St Andrews, holding committee positions in the 93% Club and in women’s rights groups.
finalists
Lucy Blackshaw | Leeds Beckett University | Economics and Finance
Yasmin Coffey | University of St Andrews | Management
Katy Daniels | Cardiff University | Psychology
Farah Hanif | Royal Holloway, University of London | Management with International Business
Georgina Miles | University of Lincoln | Business Economics
Nikhil Patel | King's College London | Geography
Arianna Paladin | Royal Holloway, University of London | Management with International Business
Caitlin Samuel-Camps | Birmingham City University |Business Management
Joshua Welham | University of Birmingham | Business Management
Emily Whyte | Manchester Metropolitan University | Business Management
About the event
Now in its 13th year, the targetjobs Undergraduate of the Year Awards brought together prominent employers and talented undergraduates for a prestigious awards ceremony presented by Sue Perkins on Friday 29 April 2022. And, this year, it was back in person.
The 12 awards were partnered by leading organisations: AECOM, CIMA, Clyde and Co, Clifford Chance, National Student Pride, Attitude, myGwork, One Young World, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, HSBC, Rolls-Royce, Skyscanner and Sky. There were fantastic prizes up for grabs for the students involved, including paid internships, meaningful networking meetings with senior executives and even graduate jobs.
This year there were almost 4,000 entries from over 140 different universities across the UK and so becoming one of the 120 student finalists is a huge achievement. The awards are an excellent opportunity for universities to showcase the calibre of undergraduates at their institution, while giving their students the chance to practise the graduate recruitment process and secure positions with internationally recognised organisations.
With all entrants completing an application, an online assessment with situational, numerical and inductive reasoning tests devised by SHL and an assessment day, the employers also have a pipeline of excellent potential candidates for future placements and graduate vacancies.
Both the finalists and the winners showcased an impressive range of skills, experiences and achievements, but what makes an Undergraduate of the Year? It can be hard to define – but all of this year’s winners have made a positive impact on the world around them, whether it involves founding their own charities, finding technical solutions to reach carbon neutrality, tutoring aspiring students from underrepresented backgrounds or championing women’s rights.
We were thrilled to be back in London and able to host the grand final in person and meet not only this year’s finalists and winners but also the winners from 2020 and 2021, who finally get to celebrate their achievements face to face rather than virtually.
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