2025

The Multilingual Undergraduate of the Year Award

Aria Park

Economics

University of Southampton

Aria is a multilingual Economics undergraduate at the University of Southampton, fluent in English and Japanese. Having lived and studied in Japan, Switzerland, and the UK, she has developed a nuanced understanding of how language can bridge cultures and foster meaningful connections. Her passion lies in the intersection of global communication and finance, where she aspires to build a career that transcends borders and supports diverse, international clients.

finalists

Oscar Bourke | University College London | Sciences Po PPE with languages

Marina Salek Camara | University of Leeds | Economics & Politics

Daniela Figueredo | The University of Warwick | Hispanic Studies and Economics

Neelaksha Hosanee | University College London | Management Science

Aria Park | University of Southampton | Economics

Talia Rubin | University of Cambridge | Modern and Medieval Languages

Takao Saito | University of Manchester | Economics and Data Analytics

Rita Santos | Hult International Business School | Business Administration

Woo Chan Song | University of Bristol | Accounting and Finance

Sonia Vasnani | Hult International Business School | Business Administration

The Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Social Mobility in Real Estate and the Built Environment

Britney Njine

Economics

University of Birmingham

Britney is an Economics undergraduate currently on placement gaining valuable insights into logistic real estate. She is passionate about driving social mobility within the built environment, ensuring the sector reflects the diversity of the communities it serves. Beyond real estate, she runs a hair-braiding business alongside her studies and is in the process of launching events to support children in care with identity-affirming resources.

finalists

Andi Cela | University College London | Architecture

Owais Imraan | University of Westminster | Financial Economics

Veer Larh | University of Westminster | Real Estate

Finnley Legendre | The University of Winchester | Economics & Finance

Maria Meziani | University of Manchester | Politics, Philosophy & Economics

Britney Njine | University of Birmingham | Economics

Lani Oshunrinade | University of Reading | Real Estate Finance

Michal Rainda | University of Westminster | Real Estate

Mithiran Sivapalan | University of Reading | Real Estate

Fahimeh Solbisis | University of Wales, Newport | Global

The Career Changer of the Year Award

Elena Brake

Mechanical Engineering

University of Plymouth

Elena is pursuing a career change from fine arts to engineering. Her career change began in 2020 when she faced health challenges which led to disability. She looked for a career where she could still be creative, one that was possible to do from a desk. Engineering seemed like a possibility, and she hasn't looked back!

finalists

Warren Abraham | Cardiff Metropolitan University | | Primary Education with QTS

Marium Ahmed | Arden University | Professional Legal Practice

Ufuoma Anighoro | University of East London | Psychology

Scott Bees | Cardiff University | Archaeology

Elena Brake | University of Plymouth | Mechanical Engineering

Mandy Rose Campbell | University of Dundee | Liberal Arts

Mateusz Kloza | University of Glasgow | Business Management

Hanaa Metcalfe | University of Plymouth | Dietetics

Lori Monaghan-James | University of East London | Biomedical Science

Mariama Omar | University of Birmingham | Law

Andrew Rycroft | University of Aberdeen | Geology

Henry Totterdell | University of Bristol | Dentistry

Ajara Vohora | University of Brighton | Nursing

The National Security Undergraduate of the Year Award

Eshaan Niraj

Physics with Theoretical Physics

Imperial College London

Eshaan is a Physics student at Imperial College London, who is passionate about using science to tackle complex global challenges. Thrilled to have been selected, after missing out on being a finalist in 2023, he hopes his journey inspires others to persevere and use science to drive positive change. Interesting facts on Eshaan: he is fluent in multiple languages, has been playing guitar for nearly a decade, and was a Taekwon-do National Champion at the age of 16!

finalists

Nicole Bedward | University of Salford | Aeronautical Engineering

Liam Birchall | University of Oxford | Physics

Lucas Habgood | University of Oxford | Physics

Benjamin Kidd | University of Manchester | Computer Science with IT

Dylan Laird | Imperial College London | Design Engineering

Ylldrit Miftari | University of Reading | Computer Science

Eshaan Niraj | Imperial College London | Physics with Theoretical Physics

Ana Leonor Benedito Nunes | University of Southampton | Chemistry with Digital Methods

Farhan Shaikh | University of Nottingham | Computer Science with AI

Charlie Woolhouse | University of Dundee | Mathematics

The Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Resilience

Gabriela Cukaj 

Mathematics

University of Manchester

Gabriela is a mathematics undergraduate at the University of Manchester with a strong interest in programming. She took some time away from her studies after a difficult personal experience but came back with a stronger mindset and a drive to rebuild her confidence. Since then, she’s thrown herself into making the most of every opportunity, from being on a Student Leadership Board and speaking on a panel to 300+ employers, to co-founding a society to strengthen the Albanian community in Manchester. She also tutors disadvantaged students weekly through The Access Project, hoping to inspire confidence in others.

finalists

Sarah Baharaki | King’s College London | International Development

Kaya Buckley | University of Southampton | Aeronautics and Astronautics/ Aerodynamics

Gabriela Cukaj | University of Manchester | Mathematics

Lucy Hemming | University of Manchester | Politics and Modern History

Savannah Kawa | Royal Holloway, University of London | Business Management

Oliver Kent | University of Manchester | Business, Finance and Economics

Huu Duc Lu | King’s College London | Physics

Natasha Misra | King’s College London | Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Reem Qahdan | King’s College London | Law

John Stephani | University of Bristol | Engineering Mathematics

The Future Insurance Professional Undergraduate of the Year Award

Isabelle Thomas

Actuarial Science

Queen Mary University of London

Isabelle is a second-year Actuarial Science student at Queen Mary University of London with a strong passion for mathematics that has grown since childhood. She is eager to gain hands-on experience in the professional world and take full advantage of opportunities that allow her to develop skills and grow as an aspiring actuary. Isabelle is driven, curious, and always looking to learn more about the field and its real-world applications. Outside of academics, she enjoys reading classic literature and watching anime!

finalists

Aman Akram | University of Cambridge | Economics

Charlotte Bennett | Cardiff University | History

Mohammed Faizaan Bhobha | Lancaster University | Economics

Dominic Boucher | London School of Economics | History with Spanish

Tolulope Elewa | De Montfort University | Accounting with Business Management

Eve Hutton | Birmingham City University | Accounting & Finance

Kaitlyn Inglis | University of Essex | Actuarial Science

Ugo Janssen | King’s College London | Physics

Isabelle Thomas | Queen Mary University of London | Actuarial Science

Haniya Valimia | University of Leicester | Economics

Rohan Wright | University of Leeds | Banking and Finance

The Management Undergraduate of the Year Award

James Davis

Business with Team Entrepreneurship

University of the West of England, Bristol

James is following a less conventional style degree with no lectures and no exams, focused instead on self-led learning. It encourages students to go out into the professional world and learn by setting up and running different styles of ventures. These can be anything from a 6-a-side football league to a recruitment firm. The course has helped James build his professional network and gain experience and insights that he would not obtain from a normal degree.

finalists

Samuel Bennett | University of Bath | Business

Melisa Campbell | University of Bristol | Business and Management

James Davis | University of the West of England, Bristol | Business with Team Entrepreneurship

Yasith Chamodya Rathnahalj Gedara | University of Sheffield | Accounting and Finance Management

Talal Imam | University College London | Management Science

Ria Mansford | University of Oxford | Economics & Management

Gerri Nyegenye | University of Leeds | Law

Benjamin Tomkins | Northumbria University | Finance and Investment Management

Harriet Wall | University of Nottingham | Management

Tyler Welby | King’s College London | History and International Relations

The Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Social Mobility in Real Estate and the Built Environment

Lani Oshunrinade 

Real Estate Finance

University of Reading

Driven and resilient, Lani is a second-year Real Estate Finance student at the University of Reading who ambitiously seeks opportunities for growth, evidenced by his participation in the intensive SEO London Real Estate Academy, and his work with the Reading Real Estate Foundation (RREF). As a Student Life Content Creator, Lani also demonstrates initiative in digital media. Fuelled by a growing interest in historical preservation and planning, which he will explore during his year abroad in the US, Lani is motivated to leverage 3-years of social media experience to champion social mobility within the real estate sector.

finalists

Andi Cela | University College London | Architecture

Owais Imraan | University of Westminster | Financial Economics

Veer Larh | University of Westminster | Real Estate

Finnley Legendre | The University of Winchester | Economics & Finance

Maria Meziani | University of Manchester | Politics, Philosophy & Economics

Britney Njine | University of Birmingham | Economics

Lani Oshunrinade | University of Reading | Real Estate Finance

Michal Rainda | University of Westminster | Real Estate

Mithiran Sivapalan | University of Reading | Real Estate

Fahimeh Solbisis | University of Wales, Newport | Global

The Software Engineering Undergraduate of the Year Award

Liam Murphy

Computer Science

University of Glasgow

Liam is a passionate University of Glasgow Computing Science student. Captivated by technology from a young age, he has been obsessed with the field ever since and has a particularly strong interest in algorithmics, AI, and data science. Liam developed confidence, determination, and team-spirit through his decade as a competitive swimmer, qualities which enable him to embrace new challenges and experiences; working as a retail software engineer, a business analyst in a renewable energy start-up, and as Welfare Officer for the Tech Society. Recently he has been exploring machine learning for cone detection as a member of the university's autonomous racing team.

finalists

Louise Allan | Abertay University | Computing

Ming Sum Maisie Chan | University of St Andrews | Computer Science

Conor Gallagher | Queen’s University Belfast | Computer Science

Nick Kalynovskyi | University of Glasgow | Computer Science

Varad Kulkarni | University of Glasgow | Computer Science & Mathematics

Chang Ma | University of Oxford | Mathematics & Computer Science

Liam Murphy | University of Glasgow | Computer Science

The Female Undergraduate of the Year Award

Malaika Jha

Engineering

University of Cambridge

Malaika is an Engineering student at the University of Cambridge with a passion for aerospace and sustainable innovation. From designing rockets with Cambridge University Spaceflight to building particle detectors with CERN, she thrives on hands-on challenges. She is currently developing a biodegradable microplastic filtration system that aims to make a positive, real-world environmental impact. Beyond academics, she trains with the University Air Squadron, runs her own online business, and balances these pursuits as a karate black belt and Grade 8 flautist. Malaika is eager to push boundaries in aerospace while empowering more young women to pursue a career in STEM.

finalists

Diya Agravat | Queen Mary University of London | Economics and Finance

Matilda Alexander | Durham University | Politics and International Relations (with German)

Maeesa Ali | Aston University | Computer Science

Tasneem Ismail | King’s College London | Philosophy, Politics & Economics

Malaika Jha | University of Cambridge | Engineering

Ridhima Meghe | University of Manchester | International Business, Finance and Economics

Githika Vimala Adhi Sree Peddisetti | University of Cambridge | Engineering

Nicole Phan | Royal Holloway, University of London | Economics and Data Science

Alice Player | University of Bath | Aerospace Engineering

Shailee Yadav | Loughborough University | Mechanical Engineering

The Undergraduate of the Year Award for Powering Technology in the North East

Muhammad Abdullah

Software Engineering with Electronics

University of Westminster

Muhammad is an Engineering student who is passionate about tech innovation and real-world impact. From building a Micromouse robot to exploring data analytics and fraud detection, he is always looking for challenges that push his skills further. Muhammad applied for this award despite doubting his confidence and abilities at first but took the chance to grow and step outside my comfort zone. He has found it a rewarding experience that’s given him a valuable insight into the tech industry and shown him the importance of embracing opportunities—even when they feel out of reach.

finalists

Muhammad Abdullah | University of Westminster | Software Engineering with Electronics

James De Vera | Newcastle University | Computer Science

Alexandra Gentry | Durham University | Computer Science

Afsha Khan | Manchester Metropolitan University | Business Technology

Isaac Korley | University of East London | Computer Science

Muhammad Abdullah | University of Westminster | Software Engineering with Electronics

James De Vera | Newcastle University | Computer Science

Alexandra Gentry | Durham University | Computer Science

Afsha Khan | Manchester Metropolitan University | Business Technology

Isaac Korley | University of East London | Computer Science

The Engineering Undergraduate of the Year Award

Natasha Pell

Mechanical Engineering

University of Strathclyde

Natasha is a Mechanical Engineering student at Strathclyde University with a passion for innovation and inspiring the next generation of engineers. Awarded Scottish Engineering’s Young Engineer of the Year in 2023, she combines academic success with hands on industry experience. Natasha is Chair of the IMechE Glasgow Panel and President of the Engineering Students’ Association at Strathclyde. She’s also Chair of the Youth Advisory Board at SmartStems, working to make STEM education accessible to all.

finalists

James Baines | University of Southampton | Ship Science/Naval Architecture

Shahaana Baluck | University of Manchester | Aerospace Engineering

Isla Houston | University of Glasgow | Mechanical Engineering with Aeronautics

Fraser McLeod | Imperial College London | Materials Science and Engineering

Vivianfavour Okafor | University of Bristol | Engineering Design with Study in Industry

Tianna Patel | University of Southampton | Aerospace with Spacecraft Engineering

Natasha Pell | University of Strathclyde | Mechanical Engineering

Madeleine Pomroy | The University of Warwick | Mechanical Engineering

Amy-Rose Richardson | University of Bristol | Civil Engineering

Chinmay Sharma | University of Bath | Mechanical Engineering with placement year

The Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year Award

Nigel Danquah-Kuma

Law

University of Cambridge

A law student at Cambridge and founder of Get Black Into Law, Nigel is committed to breaking barriers in the legal profession. Inspired by being one of only four Black men on his course, he launched the initiative to help Black students access legal careers—securing major sponsorships and mentoring over 20 students to top universities. He has interned at three of the world’s top law firms and worked on death penalty cases in Alabama, providing pro bono support to marginalised clients. His work reflects an unwavering belief in justice, equity, and the power of representation.

finalists

Nigel Danquah-Kuma | University of Cambridge | Law

Oluwatiresimi Joseph | University of Leicester | Mechanical Engineering

Sem Kohyrelon | University of Warwick | Physics

Joshua Kuye | University of Leicester | Maths & Actuarial Science

Aisia Lea | University of Nottingham | Medicine

Sean Mata | University of Oxford | Engineering Science

Rosemary Mwitwa Kafula | University of Leicester | Medicine

Fortunate Osawemwenze | Imperial College London | Medicine

Ayoola Oshiyemi | London School of Economics | International Relations

Mariska Yazbeck | University of Cambridge | Economics

The Future Apprentice of the Year Award

Tiago Simões

BTEC Engineering Extended Diploma and A-Level Maths

Aston University Engineering Academy

Tiago is a passionate and creative future Engineer. Born in Portugal, he has called the UK home for the last 10 years. Tiago loves tackling design challenges and finding unique solutions, creating different engineered mechanics in games, fuelling his creativity and innovative mindset. He is currently, 3D printing a fast RC car for his EPQ project, merging his interests in technology and hands-on problem solving.

finalists

Sanura Ally | Sidney Stringer

Malakai Atakora | ASI (Air and Space Institute)

Alpha Diallo | Plantsbrook School

Jan Kowalewski | The Pingle Academy

Ahmed Muhammad | The de Ferrers Academy

Grace Palmer | WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Solihull)

Yunishka Pawar | West Calder High School

Tiago Simões | Aston University Engineering Academy

Millee Sondh | WMG Academy for Young Engineers (Solihull)

Mahnoor Waqar | Chellaston Academy

The Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent

Zoe Agwae

Politics and Economics

University of Leicester

Zoe is a Politics and Economics student at the University of Leicester. She has a strong passion for learning new things and aspires to build a career in finance, specifically in client relations. As a neurodivergent individual, she applied for this award to celebrate the strengths that come with thinking differently and to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. Zoe is driven, resilient and always eager to grow. Outside of academics, she enjoys playing the double bass and hockey, cooking and challenging herself both personally and professionally.

finalists

Zoe Agwae | University of Leicester | Politics and Economics

Jashan Ball | University of Bath | Management

Monzur Chowdhury | BPP University | Accounting

Amy Garroch | Durham University | Economics

Ella Green | University of Southampton | Sociology

Richard Kasanyinga | Aston University | Construction Project Management

Ruth MacDonald | University of Aberdeen | International Business with Accounting

Hayley Smart | University of St Andrews | International Relations & Sustainable Development

Alexander Van Der Zwart | University of Exeter | Business Economics

Frank Yates | University of Glasgow | Economics

Finalists & Winners

About the event

Other events