MDXSU Awards 2021: The Winners 

Friday 14-05-2021 - 17:00

MDXSU are excited to announce the winners for this year’s MDXSU Awards! 
 
These annual awards celebrate the extraordinary work and achievements of Middlesex University students and staff over the past academic year. From individual students to student groups, and our dedicated academic and support staff.  
 
With 14 award categories recognising their work, 738 nominations were submitted in total, with hundreds of students, staff and externals taking the time to tell us about the amazing work of MDX students and staff. A panels of elected student representatives and MDXSU staff reviewed all the nominations and decided on the final shortlist, you can find here 
 
Congratulations to our winners! Those nominated and shortlisted should be incredibly proud to be recognised for their work during these unprecedented and challenging times. The dedication and passion from students and staff who work and volunteer with us is truly inspirational, and all should all be proud of these achievements over the past year. 
 
Read on to find out who the winners are... 
 

THE RESULTS 

Community Contribution Award 

This award recognises individuals and groups from the Middlesex staff and student body who have supported the University or wider local community during the Covid-19 pandemic who may not previously have been recognised for their contribution and deserve celebrating. 
 
The shortlist for Community Contribution Award was…. 
Clinical Skills Team 
Enactus Society 
Hive Potential Society 
MDX Raise & Give (RAG) Society 
 
The winner is….Enactus Society 
Enactus has been striving to make our community a healthier sustainable place. Enactus' incredible work towards teaching local communities the importance of sustainability and climate change through workshops and guided learning has been inspiring. Additionally, their workshops with secondary schools have helped educate students about LGBTQIA+ history & rights, and men’s mental health, tackling the stigma and teaching the importance of being carbon neutral.
 

Society of the Year 

This award celebrates the hard work of our amazing societies, and the impact they make on life at Middlesex – organising events, leading campaigns and providing opportunities for students to meet new people or learn new things.   
 
The shortlist for Society of the Year Award was…. 
African Caribbean Society (ACS) 
Amnesty International Society 
Polish Society 
Insert Artwork 
 
The winner is…. African Caribbean Society (ACS) 
ACS continued to provide inclusive, engaging, and innovative activities throughout the pandemic, hosting at least 3 events a week! They have set an example on how to work as an effective team, giving all society members the opportunity to contribute towards their activities and advocacy work. For example, Black History Month showcased their ability to work together and collaborate with other student groups. ACS members have commended the society for boosting their wellbeing, mental health and combatting their loneliness through the community ACS has created.  
 

Liberation Group of the Year 

This award celebrates the hard work of our amazing liberation groups, and the impact they make on life at Middlesex – organising events, leading campaigns and providing opportunities for students to meet new people or learn new things. 
 
The shortlist for Liberation Group of Year Award was…. 
MDXSU Black Students Liberation Group 
MDXSU Disabled Students Liberation Group 
MDXSU Women Students Liberation Group 
 
The winner is…. MDXSU Disabled Students Liberation Group 
MDXSU's Disabled Students Group has worked incredibly hard this past year to increase awareness of daily challenges students with disabilities face. They secured their rightful place in university decision-making committees & boards making a huge impact on students' accessibility, whilst receiving high praises from across the university. Their involvement in the Disability Framework led to securing funding that will provide training and resources for MDX staff on creating an inclusive teaching experience. Additionally, MDXSU's Disabled Students Group continue to create safe spaces for students through their engaging events and activities. 
 

Wellbeing and Inclusivity Award 

This award recognises a student or group who has made an active effort to support and encourage student wellbeing, has worked to ensure virtual activity is accessible and inclusive of all, or has worked to inspire and educate others through activity which celebrates inclusivity. 
The shortlist for Wellbeing and Inclusivity Award was…. 
Ahmed Jheir 
Enactus Society 
MDX Raise & Give (RAG) Society 
Insert Artwork 
 
The winner is…. Enactus Society 
Enactus Society clear efforts towards supporting the wellbeing of local communities through their collaborative and inclusive work has led them to win a second award! Their project 'Let's Grow Brighter Together' & 'Living And Dying Seminars (LADS)' with school children has helped raise awareness towards climate change and mental health. Additionally, their events during the Fairtrade Fortnight showed their ability to collaborate with different societies and university staff, that truly shared their values in creating an inclusive environment. 
 

Outstanding Contribution to Student Media 

This award recognises students who have made an outstanding contribution to Student Media at Middlesex.   
 
The shortlist for Outstanding Contribution to Student Media Award was…. 
Efeh Aikpokpo 
Novuyo Veddie Shumba 
Vigyat Sharma 
Insert Artwork 
 
The winner is…. Efeh Aikpokpo 
Efeh has shown resilience, perseverance, and leadership during challenging times for Student Media TV. The inability to meet in person or use on campus equipment due to the pandemic did not stop Efeh creating digital content, whilst working to rebuild the TV team and Student Media platform. She organised, produced, and developed collaborative projects with other student groups, such as International Women's Day and Black History Month. Efeh has made a significant contributions to Student Media this year through her dedication and commitment to her role as Head of TV. 
 

Student Voice Leader of the Year 

This award recognises the work of a Student Voice Leader within each faculty who has spent the year working hard to make changes for students at Middlesex.   
 
The shortlisted Student Voice Leaders for the Faculty of Arts & Creative Industries are: 
Kate Mercer 
Mariam Abo Hammad 
William Webster 
Yasmin Al-Sahar 
 
The winner is…. Yasmin Al-Sahar 
Yasmin received a high number of nominations from her peers and staff due to her high-quality work and efforts towards nurturing a community within the faculty of Arts & Creative Industries. Her strong communication skills when sharing academic and industry updates were regular and accessible to all. Additionally, Yasmin received 100& completion rate on the NSS.
 
The shortlisted Student Voice Leaders for the Faculty of Professional & Social Sciences are: 
Anna Jakubikova 
Harmony Cecilia Gonsalves 
King Blessing Obakpolor 
Maria Ntyli 
 
The winner is…. Anna Jakubikova 
Anna received a high number of nominations from students and staff due to her ability to come up with brilliant ideas and execute them effectively. She's been commended for her leadership skills and never being afraid to put things into actions. Anna has been an incredible Student Voice Leader for the faculty of Professional & Social Sciences. 
 
The shortlisted Student Voice Leaders for the Faculty of Science & Technology are: 
Adam Painting 
Jumana Farweez  
Ozenc Ocak 
Sally Hamdan 
 
The winner is…. Jumana Farweez 
Jumana received a high number of nominations from students and staff for bringing together students virtually during the pandemic. Additionally, Jumama's has been highly praised for gathering quality feedback and creating reports that have made a huge impact for students in the faculty of Science & Technology.
 

Outstanding Contribution to Student Life 

The judges in this category are looking to celebrate a student who has made an outstanding contribution to student life at MDX and helped others to make the most of their time here. 
 
The shortlist for Outstanding Contribution to Student Life Award was…. 
Amanda Poggi Corrêa Silva 
Jan Kurt 
Nicolette Porter 
 
The winner is…. Jan Kurt 
Jan has gone above and beyond to support his fellow students. He has been an incredible role model to them, have shown great courage, leadership and teamwork. Jan is always on top of their work and sets a great example, encouraging others to reach their full potential in everything they do. Jan is always happy to help others and have shown great support towards the student community.  
 

Academic Staff Member of the Year 

This award recognises an outstanding member of academic or teaching staff within each Faculty who has had a positive impact on the learning and student experience. 
 
The shortlisted staff for the Faculty of Arts & Creative Industries are: 
Adam Dalton 
Francesca Murialdo 
T. J. Bacon 
William Lakin 
 
The winner is…. Adam Dalton 
Adam received a high number of nominations from students sharing their positive experiences with him. As one nomination saw Adam as "a model of student-centered, innovative, and impactful teaching" and another saying "Without a doubt, Professor Dalton in this way impassions his students to pursue their dreams. He is a remarkable person above all, and by far the best educator I’ve known in my lifetime of learning". His work has been impactful and deserving as the winner of Academic Staff Member of the Year for ACI.
 
The shortlisted staff for the Faculty of Professional & Social Sciences are: 
Alvaro Baeza-Nunez 
Herminder Kaur 
Julie Trebilcock 
Matt Cracknell 
 
The winner is…. Julie Trebilcock 
Julie has made a large impact on students, after receiving a high number of nominations from students on her innovative and compassionate teaching style. Students praised her on improving their capabilities to think critically and independently, as well has her engaging online lectures during these challenging times. One example from a student saying "I have wanted to give up and quit my studies because I have found it so hard and have been extremely stressed. However, Julie has helped me massively this year not only with assessments but my concerns and worries with my studies". 
 
The shortlisted staff for the Faculty of Science & Technology are: 
Professor Ajit Shah 
Dr Fabia Franco 
Dr Linda Duffy 
Dr Matthew Jones 
 
The winner is…. Dr Linda Duffy 
Linda received a high number of nominations praising her innovative teaching style. Through the pressures felt from this past year, Linda was able to make the online teaching experience for her students engaging that helped build their confidence. Her ability to think outside the box and continue to provide an enjoyable learning experience, despite all the barriers, makes Linda deserving of this award.
 
 
Postgraduate Research Supervisor of the Year 
This award recognises a postgraduate research supervisor who has played a crucial part in postgraduate students’ learning, development and overall experience. 
 
The shortlist for Postgraduate Research Supervisor of the Year Award was…. 
Professor Jayne Osgood 
Kostas Papadopoulos 
Dr Robert Spencer 
Insert Artwork 
 
The winner is…. Professor Jayne Osgood 
Jayne has been an incredibly supportive Postgraduate Supervisor and has been encouraging students to meet their full potential. She has shown great expertise in her area and known for going above and beyond to support students with their planning, process and research. 
 

Course of the Year 

This award recognises a course or programme whose staff work collectively to provide an outstanding student experience for those studying on the course or programme. 
 
The shortlist for Course of the Year Award was…. 
BA (Hons) Interior Architecture 
Business Management with Marketing 
Theatre Arts 
Insert Artwork 
 
The winner is…. Theatre Arts 
The Theatre Arts programme have consistently provided an outstanding student experience. The staff team has set an example on working collectively and collaboratively to provide activities and skill development opportunities for students. Additionally, Theatre Arts have effectively utilised students' feedback to improve the learning experience and offer employability opportunities. Many nominations described the course as an equal and inclusive 'family', that places students' mental health at the forefront.
 

Champion for Students 

This award recognises a member of staff who acts as a champion for students and their voices. 
 
The shortlist for Champion for Students Award was…. 
Clare Maher 
Francesca Murialdo 
Herminder Kaur 
Socrates Economou  
 
The winner is…. Herminder Kaur 
Herminder has gone out of her way to put students first throughout their time at Middlesex, by always checking in on them to address any concerns. Her promotion of the Student Voice Leader scheme has encouraged quality feedback from students, ensuring that students’ voices are heard and swift action is taken. Her teaching is constantly pushing boundaries and trying new and innovative styles which students have enjoyed. Overall, Herminder has gone above and beyond to ensure her students feel supported and empowered them to think about their future goals.  
 
Professional Services Staff Member of the Year 
This award recognises a member of non-teaching staff who has had a positive impact on the student experience and MDX community. This includes those working in administration, student support, library, catering, reception, MDX works and in any non-teaching role within the university. 
 
The shortlist for Professional Services Staff Member of the Year Award was…. 
Jemma Scott 
Ryan Buchschacher 
Susannah Parry  
 
The winner is…. Jemma Scott 
Jemma has had a big impact on the student experience through her support and encouragement. In a very short time, Jemma has done an incredible job by being proactive, engaging, and resourceful towards Law faculty students, whilst always being friendly and approachable to everyone. 
 

MDXSU Student Staff Member of the Year 

This award celebrates the hard work of our amazing student staff and the impact they make on student life at Middlesex, from creating exciting media, conducting student research and providing opportunities for students to meet new people or learn new things.
 
The shortlist for 2021 is: 
Danny El Daouk 
Jessica Hall 
Rebecca Dissanayaka Mudiyanselage 
Yolanda Dyer 
 
The winner is…. Yolanda Dyer 
Yolanda has been working as the Black Student Insight Group (BSIG) Lead on the EDI in the Curriculum Project and has been heavily involved in our Black Students Experience Research. She has been extremely committed to improving the experience of Black Students, not just within the curriculum, but much more broadly. She had shown commitment to making MDXSU a more inclusive place for Black Students, ensuring that they are represented within their curriculum and are given a fair chance to achieve their full potential, without any additional barriers. This has required her to be extremely courageous as the matters of race are a sensitive topic to talk about, especially with such a wide variety of stakeholders. Overall Yolanda has been a true champion for Black Students at Middlesex and has worked extremely hard to support MDXSU's priority campaign this academic year, focusing on improving the experience of Black Students at Middlesex.
 

MDXSU Staff Member of the Year 

This award celebrates the incredible hard work of our full-time staff at the Students' Union, and particularly someone who has gone beyond their role to contribute to work across the organisation.
 
The shortlist for 2021 is: 
Alisha Lobo 
Andy Hill 
Bel Bale 
 
The winner is…. Andy Hill 
Andy has made an impact on the student experience through his innovative ways of working. He has created a community of students through MDX merchandise and partnerships with external parties. Andy contributions outside his role by supporting the Student Officers to raise awareness around men's mental health has been impactful. Andy has set an example to other MDXSU staff members with his enthusiastic and cheerful attitude, creating a positive working environment for everyone. 
 
Congratulations to all those who were shortlisted or won an award this year and thank you to all students and staff that submitted nominations. This year, our winners will be sharing their best practises with you! We will be pulling together a document that will be made available on our website soon. Stay tuned! 
 

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MDXSU, MDXSU Awards, Student Voice Leader

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