The University of Northampton’s annual Psychology Awards for students and recent graduates were announced in August 2021. The awards recognise the achievements of those who have progressed the most with their studies as undergraduates, have overcome an impediment to their academic careers or have gone above and beyond to support their fellow students.
From left to right: Cai Onraet, Valentina Diaconu, Shreya Reddy, Freya Thompson
BPS Undergraduate Award: Cai Onraet
This award goes to the student with the highest overall score across all Society accredited programmes at the University. Cai (far left) received a certificate, a copy of a Society award winning book and one years’ free BPS membership. Cai said: ‘I am very grateful to have been given this award as I feel that my hard work has been acknowledged. I have loved my time studying psychology and have appreciated the opportunity to learn about human behaviour and functioning from drastically different perspectives.’
Graham Mitchell Award: Valentina Diaconu
The Graham Mitchell award recognises a final year student who has gone above and beyond their degree, enthusing others about psychology, widening psychology participation within the local community or by leading activities which enhance the student voice. Valentina (second left) won for her class participation, collaborative work with staff to enhance practice, and contribution to the recent Psychology Research Conference. She received a certificate and a £20 Amazon voucher. Valentina has just begun her PhD with UoN and is also a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University. She said: ‘I want to express my sincere gratitude for this award and for the exceptional support the University has given me. I can honestly say this degree changed my life and my undergraduate journey was the best I have had. Because of my time at UoN, I strive to be a better human by providing support to others.’ See Valentina’s personal story INSERT LINK HERE
Kevin Buchanan Award: Shreya Reddy
This award is given to students who show great resilience and high achievements despite overcoming personal difficulties or facing other setbacks during this time. Shreya (second from right) continued to go above and beyond her degree in supporting students as an active Student Advocate and mentor. This is despite the Covid-19 restrictions that forced her to complete her final year in India as she was unable to travel to the UK. Shreya also received a certificate and a £20 Amazon voucher. Shreya, graduated this July with a first-class degree in Psychology and Business, said, ‘Receiving this award was completely unexpected and an unfathomable honour! I feel extremely grateful my efforts have been recognised by the UoN Psychology community. This isn’t just because of my passion for the subject but is thanks to the continuous support from the academic time during difficult times this past year. They truly helped me remain resilient in my studies as well as my duties as a student advocate. Also, kudos to the team and students for making studying seem so much fun that nothing ever felt like a task!’
John L. Randall Memorial Award (Joint): Freya Thomson and Cai Onraet
This award is given to the highest grade and original essay achieved in the third-year module ‘Parapsychology & Anomalous Experiences’. Randall was a biologist and parapsychologist who gained recognition for his book ‘Parapsychology and the Nature of Life’. He spent several years attending UoN’s EECS research meetings and held discussions about parapsychology at the University. Freya (far right) said of her award win, ‘Receiving the John L. Randall Memorial Award is a great honour and I am grateful to all those involved with choosing the recipients of such an award. Most of all, I feel the award represents the triumph achieved by this year’s students and our capabilities when faced with adversity. I believe Psychology to be a path of understanding. It has been an incredible opportunity to learn about ourselves and others. I hope many people continue to find Psychology and the possibilities, hope and empathy it breeds.’
Other stand-out performances:
This year, the team also sent commendation certificates to Amy Walsh and Ellen Packham for their work in establishing the UoN Psychology Society. Both ensured that the Society is active with successful events, meetings and a visible presence within the wider Students’ Union’s society work.
Well done to them and hearty congratulations to all our students!
