The EUSA Student Awards are brand new for 2019 and are a celebration of incredible student achievements across the University of Edinburgh.
The new look awards have been launched in recognition of the breadth and variety of student accomplishments, aiming to extend the scope of past awards into a wider, more inclusive celebration of student achievement.
We couldn’t be more delighted that six of our wonderful students have been shortlisted for an award this year and we thought you might like to learn a little bit more about them in the run up to the big night, Thursday 4 April at the Assembly Rooms.
Jennifer Pewsey, Year 4 MBChB
Community Mental Health and Wellbeing Award
“Campaigned and signposted, highlighting Mental Health and Wellbeing Week”
This award recognises student(s) who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of wellbeing and positive mental health on campus and in the community more widely.
It made my day when I found out I’d been nominated because for the
past few years I’ve tried to use my own experiences to help others in similar situations through various organisations and projects, and I’ve met so many incredible people along the way.
It’s strange to think of it as something award-worthy because I genuinely get so much out of it. It’s so hard to recognise when you’re mentally unwell but I think the more people speak about it and normalise it, the easier it is to recognise when something is going wrong. Having a mental illness sucks, but there are ways to work with it and around it – it doesn’t mean your life is over.
Emily Batchelor, Year 4 MBChB 
Creativity and Innovation Award
“Produced anatomical illustrations as part of medical studies”
This award recognises active and involved student(s) that have used their creativity and inventiveness to make a difference.
I’ve always loved art, so when the opportunity arose in a student led project I jumped at the chance to incorporate art into my studies and chose to base a project on Art and Anatomy. I am very lucky to now have the results of this project displayed in the Old Medical School and I am very grateful to the Anatomy Department for the nomination and all the support they gave me during the project.
Emma Gill, Year 6 MBChB 
Contribution to the Global Community Award
“Edinburgh Sustainable Projects Abroad”
This award recognises student(s) who have made a substantial contribution to developing the international community in Edinburgh or overseas.
I’m delighted to have been nominated for this award which I think recognises all of the hard work that volunteers from Edinburgh Sustainable Projects Abroad society have carried out. This has been both in country (during our visits to Honduras and Panama) and also everything that has been done to secure funding and medical care to allow the training of local community health workers in these countries.
Global Brigades is a phenomenal charity that I have had the pleasure of working with for the past four years and I am so happy that through setting up this society we have sparked enthusiasm in our students here at Edinburgh to make a difference on a global scale at such an early stage in their careers.
Hannah Thomas, Year 5 MBChB
Contribution to the Global Community Award
“Chair of InciSioN UK; Collaborator on global surgery initiatives”
Championing global health initiatives through advocacy, education and research has been the core of my passions during my medical training.
My extra-curricular work focuses primarily on research and advocacy for universal access to safe surgical care. Collaborating with local partners from around the world has been invaluable in order to prioritise comprehensive surgical systems and foster effective solutions. I feel very fortunate to be recognise alongside the incredible initiatives happening in Edinburgh and beyond.”
Alejendro Esteves, Year 2, Medical Sciences 
A Place for all Award
“Swing Dance Society”
This award recognises student(s) who have contributed to creating a vibrant, inclusive, respectful environment on campus.
I believe that a simple smile can lighten the mood of those around you, and how talking with someone might change their experience into a positive one.
This is a major part of my roles as one of the event organisers and
safe-space officers for EUSDS. I always put effort into making the events unforgettable, from simply being enthusiastic about what I’m doing to just dancing and talking to those who seemed a bit shy. I couldn’t believe that I was nominated – and shortlisted – for the “Place for All” award. Even if I don’t win, I am already so very happy to know that I was able to make an impact. I simply hope that, through my action, I am able to inspire the people around me to be just a little bit nicer to each other. That in itself would the biggest reward I could have possibly asked for!”
Abhijit Bajracharya, Year 6 MBChB
Student Leadership Award
“Leader of Anatomy Workbook project”
This award recognises student(s) who have gone above and beyond in their role by being a Student Leader.
It has been a great pleasure working with students from various years to achieve the workbook which has led to this nomination.
I would like to thank everyone who has participated and also thank the University of Edinburgh for the opportunity to let students turn their ideas into reality.
View the full shortlist for the 2019 EUSA Teaching Awards
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