Ain Zolceffli

School of Engineering Mathematics 

I applied to be a Sustainability Champion because I am passionate about being a change maker, and this role would enable me to work closely and consult directly with influential figures of the faculty. The impact I hope to create is to establish a foundation where students develop a mindset that prioritizes environmental and ethical considerations in every engineering project they undertake.

I chose my course for its unique combination of mathematics, coding, machine learning, and engineering, offering an integrated approach that truly engages me. What interests me most is how the course brings together these different fields into cohesive projects, which has prepared me well for future roles in engineering consultancy.

Aleezah Aspinwall 

School of Business (UG)

During my Investment summer internship, I was positively surprised by the significant focus on Sustainable Finance, which made me realise how little of it was covered in my first two years of university study! I want to bridge the gap in both teaching and extracurricular activities, ensuring university students gain essential sustainability literacy in business, economics, finance, and management, while also creating pathways to careers that align with the growing demand for a sustainable future.

Studying Business at a degree level felt like a natural choice because I've always been curious about the 'why' in a world full of trade-offs, especially when it comes to decision-making in the field; I chose my specific course because Economics and Management both offer a powerful lens to understand and address real-world issues like wealth inequality, financial stability, and sustainability. I've most loved how the theories and models I’ve learned connect directly to the dynamic, ever-changing world in the news, keeping my learning engaging and relevant!

Ayaan Balshaf

School of Mathematics

Hi! I’m a second year Mathematics student and the Sustainability Champion for the School of Mathematics.
I chose to become a sustainability officer as I feel a strong compulsion to contribute to educating wider communities on environmental issues and what they can do to challenge and mitigate it, and this was a perfect opportunity for me to enact change in these spaces. University and the academic sphere in particular are hubs of innovation, research, and collective action, and I believe we can utilise its influence in pushing sustainability to the forefront of public consciousness.

What interests me about mathematics is its versatility in providing a language that can help us understand patterns, optimise processes, and predict outcomes. I see mathematics as a key tool for both understanding the urgency of sustainability challenges and developing actionable solutions to tackle them effectively.

Bella Mak 

School of Physics

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because sustainable development and climate change mean a lot to me, and I hope to inspire others to feel the same way. By changing perspectives and encouraging more sustainable practices, I want to let others feel they have the power to also contribute to our sustainable future.

I chose to study Physics because it looks at all the fundamental workings of our universe and allows me to study such a range of topics, from planets and the cosmos to atoms and particles, it encourages curiosity with every aspect. I love how extensive the applications of physics are and I hope this will allow me to pursue a career in sustainability/ conservation and make a real difference to the world.

Christine Clement

School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because I am very passionate about treating our natural environment with respect and care. I hope to move our culture at the University of Bristol towards one where we all see ourselves as stewards of our planet.

I chose to study Neuroscience because it is an interesting way to understand the control of the body and our perception of the world around us.

Emma Quekett

School of Civil, Aerospace and Design Engineering

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because during my placement year, I initiated a forum where we explored projects ranging from improving boiler efficiency to reducing plastic use in tea bags. I enjoyed finding ways to make small, impactful changes, and this year I’m looking to make our labs more sustainable and to help embed sustainability into our core curriculum.

I chose to study Engineering Design with Study in Industry as throughout my time at university, I’ve undertaken projects and units related to sustainability and climate change whenever possible, and I hope to pursue a career in renewable energy. 

Hannah Davies-Wrigley

School of Biological Sciences

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because I’ve always been interested in sustainability; I’m from a seaside town and I’ve seen first hand the effects of climate change.

I chose to study biology because it connects everything in one big story!

Hannah Thompsett 

School of Education 

I applied to be a Sustainability Champion because I have always felt climate anxiety. I believe we can collectively create positive change by adopting sustainable behaviours. Working together, we can move towards a more sustainable future. As a student voice, I hope to advocate for positive change within the university by increasing student awareness of sustainable measures we can adopt and consideration of the current climate issues we are facing.

What interests me about the Psychology of Education is the opportunity to learn more about human behaviour and the cognitive processes underpinning our actions. The course has allowed me to deepen my knowledge of human behaviour by gaining a more comprehensive understanding of others and improving my communication and interpersonal skills. I believe the Psychology of Education course can help promote positive change in the way people, think, feel and act.

Henna Parmar

School of Computer Science

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because it was a great opportunity to create real change in my department by helping students and staff learn how we can use technology to tackle climate change. I hope to change the culture in my school so that sustainability is embedded into every part of the course and not just an "after-thought".

I chose to study computer science and electronics because I want to help develop technology that truly improves lives and benefits society, and not purely as a means to profit. The ethical issues surrounding computer science interest me greatly such as the growing dependence on and use of artificial intelligence.

Isla MacVicar

School of Veterinary Science

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because the Veterinary School is already an extremely sustainability-conscious department, and I hope to help to create impact by utilising student voices and encouraging enthusiasm within the school, around the topic of sustainability.

I chose to study Veterinary Science because I am excited to work in a space where animal welfare is the priority and scientific evidence is at the core of decision-making.

Joe Sam

School of Chemistry

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because I believe it’s essential to be mindful of our actions on climate change and the environment, recognising that even small steps can have a lasting impact. More than just awareness, I think we should actively work to reduce our negative footprint by setting practical, attainable goals that encourage sustainable habits in everyday life.

I am currently enjoying studying organic chemistry and the various reaction mechanisms and pathways. The idea that these reactions underpin so many processes from pharmaceuticals to sustainable materials makes understanding them more relevant and impactful. I believe that further innovations in green chemistry are crucial to a more sustainable future.

Joely Thompson

School of Law

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because I want to create change in the law school, (particularly in relation to careers) from a predominantly corporate space to a more inclusive and sustainable space. Threading sustainability throughout the curriculum will hopefully ensure more students choose sustainable careers, or at the very least, encourage more sustainable choices in their personal life.

I was initially attracted to law as a way to solve injustice. However, studying law has additionally provided me with the ability to think analytically, debate contentious issues and question everything. (The last one is a blessing and a curse!)

Karolina Szykula

School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because as a university student, I believe I have the opportunity to impact the future of our planet by helping change the way we think about sustainability and take actions to make a positive impact on the environment. I want to be a part of the change and campaign to create a more sustainability-focused culture within my course and the university.

I chose to study Biomedical sciences because I liked the variety of different subject areas I could study and the multitude of paths I could take within the course including pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience and cell biology!

Lakshmi Aggarwal

Bristol Medical School

I’m a second year Medical student and one of two Sustainability Champions for the School of Medicine.
I applied to be a sustainability champion as I saw an opportunity to affect real change at a university level and work towards the University of Bristol’s vital 2030 net zero goal. I hope to continue improving the medical school’s ranking from the Planetary Health Report Card - currently #13 in the UK! Additionally, I hope to get more medical students involved in our sustainability efforts, whether that is participating in sustainable research, receiving planetary health lectures or even just reading the weekly sustainability in medicine developments.

I chose to study medicine because it offers a unique blend of science and creativity, teaching us about the complexities of the human body whilst also getting to interact with the general public. A great doctor once said to me, ‘It’s amazing - we get to be professionally nosy for a living!”

Matthias Mitra

Bristol Medical School

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion as I realised that despite the profession we decide to pursue, it is paramount for everyone to share responsibility in the pursuit of more sustainable disciplines.

I chose to study Medicine as I like the art of Medicine and being able to help people manage health problems they may face.

Megha Phadkay

Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Network

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because sustainability should be at the core of education, preparing students to make meaningful contributions in any field. Through my role with the ESD Network, I want to bring climate policy awareness and sustainable practices into academic spaces, sparking conversations about how we can all contribute to a greener future.

I chose Environmental Policy and Management because it’s the perfect blend of science and action. I’m passionate about turning environmental data into real policies, especially in areas like urban sustainability, where we can drive lasting change. I love how interdisciplinary environmental policy is, touching on science, economics, and urban planning. I’m especially drawn to urban carbon sequestration and net-zero transitions, where smart policies can reshape cities to be more sustainable.

Olivia Loughran

School of Business (PG)

I am interested in how businesses can be driving forces in fostering a sustainable future. I chose to study MSc International Business and Strategy: Global Challenges because its interdisciplinary nature holistically explores the complex, contemporary challenges facing businesses and wider society.

I applied to become a Sustainability Champion because I think it is important for all students to be aware of how they can contribute towards tackling the climate emergency, both currently and in their future careers. Through my role, I aim to inspire students and the university to take action and become more sustainable.

Ritah Pavin Nakanjako

Cabot Institute for the Environment

As one with a background in climate science and passionate for the environment, I realised understanding different climate risks, hazards and challenges is not enough, adaptation and mitigation is one step to making a difference. Climate change adaptation creates avenues of creativity in tackling climate issues in prospects of creating sustainable futures for the ones after us.

Sage Mieden

School of Education

I applied to be a Sustainability Champion because I am, and always have been, deeply passionate about challenging social and environmental injustices both in professional/academic environments and in everyday life. Before enrolling as a Postgraduate student at the University of Bristol, I worked at a Nonprofit LGBTQIA+ Community Center in the Youth Services department. This work primarily involved providing marginalized youth with mentorship, wellness resources, and educational workshops in advocacy/activism. I found the nature of this work in civic and social leadership to be incredibly enriching, and I strongly believe that my work as a Sustainability Champion will grant the same fulfillment whilst simultaneously allowing me to share the importance of sustainable development with my fellow students.

I chose the MSc Education (Learning, Technology Society) Pathway because the majority of my work experience has been in Youth education and empowerment. Simultaneously, my personal and academic passions align with socio-technological systems and their ability to support marginalized communities. The MSc Education (LTS) discipline allows me to intertwine my passions with my professional experience as an educator and further explore how technology can be utilised to promote inclusive and accessible learning.

Samuel Price

Cabot Institute for the Environment

I chose to become a Sustainability Champion because I want to play my part in normalising the role of sustainability issues in university teaching and in developing sustainability networks across the uni. I also want to encourage students to develop their sense of agency and to use their studies to help improve our understanding of climate impacts and opportunities. Particularly, I hope to raise the profile of initiatives like 1in5, which aims for 20% of all undergraduate dissertations to focus on environmental issues.

My course is the only climate change Master’s by Research course in the U.K., and I get to be involved with the Cabot Institute and its network of cross-disciplinary researchers.
I’m studying climate psychology. What interests me most is the possibility of deeply understanding how people relate to their environment, and finding out how these relationships can be shaped for the better.