We are delighted to introduce our SMaRteN Student Research Team for 2019/20...
After being overwhelmed with the number of applications, we have selected a new group of 12 undergraduate and postgraduate students to represent the student voice as part of our Network. The Student Team form an integral part of SMaRteN, be it through assisting with research or conference planning, helping to award funding or providing a student perspective on mental health research. We can't wait to begin working with the new recruits - welcome to SMaRteN!
Click here to read about our Student Team for 2018/19.
After being overwhelmed with the number of applications, we have selected a new group of 12 undergraduate and postgraduate students to represent the student voice as part of our Network. The Student Team form an integral part of SMaRteN, be it through assisting with research or conference planning, helping to award funding or providing a student perspective on mental health research. We can't wait to begin working with the new recruits - welcome to SMaRteN!
Click here to read about our Student Team for 2018/19.
Get to know the Student Team
Our student team are at the heart of SMaRteN's activities. They plan conferences, award funding, conduct research and, most importantly, they're on an ongoing mission to uncover the questions that students want this country's researchers to answer when it comes to student mental health.
Read more about each member of our dedicated and ambitious team below.
Our student team are at the heart of SMaRteN's activities. They plan conferences, award funding, conduct research and, most importantly, they're on an ongoing mission to uncover the questions that students want this country's researchers to answer when it comes to student mental health.
Read more about each member of our dedicated and ambitious team below.
Oliver Alderson
Hey there, I'm Ollie and I am currently doing an undegraduate in Social policy at Swansea University. I find the topic of Mental Health fascinating, especially as society starts to develop more policies around how we solve the issues that come with mental health awareness. Being part of the SMaRteN research team seems to be the perfect way for me to get involved and exercise my interest in the topic. I hope that working with students will be a good step for institutions towards better understanding and policy sorrounding issues of mental health.
Instagram: @Oliveralderson
Hey there, I'm Ollie and I am currently doing an undegraduate in Social policy at Swansea University. I find the topic of Mental Health fascinating, especially as society starts to develop more policies around how we solve the issues that come with mental health awareness. Being part of the SMaRteN research team seems to be the perfect way for me to get involved and exercise my interest in the topic. I hope that working with students will be a good step for institutions towards better understanding and policy sorrounding issues of mental health.
Instagram: @Oliveralderson
Anna Ambwene
My name is Anna and I’m a first year psychology student at Liverpool University. Mental health at university is such an important topic which I think needs more focus on. As someone who has watched friends suffer with mental health issues I am very passionate about the need for more mental support to be provided. I hope to work in mental health services at some point in the future so I am excited to be part of research that will have a positive impact for future students.
My name is Anna and I’m a first year psychology student at Liverpool University. Mental health at university is such an important topic which I think needs more focus on. As someone who has watched friends suffer with mental health issues I am very passionate about the need for more mental support to be provided. I hope to work in mental health services at some point in the future so I am excited to be part of research that will have a positive impact for future students.
Chloe Casey
I’m Chloe, a 2nd year PhD student researching the mental health and wellbeing of postgraduate researchers. I am passionate about student mental health and I’m interested in how universities can improve the student experience and best support all students to reach their full potential. I am excited to be a part of the SMaRteN network as the student voice is at the heart of all their projects. I believe that the most relevant and successful research engages with participants so it is fantastic that SMaRteN collaborate with students in so many ways. I’m very excited to be a part of The Student Team. It’s an opportunity for me to grow as a researcher and to be involved in research that is likely to benefit many students.
Twitter: @ChloeCaraCasey
Connor Gayle
‘The reason behind things is not unknowable but hidden’ - Heraclitus. This phrase epitomises my passion for mental health as I was once the person who believed it was hopeless to think we could ever understand what was beyond what we could see. I believe that if it was easy to see, then in truth, it wouldn’t be worthwhile at all and even more than that most of the time it is likely to be untrue. It is evident the level of things that we miss, or just assume as we settle for what we see at first glance, even if it is a negative reflection. I am currently studying BSc Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology) as a way of developing beyond this first glance and attempting to recognise all the different facets of how we may perceive the world and give aid to those who sometimes struggle to see the positive, while instead the negative seems all that there is. I am excited to be part of the SMaRteN Research Team as I believe it will help me be part of the movement of change, whereby we can actually change the course of people's actual lives, not in theory, but in reality.
‘The reason behind things is not unknowable but hidden’ - Heraclitus. This phrase epitomises my passion for mental health as I was once the person who believed it was hopeless to think we could ever understand what was beyond what we could see. I believe that if it was easy to see, then in truth, it wouldn’t be worthwhile at all and even more than that most of the time it is likely to be untrue. It is evident the level of things that we miss, or just assume as we settle for what we see at first glance, even if it is a negative reflection. I am currently studying BSc Psychology (Educational and Developmental Psychology) as a way of developing beyond this first glance and attempting to recognise all the different facets of how we may perceive the world and give aid to those who sometimes struggle to see the positive, while instead the negative seems all that there is. I am excited to be part of the SMaRteN Research Team as I believe it will help me be part of the movement of change, whereby we can actually change the course of people's actual lives, not in theory, but in reality.
Elizabeth James
I'm a second year doctoral student of Counselling Psychology at Teesside University. I knew early on that I wanted to research undergraduate student mental health; partly due to my own personal experiences, but also because I think the transition between adolescence and adult identity, and the life phase of so-called emerging adulthood from the ages of 18-25, is a fascinating one during which important decisions with long-term ramifications are often made. Given widening access and increased uptake of higher education, the undergraduate experience is one which is now far more familiar to many more, and so further investigation of its role in adult identity formation, especially also in the context of increasing demand for services and more reported mental ill health among the student population, is I think very important.
For a few years now, I have been proactive in mental health work and campaigning through my involvement in various charities or organisations, including being a member of the Student Advisory Committee at Student Minds. I therefore really wanted to join the research team as a way to build towards meaningful and positive change for students through establishing an evidence base for effective interventions and improvements. Good policy is a way to create good practice, and good policy rests on innovative research and analysis. Team work can make all this happen!
I'm a second year doctoral student of Counselling Psychology at Teesside University. I knew early on that I wanted to research undergraduate student mental health; partly due to my own personal experiences, but also because I think the transition between adolescence and adult identity, and the life phase of so-called emerging adulthood from the ages of 18-25, is a fascinating one during which important decisions with long-term ramifications are often made. Given widening access and increased uptake of higher education, the undergraduate experience is one which is now far more familiar to many more, and so further investigation of its role in adult identity formation, especially also in the context of increasing demand for services and more reported mental ill health among the student population, is I think very important.
For a few years now, I have been proactive in mental health work and campaigning through my involvement in various charities or organisations, including being a member of the Student Advisory Committee at Student Minds. I therefore really wanted to join the research team as a way to build towards meaningful and positive change for students through establishing an evidence base for effective interventions and improvements. Good policy is a way to create good practice, and good policy rests on innovative research and analysis. Team work can make all this happen!
Joshua Melwani
My name is Joshua Melwani and I a second year undergraduate student. I currently study Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Manchester. My experiences within the psychology department include interning and volunteering within the education platform such as understanding young students’ mental health and promoting a positive mindset and building resilience. I also do have experiences in helping youth who are victims of abuse and neglect. Within the mental health platform, I simply think the phrase “that it is perfectly okay not to be okay”, is a voice that still needs recognition. On a personal level, I am a fan of theater and photography. In my spare time, I love to read and travel. I enjoy exploring different cultures especially through cuisine and inhaling local food and delicacies.
My name is Joshua Melwani and I a second year undergraduate student. I currently study Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of Manchester. My experiences within the psychology department include interning and volunteering within the education platform such as understanding young students’ mental health and promoting a positive mindset and building resilience. I also do have experiences in helping youth who are victims of abuse and neglect. Within the mental health platform, I simply think the phrase “that it is perfectly okay not to be okay”, is a voice that still needs recognition. On a personal level, I am a fan of theater and photography. In my spare time, I love to read and travel. I enjoy exploring different cultures especially through cuisine and inhaling local food and delicacies.
Paulina Pawlak
I’m an undergraduate student of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at the University of Leeds, currently completing placement year at BMW Group UK. Coming from Poland, where there is no awareness of mental health at all, I became very passionate about the topic. As a Student Digital Champion at University I discovered how much connection there is between mental health, career and digital education – I have been following the research of SMaRteN which I strongly believe in, and I see many positive opportunities coming from being a part of the Student Team. I love to use my ideas to promote mental health and improve it. As a person with running thoughts, I hope to connect both fields I have experience in, which is technology and understanding people’ needs, to promote and improve mental health. I would love to gain more insight into the connection between personalised career services and improving how students learn about mental health – this is my plan for the future, as I believe there is strong connection between career and mental health.
LinkedIn
Email: paulinapawlak.mail@gmail.com
I’m an undergraduate student of Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at the University of Leeds, currently completing placement year at BMW Group UK. Coming from Poland, where there is no awareness of mental health at all, I became very passionate about the topic. As a Student Digital Champion at University I discovered how much connection there is between mental health, career and digital education – I have been following the research of SMaRteN which I strongly believe in, and I see many positive opportunities coming from being a part of the Student Team. I love to use my ideas to promote mental health and improve it. As a person with running thoughts, I hope to connect both fields I have experience in, which is technology and understanding people’ needs, to promote and improve mental health. I would love to gain more insight into the connection between personalised career services and improving how students learn about mental health – this is my plan for the future, as I believe there is strong connection between career and mental health.
Email: paulinapawlak.mail@gmail.com
Keerthi Ramesh
I am a fourth-year medical student at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. I have a special interest in Psychiatry and would like to pursue it as my future specialty. I joined SMaRteN network in order to work with like-minded people and find answers to current questions in student mental health. I am particularly interested in the role of family, background and religion in student mental health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing and listening to music.
I am a fourth-year medical student at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. I have a special interest in Psychiatry and would like to pursue it as my future specialty. I joined SMaRteN network in order to work with like-minded people and find answers to current questions in student mental health. I am particularly interested in the role of family, background and religion in student mental health. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing and listening to music.
Eadie Simons
I’m currently in the second year of my Sport and Exercise Science degree at the University of Lincoln. I am particularly interested in the mental health of student athletes who alongside the stressors of university life have the added pressure of performing for their team. One of my tutors made me aware of SMaRteN and I immediately applied as I believe it will be a great opportunity to contribute to some important research in this growing sector. Having encountered mental health issues in the past I have experienced first hand the stigma that still surrounds mental ill-health. I’m excited to be part of a network that is seeking to reduce this stigma and working towards fully understanding and supporting student mental health and wellbeing.
Twitter: @eadiesimons
I’m currently in the second year of my Sport and Exercise Science degree at the University of Lincoln. I am particularly interested in the mental health of student athletes who alongside the stressors of university life have the added pressure of performing for their team. One of my tutors made me aware of SMaRteN and I immediately applied as I believe it will be a great opportunity to contribute to some important research in this growing sector. Having encountered mental health issues in the past I have experienced first hand the stigma that still surrounds mental ill-health. I’m excited to be part of a network that is seeking to reduce this stigma and working towards fully understanding and supporting student mental health and wellbeing.
Twitter: @eadiesimons
Kristiyana Taneva
I am currently a 2nd year undergraduate student at the University of Kent, studying BA Social Policy. I am also working towards a Diploma in Professional Interior Design with the National Design Academy. I am a very creative, passionate and ambitious person, with some background in fine art and music. My various interests are one of the main reason I decided to apply to be part of SMaRteN, as an opportunity to be part of a team, encouraging new ways of understanding and learning about mental health. Studying mental health as an essential part of my degree in combination with my personal experiences, have led me to see student mental health in particular, be a very delicate but also challenging topic to explore. I believe it is incredibly important that students are in the core of research and development, and am looking forward to contributing to advancement.
Instagram: @ktaneva
I am currently a 2nd year undergraduate student at the University of Kent, studying BA Social Policy. I am also working towards a Diploma in Professional Interior Design with the National Design Academy. I am a very creative, passionate and ambitious person, with some background in fine art and music. My various interests are one of the main reason I decided to apply to be part of SMaRteN, as an opportunity to be part of a team, encouraging new ways of understanding and learning about mental health. Studying mental health as an essential part of my degree in combination with my personal experiences, have led me to see student mental health in particular, be a very delicate but also challenging topic to explore. I believe it is incredibly important that students are in the core of research and development, and am looking forward to contributing to advancement.
Instagram: @ktaneva
Lesley McAneny-Turner
Hi, I'm Lesley and I am from the West Highlands of Scotland. I am currently in my second year of a 3+1 PhD in Education at Exeter University. I have previously studied Social Work, Computing Science and Teaching. My career in the care sector introduced me to working with people who experienced poor mental health and I was fascinated by the topic. I became interested in doing my PhD while teaching in FE. I became aware of a gap in research and the social justice expectations surrounding FE and mental ill health. I am passionate in promoting mental health and being a part of a research community who are breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health, education and stigmatisation by providing valuable research is extremely exciting. As a student I also have the experience of being a person who survives an everyday a battle with my own mind and hope my experiences as a student and professional will help to inform and support my research interests.
Hi, I'm Lesley and I am from the West Highlands of Scotland. I am currently in my second year of a 3+1 PhD in Education at Exeter University. I have previously studied Social Work, Computing Science and Teaching. My career in the care sector introduced me to working with people who experienced poor mental health and I was fascinated by the topic. I became interested in doing my PhD while teaching in FE. I became aware of a gap in research and the social justice expectations surrounding FE and mental ill health. I am passionate in promoting mental health and being a part of a research community who are breaking down the barriers surrounding mental health, education and stigmatisation by providing valuable research is extremely exciting. As a student I also have the experience of being a person who survives an everyday a battle with my own mind and hope my experiences as a student and professional will help to inform and support my research interests.
Emilie Wielezynski
I am currently completing an undergraduate in Biomedical Science at King’s College London. The prevalence of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding student mental health is an obstacle I am very motivated to overcome. I strongly believe in the strength of candor as a tool for creating open and honest discussions about mental health. As these years are ripe with uncertainty and unpredictability, it is important to develop a healthy relationship with oneself and find the right methods to deal with our mental health challenges. Indeed, my own experiences of this arduous process known as growing up is what initially attracted me to the opportunity to be part of the Smarten research team. I am thrilled to begin working with other students on this project and even more so because I know we all share the same opinion: your mental health is important, and we want to help support it.
Instagram: @emiliegracew
I am currently completing an undergraduate in Biomedical Science at King’s College London. The prevalence of stigma and misunderstanding surrounding student mental health is an obstacle I am very motivated to overcome. I strongly believe in the strength of candor as a tool for creating open and honest discussions about mental health. As these years are ripe with uncertainty and unpredictability, it is important to develop a healthy relationship with oneself and find the right methods to deal with our mental health challenges. Indeed, my own experiences of this arduous process known as growing up is what initially attracted me to the opportunity to be part of the Smarten research team. I am thrilled to begin working with other students on this project and even more so because I know we all share the same opinion: your mental health is important, and we want to help support it.
Instagram: @emiliegracew