FSE shines at the SU Academic Awards 2025
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) celebrated a night of success and recognition at the 2025 Students’ Union Academic Awards, with outstanding staff and students honoured across multiple categories for their dedication, innovation, and impact.
Teaching excellence category
Outstanding approach to assessment and feedback
Amir Rahbarimanesh, Lecturer in Engineering Project Management, took home this award for his exceptional approach to feedback. Known for his consistency and care, Amir ensures every student receives timely, structured, and constructive comments, regardless of class size. His openness and engagement across multiple channels empower students to learn and grow, fostering an inclusive and academically rigorous environment. Amir was also highly commended in the award for Outstanding Teaching for Employability.
Outstanding postgraduate research supervision
Alejandro Gallego Schmid, Senior Lecturer in Circular Economy and Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, was recognised for his inspiring mentorship and supportive approach to PhD supervision. Alejandro has cultivated a nurturing environment that enables researchers to thrive, guiding them through challenges and opportunities beyond their core research such as publishing and teaching.
Outstanding graduate teaching assistant
Daniel Scotson from the Department of Materials was awarded for his exceptional commitment to enhancing student learning. Praised for his personalised feedback and leadership in developing innovative learning tools, Daniel’s standout contribution includes the creation of the ScaleBarIT app and successfully securing outreach funding. His work has left a lasting impression on the materials science community, elevating both teaching standards and student experience.
Student success and support category
Excellence in supporting student academic development
In a second win of the night, Amir Rahbarimanesh was also honoured for his outstanding support of MSc students. From helping with study strategies to offering dissertation advice, Amir’s dedication ensures his students feel guided, supported, and ready to succeed.
Outstanding contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion
Zara Rahim was recognised for her transformative leadership in promoting EDI. While on placement, she founded her company’s first EDI committee and spearheaded inclusive initiatives that resonated far beyond her role. Her work continues to inspire fellow students to champion inclusivity at every stage of their journey.
Academic reps of the year category
Faculty UG/PGT rep of the year
Mohamed Kotit was celebrated for his unwavering dedication to student advocacy. With an impressive 85% survey response rate from his peers, Mohamed effectively gathered and acted on feedback to resolve issues like assignment deadlines. He also received the award for his dedication to feedback and driving change, and was highly commended for his outstanding contribution to improving the University experience.
“It was wonderful to see so many colleagues and students from across the University recognised at the Students’ Union Academic Awards. I’m especially proud of our Faculty’s winners and nominees, whose dedication to teaching, support, and student partnership truly stood out. Their commitment enriches our learning environment and makes a real difference to the student experience.”
Peter Green, Vice-Dean for Teaching, Learning and Students
Other staff and students who were highly commended include:
- Chamil Abeykoon, Lee Fielding, Katie Moore, Jiashen Li and Kanad Sharma – outstanding student-staff collaboration or partnership
- University of Manchester Formula Student – Manchester Stinger Motorsports – outstanding student-staff collaboration or partnership
- Materials Science and Engineering Undergraduate Student Rep Team – outstanding academic rep team
- Anouk Raguin – dedication to feedback and change
- Kechen Liu and Claudia Henninger – excellence in postgraduate research supervision
- Ahmad Abdelhakam Mahmoud – contribution to building academic community
- Civil Engineering Society (UMCES) – academic society of the year for educational impact and outstanding contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Jaya Sethu Pragathish Jayaraj and Bashirunnisa Ananya – UG/PGT rep of the year
