Alumni Award Winners 2025
Celebrating inspiring, ambitious, and enterprising alumni from across the globe, our alumni awards recognise how Herts graduates make a big impact across industry and society.
Rising Star
This award recognises graduates who are making an impact early in their career.
Winner
Dr Denis Mustafov
Denis (BSc Biomedical Sciences and PhD Molecular Biology, 2024) is a pioneering postdoctoral research fellow studying paediatric brain malignancies and microRNAs at the University of California. His incredibly impactful work aims to improve current clinical challenges and enhance cancer treatments for children across the world.
Highly Commended
Lisa Daniels
As a Ghanaian-British woman with both visible and invisible disabilities and neurodiverse, Lisa (BSc Adult Nursing, 2017) overcomes significant challenges to excel in healthcare. Passionate about advocacy, Lisa champions inclusion and diversity at the NHS and through her platform, You2CanNurse, empowering others to pursue their dream careers.
Highly Commended
Suman Gujrul
Suman (MA Fine Art, 2018) is a celebrated and innovative interdisciplinary artist and poet. Suman launched Hertfordshire’s first South Asian Poetry Festival, providing a platform for stories from the South Asian Diaspora on a local national and international level.
Outstanding Achievement
This award recognises graduates who make an impact in a significant way.
Winner
Zainab Alema
Rugby player Zainab 'The Bulldozer’ (BSc Nursing, 2014) is paving the way for Black and Muslim women in sport. Zainab made history as the first person to play Premiership Women's Rugby wearing a hijab. She is also the founder of Studs in the Mud, a charitable project supporting grassroots rugby in Ghana.
Highly Commended
Harry Woodgate
Award winning author and illustrator Harry (BA (Hons) Illustration, 2019) champions diversity and social change through storytelling. Their acclaimed works inspire inclusivity, creativity, and representation, making them a trailblazer in children’s literature.
Highly Commended
Professor Anna Cox
Anna (BSc (Hons) Cognitive Science and PhD, 2002) is a global authority on human-computer interaction. Her research has transformed understanding of how digital technologies influence workplace productivity and recovery from work stress. Anna has designed tools that help people use technology to support positive mental well-being.
Highly Commended
Priyanga Sajeewanie Perera Galhena Gamage
Internationally trained Chemistry teacher Priyanga (MA Education, 2024) has transformed science education in Sri Lanka, influencing national policies. As a curriculum developer, researcher, and teacher trainer, Priyanga inspires a love of learning in pupils.
Spotlight: Business Innovation Award
This award recognises graduates who are innovators in business and entrepreneurship.
Winner
Nohman Sultan Ahmed
Global entrepreneur Nohman (BSc (Hons) Aerospace Technology with Management, 2009) is the Co-founder and CEO of leading sneaker care brand Crep Protect. With innovative products, rapid growth and celebrity endorsement, Crep Protect is an international best seller, sold in more than 20,000 stores and over 100 countries worldwide.
Highly Commended
Heraldas Gaspariunas
Heraldas (BA (Hons) International Business, 2020) is the Co-founder of MedTech start-up Reneural, a virtual reality platform improving stroke recovery by integrating immersive data driven therapy for hospital and home settings. Based in the University’s business incubation hub, Heraldas has secured significant funding and NHS partnerships to drive the growth and development of his company.
Highly Commended
Hamid Ibrahim
Emmy-nominated Hamid (BA (Hons) 3D Modelling and Animation, 2017) is a multi talented Creative Executive, Co-Founder, and CEO of Kugali Media. Drawing on his African heritage, Hamid created the Disney science fiction series Iwájú and has led numerous other film projects. As a University Entrepreneur in Residence, he shares his expertise with current students.
Alumni Ambassador of the Year
This award recognises graduates who volunteer and give back to support students.
Winner
Chris Parker
Chris (BSc and MSc Music and Sound Technology, 2017) has built a hugely successful career in the music industry and is currently touring as production manager for the Sugababes. As an active ambassador, Chris is enthusiastic about giving back to Herts. He frequently joins career events, mentors, and facilitates workplace experiences and student masterclasses.
Highly Commended
Gloria Sikapite
Gloria (BSc Nursing, 2021) is a dedicated research nurse and passionate ambassador who bravely stepped into a hospital role at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. She has collaborated with Herts to facilitate filming at her NHS Trust, sharing her journey on camera to inspire others to pursue a rewarding career in nursing.
Highly Commended
Kim Everitt
Transport Systems Engineer Kim (BEng Automotive Engineering with Motorsport, 2018) is breaking stereotypes. A strong advocate and role model for students pursuing careers in STEM, Kim leads campaigns, speaks to students, and promotes Herts through her social media channels.