We are thrilled to announce that Motaz Sirriyeh, Tom Harwood, and Hannah Oh, three outstanding representatives from the School of Engineering and Informatics, have been recognised for their exemplary dedication and service to the student community as student Reps. Motaz and Tom, serving as the Chair Rep, and Hannah, as the PGR Rep, have been awarded prestigious honours for their contributions.

Motaz and Tom, in their joint role as Chair Rep, have worked to bridge the gap between students and professors, advocating for their wishes and needs. Their commitment to driving tangible change and shaping the future of our school has not gone unnoticed. Motaz emphasises that student representation is more than just voicing concerns; it's about effecting real change and enhancing the academic experience for everyone involved.

Motaz said, "It's not just about voicing concerns; it's about driving tangible change and shaping the future of our school. I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact student representation can have. For anyone considering applying next year, I'd say it's an unparalleled opportunity to develop leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, all while making a real difference in the academic community. It's a chance to be the voice of change and contribute to a better educational experience for everyone involved."

Hannah's dedication as the PGR Rep within the School of Engineering and Informatics has been recognised with the School Rep of the Year Award 2023/24 in the PGR category. Her active engagement with students and commitment to improving the research environment have set her apart. Hannah's involvement in various committees has provided her with valuable insights into the needs of PGR students and has contributed significantly to shaping the new strategy of the doctoral school. Her collaborative spirit and unwavering support for students have been truly commendable.

Hannah said, "I am pleased to win the School Rep of the Year Award 2023/24 for Informatics in the PGR category. I have always been happy to contribute and engage with students in our Informatics Department. Since starting my PGR journey, I have served as the PGR rep within the School of Engineering and Informatics and sat on all three of the Sussex Researcher School's committees available to Reps.

It has been an excellent experience developing myself, representing other PGR students at Sussex, and contributing to improving our research environment, as well as seeing how our voices influenced the new strategy of the doctoral school and how supportive Sussex is to students. Collaborating across all schools and gaining insight into each one was also valuable.

This experience taught me many great things about Sussex and allowed me to discover our unlimited potential. As we move into the future, I can see a bright path for Sussex. Next year, I will continue to serve on two committees and contribute to supporting PGR students. I will do my best as much as possible. Go Sussex! Go informatics!"

Motaz, Tom, and Hannah have been awarded virtual certificates, which they can proudly display on their LinkedIn profiles, showcasing their achievements and leadership qualities. Additionally, they have each received a £20 One4All voucher as a token of appreciation for their exceptional service to the student community.

To apply to become a student rep, and find out more information, visit the Students’ Union page.