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Recent Criminology graduate Lou Bruce has been awarded a Student Partnership Impact Award from SEDA (Staff and Educational Development Association) in collaboration with Jisc. The award is an international recognition of students who have had impact at their universities relating to educational development. 

Lou’s award recognises her significant contributions across a range of initiatives as both a Foundation Year and a Mature Student Ambassador, as a student rep for mature students and as a student connector collaborating on numerous projects, including supporting the development of the new Access and Participation Plan (APP). She was instrumental in the development of the Student Panel, an advisory group led by students that supports the development of access and participation initiatives. 

Lou was recently also awarded the prize for best Criminology Project 2024 by her school. Her research project "Masking Malevolent Medicine: How do Healthcare Serial Killers Hide in Plain Sight?" drew from books aimed at mainstream true crime fans. 

Lou said, “I'm delighted to receive the SEDA award as this recognises my work with mature students, an area very close to my heart.” 

Professor Graeme Pedlingham, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience), said: “It is excellent news that Lou has received this award, which is hugely deserved for all of her contributions to the community at Sussex. Lou's work supporting the development of our new APP is a fantastic example of partnership between staff and students, which will benefit many more students over the coming years. Lou has been active across the University, finding ways to support the experience of fellow students since she first joined in the Foundation Year. I am delighted that she will be continuing as a postgraduate here at Sussex!”

We look forward to welcoming Lou back to pursue a Masters in September.