“ I will forever acknowledge Alisha ’ s memory through this award and the lasting feelings of pride and honour that came alongside it .”
12 Impact Report
2024 ’ s recipient of the prize is Hannah-May , third from right
Alisha Zaman Memorial Prize
“ I will forever acknowledge Alisha ’ s memory through this award and the lasting feelings of pride and honour that came alongside it .”
Hannah-May Walker
The Alisha Zaman Memorial Prize was created in memory of Alisha Zaman who was a biological sciences student at Keele ( 2017-2020 ) when she sadly passed away , aged 21 .
Alisha was a Student Ambassador , Class Voice Representative , and International Social Media Coordinator in which capacities she helped students and represented the University at her level best . She loved nature and was kind to vulnerable animals , with the quote “ be kind to everything that lives ” reflecting her own philosophy of life .
The winner of the prize in 2024 was Hannah-May Walker who said : “ Receiving this year ’ s Alisha Zaman Memorial Prize is a great honour . I truly admire Alisha ’ s great contribution to Keele University and Life Sciences , as well as her devotion to nature and the environment . Upon starting university , I was initially unsure on what particular aspect of biology I was interested in . However , before long , my passion for ecology and the environment was clear .
“ Keele University has enabled me to grow this passion through countless exciting opportunities to partake in environment-based fieldwork , seminars and projects . Leading from this , I completed my dissertation based on the reproductive behaviour of freshwater shrimp , in which I achieved 90 %, as well as graduating with a First Class Honours in Biology . Since completing my degree , I have been volunteering with local environmental groups , particularly looking at animal surveying and restoration of the River Trent .
“ My studies at Keele University have been especially rewarding and the friends and experiences I have gained from this time are unforgettable . Receiving the Alisha Zaman Memorial Prize has made my time at university absolutely exceptional and I couldn ’ t possibly be prouder to receive this prize .
“ I want to give my utmost thanks to Alisha ’ s family for generously providing this award . I will forever acknowledge Alisha ’ s memory through this award and the lasting feelings of pride and honour that came alongside it . The funding from this prize will have a significant impact on my life through supporting my goal of learning how to drive and starting a future career in ecology .”
2024 ’ s recipient of the prize is Hannah , third from right .