Meet The Library Student Team!
This year we have a perfect blend of fresh faces with new ideas and experienced guiding hands in the student team. To introduce (and re-introduce) everyone you could see walking around our library sites offering their wisdom and support this year, we’ve put together a collection of short bios. Hope you enjoy and please reach out to us with any queries!
Nicholas Shangkala:
Hi everyone, I’m Nick, a final-year Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) student. As part of the Student Library Team, I enjoy helping students find useful resources, develop their learning skills, and gain confidence in their studies. I particularly enjoy the welcoming and supportive environment the Library provides for teaching and learning. When I’m not studying or working, you’ll usually find me cooking, travelling, exploring new food places, or catching up on a good series!
Keira Higgens:
Hi, I’m Keira, a third-year Undergraduate student studying English Literature! I have been part of the Student Team for two years now and I am really enjoying the work we do to support students and the Widening Participation programs we are involved in. One of my favourite parts about being in the Student Team is being able to meet and support students from all different backgrounds and walks of life and also being able to make changes that improve the journey of UoM students.
When I’m not juggling work and my studies, you’ll find me going to concerts or meeting up with my friends to try new bars and restaurants in Manchester. I love listening to music and reading fiction as well as watching TV shows and movies!
Samhita Mukherjee:
Hey, I’m Samhita and I’m a fourth-year BSc Psychology with placement year student. I am an international student from India (partially brought up) and USA (born and partially brought up). As a final year, unfortunately, I don’t get a lot of time for hobbies but in my free time I love to catch up with series, watch movies, cook or bake. I love going out with my friends as well. The only hobby I have actually maintained through these years would be travelling. I love exploring different countries and cities (fun fact — I have been to 20 countries and counting).
I have been in the Student Team for the last 2 years and I am also a Student Partner for FBMH. I love being in the Student Team because I get to do many things that I never thought I would do as an UG student like teach, present at conferences, etc. I also get to do other cool things like creating content, filming and editing videos. The best thing about this job is just how confident and empowered it makes me feel as a student.
Aram Ameen:
Hellooo, my name is Aram. I’m a MSc Advanced Chemical Engineering student and I’ve been a member of LST for 2 years! My current obsession is hiking and touching grass as often as I can do. I also enjoy watching, listening and reading about true crime. Being part of the LST is genuinely awesome and has improved my time at university exponentially. It’s great being able to take part in a variety of tasks and projects, as well as championing student voice and ensuring the student body is heard and considered. We’re truly a bridge between students and staff. I love chatting to people so please feel free to do so! If I’m not in lectures or at work, you’ll probably find me in Nancy Rothwell — the undisputed best building on campus.
Kai Prince SFHEA:
Hello there! I am Kai Prince, an ADHD student doing a part-time PhD in Maths. I did my MMath here at the University of Manchester between 2018–2022 have been involved in student advocacy work since 2021. I have been engaged in a number of roles over the years but I am currently the President of the Disabled Students Society, the Neurodiversity Officer of the Postgraduate Researchers Association, and Co-Chair of the Neurodivergent Staff Network, all whilst moderating multiple Discord servers and working as a Library Student Team Member and DASS Student Support Worker! My main interests are mathematics, neurodiversity and teaching. If I ever have time, I also like to play Dead by Daylight, watch shows or movies, and occasionally play the Piano.
Isobel Sibree-Dolan:
Hi, I’m Isobel, a final year student in biomed with French (bit of a wildcard combination, but great fun!). I’m returning to the library student team following a research placement in Lausanne, Switzerland, and I’m very pleased to be back in Manchester. LST has opened my eyes to the range of library initiatives available to students and introduced me to some wonderful people! My favourite part of the role is advocating from a student’s perspective, particularly surrounding exam & assessment support. When I’m not working, I can be found exploring the local music scene, reading (I have become a kindle girlie, it’s probably the best thing that has EVER happened to me), or wreaking havoc in the kitchen!
Sarah-Sonia Balan:
Hello, I’m Sonia! I am a fourth-year MMath Mathematics student. I’m originally from Romania and I’ve been making the most of Manchester since I moved here in 2023. I am particularly interested in very abstract maths, and in finding ways to communicate those abstract ideas to a wider audience — which is where my interest in education comes in! Outside maths, I spend a lot of time reading, writing, running, and getting involved in (too many) university projects and events. I love that the Library gives me a chance to turn student feedback into something practical that makes studying at Manchester a little better for everyone.
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Adrian Kosikowski:
I am a third year Mechatronics Engineering student. Outside of university, I am an overly involved person around the Polish community having worked on projects with the consulate and numerous charity organisations around the whole country (and abroad). After 3 years of working on the team, when I am not getting lost trying to find specific places in Main Library, I enjoy data tasks assessing random library information.
Dev Gupta:
Hi my name is Dev and I’m doing a PhD in aerospace engineering. I love the teaching and learning team because it allows me to help fellow students with issues they may have. Whether that’s facilitating workshops or answering questions at drop-ins, I love helping other people in their moment of need. When I’m not working (pretty rare), I unsuccessfully try to play the guitar, am in the gym or read a nice little book.
Hafsah Chawdry:
Hii, my name is Hafsah! I am an optometry student and I’m wanting to one day become an optometrist in my own practice. I love the practice aspect of working hands on and interacting with people from various backgrounds. I know a handful of languages such as Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. I also LOVE to travel!! I have explored Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, Oman, Dubai, Turkey, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morroco, Bahrain and Spain++! One day I will travel on a tour of the whole of Asia, jumping from one country to the next ♥️
Amber Helm:
Hello, I’m Amber! I’m a first-year Classics student who joined the team this October! So far I’ve really enjoyed both studying at Manchester (despite the incredibly busy buses) and I am very excited to continue being a part of the Library Student Team!
When I’m not helping out in the library or studying for my degree, I can often be found playing video games, exploring Manchester with my friends (yet somehow always circling back to the same place at the end of an adventure), and going to the cinema to watch things like the Hadestown Proshot and the Ghosts BBC film! I am also very passionate about travelling and learning to cook recipes that are actually edible!
When not in seminars and lectures, I am often in the Samuel Alexander building, which I would argue is objectively the best building on campus (the Student Union being a close second)!
Melody Knight:
Hi! I’m Melody, a first year Environmental Science student and a new member of the library student team, which I’m super excited to be a part of! I’m also a Student Rep for my course and am super passionate about climate and ecological research! Outside of my course, I spend most of my time going for hikes, reading, watching films or listening to my records (cough; Blur over Oasis; cough). I’m looking forward to meeting you all and hope to be an approachable and friendly face! :)
Jamie Archer:
Hi! I’m Jamie, a second year student studying Finance. I am new to the Student team and am excited to get started. In my free time, you will find me watching sports (mainly football), listening to music and hanging out with friends!
Alicija Kelly:
Hi, my name is Alicija and I am a second year undergrad currently studying Linguistics and Japanese. I am new to the student team and I am very much looking forward to working here in the library with a group of very outgoing friendly faces! In my spare time I am often either painting, hanging out with friends, avidly listening to music or going to live gigs. I also love taking photos (I am part of photography soc so you can catch me there). I love learning languages- Japanese is my fifth so far- and in my degree I am really getting stuck into dissecting the meaning of everything and anything. I love meeting new people and experiencing new cultures, since travelling is a deep interest of mine, and I look forward to improving on several skills with the team.
Toby Battershill
Hey everyone, my name is Toby and I am a second-year student of Modern Languages and Business & Management (Chinese). As a new face in the Student Team, I am excited to help make a difference and advocate for the student body. Outside of work and burying my head in Duolingo, I love going to (or working at) every concert and football game I can!
Thank you for reading! We are a team of students dedicated to making the library a community, to meet us come along to our Snack and Chats in the AGLC on Fridays or come along to a library workshop or drop-in. We’ll be around to help out in any way we can, always with biscuits and tea to hand!
