As part of the University’s 180th anniversary celebrations, marking its founding in 1845, Queen’s Leaders 18-45 celebrates the impact of Queen’s trailblazers in a range of subject areas. 

Indian graduates Nicku Abraham Mathew, Dr Aswin Sekhar FRAS and Selna Saji have been named for their groundbreaking achievements across their individual areas of expertise. 

Congratulating the three, Queen’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said:

“We are delighted to welcome three inspiring young Queen’s graduates as part of our Queen’s Leaders 18-45 initiative, which celebrates the global impact of the Queen’s community. 

“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our Queen’s Leaders, and I extend my congratulations to Aswin, Selna, and Nicku for serving as role models and inspiring others to create positive change.”    

Astrophysicist Dr Aswin Sekhar FRAS studied for a PhD in Physics at Queen’s in 2014, is a science columnist and had a planet named after him in recognition of his work related to resonance and relativity in meteor science.  He said:

“I am deeply humbled and honoured to be chosen for this Queen's Leaders recognition. I will use this as an opportunity to strengthen bonds between NI and India and motivate more people to study in the UK. 

“Recently the International Astronomical Union (IAU) announced a minor planet '33928 Aswinsekhar' in recognition of my work in meteor science. I have been using this international recognition to motivate and inspire more young kids from rural and tribal parts of India to become astronomers and space scientists in future. I tell youngsters to 'reach for the stars and planets.” 

Nicku Abraham Mathew completed a MSc Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development and has spearheaded rural development and women’s empowerment initiatives. He said:

“My time at Queen’s was truly transformative. Queen’s shaped the foundation of my professional ethos - leading with evidence, empathy and impact. The experiential learning, field-based research and community projects cultivated an appreciation for data-driven policymaking and participatory development.  

“Today, whether I’m designing women’s economic empowerment programmes or advising governments on digital public infrastructure, I draw upon the principles of sustainable leadership and systems thinking that Queen’s instilled in me.” 

The third graduate is Selna Saji who graduated with a MSc Environmental Engineering and Technology and is Founder and CEO of renewable energy company Zircle.  

Other Indian graduates who were previously named as part of the initiative include Ruchira Rangaprasad CMO and Co-Founder of Balantra and a member of the Queen’s Graduates Association who said:

"Everything I’ve achieved is because of the people at Queen’s who supported and shaped me. I’m honoured to be named one of the Queen’s Leaders 18-45." 

Also named was one of Belfast’s ‘22 Under 22 Entrepreneurs to Watch’, Queen’s International Business graduate Varshitha Manjunath who said:

"Being named as a future leader, that is a hope which Queen’s University has bestowed on me, and that is more or less like an ignition for me to follow my path no matter what." 

 

Find out more about Queen’s Leaders 18-45 here.