“I'm so excited to be graduating with a degree in Food Science and Nutrition with Professional Studies. I had an absolutely brilliant time at Queen’s and I’m devastated to be leaving.”

Sarah graduates from Queen’s University Belfast having spent the past three years turning passion into real world impact - from promoting sustainable food innovation to championing youth health on her placement year with Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS).

“On my placement I worked with Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke as a student health promotion officer and I loved it so, so much. My main job was delivering talks to the likes of primary school pupils regarding healthy eating, physical activity, sleep and things like that.”

As part of NICHS’s wider health promotion services, Sarah was also involved in delivering awareness sessions in secondary schools around the adverse effects of vaping - a growing concern for many teachers in Northern Ireland.

“We worked a lot with secondary schools where the main focus was vaping, as schools had told us how big of an issue it is among teenagers. We reached 15,000 pupils across about 35 schools, which was really impressive. We also worked with policymakers in Stormont to drive the disposable vape bans across Northern Ireland, which was really successful.”

That same drive to make a difference saw Sarah, along with teammates Jayne Hanna and Megan Crockard, represent Queen’s in the UK final of the prestigious European competition, Ecotrophelia, that challenges students to develop a sustainable and innovative food product from concept to market.

Their product  noDoh wowed the judging panel of industry leaders and secured them second place, £1,000, and a year’s free membership with the Institute of Food Science and Technology.

“A highlight of my university experience was entering the Institute of Food Science Technology's Ecotrophelia competition, where myself and some friends entered a ready to eat or ready to cook cookie dough which utilised brewers’ spent grain, a massive nutritional waste in the food industry. We got to pitch our idea to industry leaders such as Tesco and Marks and Spencer's and we fortunately came second.”

Following this, Sarah took the opportunity to further develop her entrepreneurial skills through completing the InnovateHer programme run by Queen’s Students’ Union. This programme is designed to help female students develop entrepreneurial thinking and gain confidence in business leadership.

“The InnovateHer programme was absolutely amazing. My top tip for any younger students is to take any opportunity as you see it because you never know where it'll take you and the skills you can learn along the way really set you apart from other candidates.”

Looking ahead, Sarah is thrilled to begin a new role with Taste of Ulster.

“I have fortunately got a position with Taste of Ulster, or Good Food, as you might know it from the Balmoral Show or the plaques you might see in restaurants. I'm so excited to be starting there in September.”

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