Susan Preston

Profile

I act as a coordinator and support the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures’ Athena SWAN Self Assessment Team. 

I have been a BA Geography (Industrial) student at the University of Leeds (2017–2021). During this time I completed my year in industry working as an Equality and Inclusion Project Assistant for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences (2019–2020).

I have also undertaken undergraduate research opportunities such as the Laidlaw Scholarship and Q-Step scheme. I have been involved in the creation of `The Being Unconventional` podcast series to give a voice to less represented groups at University whilst I was an Equality and Inclusion Student Champion for the School of Geography. In the Faculty of Environment Partnership Awards 2021, I was highly commended for the Equality and Inclusion award and was part of a team that won the Faculty’s overall Partnership award. 

I founded and have been an active committee member of the Leeds University Commuters’ Society for students who live at home and travel to University (2018–2021). Most recently I completed my undergraduate dissertation entitled “Uncovering the Barriers to Social Engagement and Developing a Sense of Belonging for Commuter Students at the University of Leeds”.

I have been campaigning for better inclusion for commuter students at the University, I have been coordinating the implementation of a common lounge for commuter students. My efforts were awarded along with the Commuters’ Society with an Leeds University Union Riley Award for the Best Campaign in 2021. 

Qualifications

• Geography (Industrial) BA (Hons) from University of Leeds