Two outstanding students have been awarded for their academic achievements at University of the West of Scotland’s winter graduations this week. 

Zainab Abbood and Muhammad Muzammil Lukha have been recognised for their significant commitment and contribution during their studies at the University.  

Zainab received the Morag Faulds prize, which recognises excellence in fieldwork practice in final year social work. It reflects the legacy of Morag Faulds, a social worker and academic, who was instrumental in establishing degree-level social work education at UWS.  

Commenting on winning the Morag Faulds prize, Zainab said: “Receiving this award is an honour, and I am genuinely proud to have my final-year practice recognised in this way. My fieldwork placement was both challenging and deeply meaningful, and it reinforced my commitment to social work and supporting individuals in the community. I am also very grateful for the guidance and support I received from the University throughout my studies, which played an important role in helping me achieve this milestone.”

My fieldwork placement was both challenging and deeply meaningful, and it reinforced my commitment to social work and supporting individuals in the community.

Zainab Abbood

The second student prize-winner, Muhammad Muzammil Lukha, has been awarded the first-ever Professor Jonathan Lawrence prize for best dissertation in MSc Sustainable Technology. The prize recognises the late UWS academic who passed away suddenly in 2024. Jonathan was a distinguished leader in laser engineering, and his family have bestowed this prize upon UWS and its students in his name.

Discussing winning the prize, Muhammad Muzammil Lukha, said: “I am so happy to be graduating from UWS. My dissertation topic was "Renewable Energy Application in the Textile Industry". I selected this due to my work experience in the textile industry, and, during my master’s studies, I learned about new technologies and how to apply them sustainably in a range of industries. None of this would be possible without the support of my supervisor, who guided me and helped me every step of the way. I feel proud that my efforts and hard work have meant that I have been selected for this special award. I am so thankful to UWS and to all the academics who work so hard to motivate their students.” 

None of this would be possible without the support of my supervisor, who guided me and helped me every step of the way. I feel proud that my efforts and hard work have meant that I have been selected for this special award.

Muhammad Muzammil Lukha

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS, said: “On this very proud week of winter graduations, we are celebrating two exceptional students whose achievements wholeheartedly embody the goals and values of our University. One has produced a dissertation of remarkable insight into sustainable technology – a key area of importance in driving forward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; the other has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and skill through exemplary field practice in social work. Both have worked incredibly hard and displayed such inspirational determination and resilience. My warmest congratulations to them both: their efforts and passion have set a shining example for not only our students, but the entire University community.”

On this very proud week of winter graduations, we are celebrating two exceptional students whose achievements wholeheartedly embody the goals and values of our University.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of UWS