NSCG Student Shortlisted for AoC Student of the Year Awards
09 October 2026
Former Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) student Marika Oakes has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Association of Colleges (AoC) Student of the Year Awards 2026/27, for the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) she completed while at NSCG.
One of three finalists for the Inspiring Project Award, Marika is being celebrated for her innovative exploration of prosthetics. Her EPQ focused on an interest she developed during her first year of study, and was titled 'Artefact: How can 3D printing technology be used to create prosthetic hands for below-elbow amputees while balancing cost, comfort, and functionality?'.
Marika researched, designed and built a complete, adaptable prosthetic hand with a partial wrist, with the fingers on the prosthetic even closing as the wearer flexes their wrist. By successfully producing a functional prototype using accessible tools and resources, Marika's project highlighted how anyone with limited resources could explore innovative solutions to real-world problems, and provide them for a fraction of the usual cost.
Alongside the larger social benefits of Marika’s project, completing the EPQ also developed her confidence in independent research and her ability to problem-solve and learn from things that did not work first time.
Laura Brennan, Curriculum Leader for the Honours Programme at NSCG said, “We are delighted that Marika's hard work and talent has been recognised by reaching the finals of the AoC Inspiring Projects Award. She produced an exceptional artefact for her EPQ and her concept is truly inspiring.”
Marika completed her NSCG journey with A and A* in her Maths and Physical Education A Levels, a Distinction* in her Human Biology BTEC and an A* in her EPQ. Now studying Biomedical Engineering at Loughborough University, Marika is taking the practical experience and confidence she gained at NSCG as she navigates this new chapter, building on her experience, working with leading researchers and preparing to contribute fresh ideas to the field.
Winners will be announced next month and we’ll be keeping everything crossed that she’ll be one of the lucky victors attending the celebration event in the Spring of 2027.