Each year, Selwyn celebrates four students who have excelled in their studies and made a real difference to life at the college. Nominated by tutors, this year's recipients have distinguished themselves through research, leadership, outreach and contributions to College life.

Peter Parker and Louise O'Hanlon received Tallow Chandlers Awards. Supported by the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers, the awards form part of a wider programme recognising students across the UK.

Hugo Barraud and Shanjeev Mathialagan received Christopher Johnson Awards, named in honour of Honorary Fellow Dr Christopher Johnson and his longstanding support of Selwyn.

Peter Parker, Natural Sciences

Peter, a third-year natural scientist, has combined student leadership with hands-on research experience. As treasurer and now president of the Selwyn College Natural Sciences Society, he supported events that connect students across year groups and established a graduate panel to help undergraduates explore postgraduate study.

Last summer, he completed an eight-week research internship studying polarisation of the cytoskeleton, which could improve our understanding of cellular dysfunction including in cancer.

Louise O'Hanlon, Music

Louise, a third-year music student from a state grammar school in Liverpool, ranked second in her cohort in her Part IB examinations. An accomplished performer and member of the choir, she was nominated in recognition of both her achievements and the modest way in which she goes about them.

Shanjeev Mathialagan, Engineering

Shanjeev, a second-year engineer, has shown a strong commitment to widening access to engineering, supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds with their university applications and working with Year 9 and 10 pupils through Cambridge outreach programmes.

His contributions extend well beyond his studies. He serves as current treasurer for the Cambridge University Engineering Society, formerly its sponsorship officer. Shanjeev was president of the Cambridge University Tamil Society in 2024/25 and was previously social secretary of the Selwyn College Engineering Society. He also represented the University at the Kings of Gaana Tamil dance competition in 2025, rowed in the Bumps for Selwyn in his first year and was the badminton captain in his second year. He is serving as treasurer for the Hermes and Sirens Club in his third year.

Hugo Barraud, Classics

Hugo, a fourth-year classicist, has made a substantial contribution to life at Selwyn. He chaired the Selwyn Snowball committee in 2024, and on the 2023 committee, helping to deliver a highlight of the student calendar. His nomination highlighted both Hugo's leadership of the Snowball and the wider contribution he has made to the College community.