Carnegie Scholarship awardee has research submitted to Cabinet Secretary for Health after impressive presentation

A GCU student is making a huge difference to the health of elderly patients, after completing a funded research project on Vitamin D deficiency.

Fourth year Social Sciences student Mandy McConville has recently presented an important research poster to a panel of judges from the Carnegie Trust, a foundation which provides research grants to university students.

Mandy, who was awarded the Carnegie Vocational Scholarship in April 2022, has conducted extensive research on a topic close to her heart: the socio-economic impact of vitamin D deficiency in the elderly community of Glasgow.

With her research now complete, Mandy presented her findings to a panel of judges from the Carnegie Trust. Mandy’s local MP (Stuart McDonald from the Scottish National Party) has since submitted the findings to Cabinet Secretary for Health, Humza Yousaf for consideration of the points raised in the study.

Now looking back, Mandy has reflected on the experience of presenting her findings. She said: “Presenting my poster to a panel of Carnegie Trust judges in Edinburgh, was like stepping out onto a beautiful chessboard without any knowledge of the intricacies and etiquette of the game.

I kept waiting for someone to call “checkmate.”  It was a surreal feeling grounded by the fact that I had been provided this amazing opportunity to experience the research cycle in action.”

She added: “The research has been passed by my MP, Stuart McDonald to the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Humza Yousaf, which I am hopeful will make a positive difference to the health of elderly individuals.”

Feeling grateful for the opportunity, Mandy has given thanks to those who have supported her on her academic journey. She explained: “Enrolling in Glasgow Caledonian University Sociology (Hons) degree course as an advanced and (very) mature student was one of the best decisions I ever made.

‘For the Common Good’ is not just a slogan, it is saturated through the caring and fostering ethos of all the staff, and the fantastic work they do to foster positive social change; specifically, those working tirelessly within GCU’S Scottish Poverty and Inequality Unit.

I would not have applied to the Carnegie Trust vocation research programme had it not been for Professor John McKendrick’s encouragement. His advice and support have been invaluable through the entire process, he even provided me with access to a SPIRU research office and the ‘bring your own cup and spoon’ tea cubby. Thanks also should be given to New College Lanarkshire Cumbernauld sociology department, especially Chris Primrose and John Gould who have kept an active interest in my progress and encourage me even now to be my best self - thank you.  Hopefully, my presentation did GCU, SPIRU, and New College Lanarkshire Cumbernauld campus proud.”

Now beginning her fourth and final year at GCU, Mandy feels ready to take on the looming dissertation project. She said: “Selfishly, I am now better equipped to write my fourth-year dissertation! So, when those applications open again in 2023, apply! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

By Rachael McAlonan

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