Computing student wins targetJobs UK's Undergraduate of the Year Award

Computer Science undergraduate student Rachel Muir has won targetJobs UK's Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent.

Rachel won the award for her work in assisting the building of hardware and software to support affordable and accessible treatment for mental health worldwide.

Rolls-Royce and data innovation catalyst R2 Data Labs are partners of the Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent, recognising how diverse perspectives and experiences make for better ideas and solutions.

Rachel was one of eleven finalists for the Award, with Rolls-Royce involved in the selection process, before being announced winner at an awards ceremony on 29 April.

As part of the Award win, Rachel has been awarded a ten-week, paid summer internship starting in June/July 2022 at Rolls-Royce including the opportunity to spend a working day shadowing a Rolls-Royce leader, an Apple watch and Rolls-Royce-branded gifts.

Rachel said: 'I am delighted to win the Undergraduate of the Year Award Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent. When I first applied for the competition I knew I was applying for a placement with Rolls-Royce but I wasn't quite aware of the vast scale of the competition. I am so glad that I applied and experienced such an amazing event and am now looking forward to the summer internship. I hope to see others apply next year, with the belief in themselves that they can win it too!'

James Corbin, Head of Careers and Employability for the University's Careers and Employability Service, said: 'Rachel is an example of what is possible, and we are very proud of her and the work she has done to improve the lives of others. Rachel is also representative of the impact Kent students have around the world, and it is great to get that recognition. We are always keen to support students to get the acknowledgement that they deserve, and we look forward to working with further students in the next year to do so.'