Marketing Student Vows to Take Action as he Secures ‘Climate Champion’ Scholarship

A Lincoln student has recently been awarded an Environmental Scholarship to help them champion climate action while completing their postgraduate studies.

The University of Lincoln, UK, has awarded this year’s scholarship to Kacper Lesniak, an MSc Marketing student.

Kacper, who previously studied International Accountancy with Finance at the University, will receive £3,000 to help him complete his studies and to undertake a range of climate positive actions.

As well as making a number of personal changes to reduce his own impact on the environment, Kacper will also champion the climate agenda across the University through a range of initiatives.

This will include working with partners to help them understand their own environmental impact and how it can be reduced, seeking to expand volunteering opportunities across the University community, and campaigning for more local wildlife-friendly areas and green spaces.

Speaking about receiving the scholarship, Kacper said: “Having personally felt the devastating effects of climate change in my youth, I’ve actively tried to play my part in supporting the conservation of the environment around me ever since. However, no matter how many plastic straws I refuse to use or how many hours of volunteering I do, the underlaying climate issues remain present.

“Proudly receiving this scholarship felt like a huge personal success and relief as it’ll allow me to devote more time and energy into promoting climate action and doing more meaningful things that will truly make a difference, including working alongside the SU to generate initiatives such as the creation of green ‘zen’ spaces on campus for relaxation and learning or to work on encouraging clubs and societies to play their part in the rewilding of the campus. Meanwhile, studying MSc Marketing will develop my understanding of sustainable marketing, something I am eager to practice upon the completion of my studies.”

Professor Libby John, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of the College of Science, who selected Kacper to receive the scholarship, said: “Kacper’s application stood out as demonstrating a good understanding of the breadth of the climate and biodiversity crises we are facing. He also demonstrated that he plans to work with and influence a range of other people within and beyond the University to take actions that will help to reduce our impact on the planet. His application was ambitious and I look forward to working with him to help him to make some of the changes that are needed.”

Anyone interested in postgraduate study at the University of Lincoln is invited to attend the University’s postgraduate drop-in sessions, where prospective postgraduate students can access one-to-one support for any students that are thinking about PG study, from identifying the best course to applications and funding and finance. The sessions take place every Wednesday afternoon in the Careers Centre on the ground floor of the University Library.