DU STUDENT THINK TANK
STUDENT SOLUTIONS FOR STUDENT PROBLEMS
Welcome to Durham University Student Think Tank, a student-led initiative intent on addressing campus issues, local community challenges, and global policy topics through research and advocacy. Our mission is to change university policies, encourage student-led initiatives, and foster student input in the university governance. We also provide expert guidance derived from widespread experience to deliver strategic solutions within University sports and societies.
ABOUT US
Students' solutions for students' problems
At DUSTT, we specialize in addressing campus issues, local community challenges, and global policy topics through student petition, brainstorming and protest.
Our commitment is to shifting the University dynamic to be more centred around students' interests and ensuring that students receive strategic and informed recommendations on how to improve student societies.
We want to hear what you honestly think about the University, and where it can improve. We have a passionate team who are trying to improve the life of students in anyway they can.
Use the suggestion box above to let our team know how you think this University can be improved. No matter how small or big you think the problem is, we want to help.
Our Mission
Provide Expertise Locally
Improving Student-led societies
Our expertise lies in providing solutions to struggling student societies, analysing data and provide insight, and develop strategies that are proven to improve the vast majority of student societies at no cost whatsoever. We provide innovative ideas for sports and societies to enhance the popularity and integrity of their society, with vast experience across our team in all areas.
Engage with Students and Faculty
Promoting Democratic Input
Our approach focuses on engaging a diverse group of students, working with university staff as mentors, and promoting content through social media platforms. We aim to change university policies, encourage student-led initiatives, and foster democratic input in university governance.
Enhance Campus Vibrancy
Reports, Blogs, and Event Updates
We also intend to provide reports, blogs, and event updates that address campus issues, local community challenges, and global policy topics, as well as success stories about how DU Think Tank has provided successful change amongst the student community.
Meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Founder and President
Ollie Sherwood
3rd Year Philosophy. Big on reducing homelessness, minimising the wealth gap and promoting sustainability initiatives. Welsh. Loves cricket and the piano. Member of the Green Party. Focused on increasing student awareness of the little changes that one can make in their student life that can make a big change on the world around them.
Strategic Director
Finn Combe
3rd Year History. Aspiring Solicitor. Big on projecting the student voice on issues specific to Durham, but also broader national and global challenges. Intent on using targeted research to improve the University as a whole. Loves football and 20th century European History. Wants to create a inclusive, positive culture around Durham, where emphasis is placed on quality of life and efficient problem solving.
Chief Analyst
Izzy Thomas
3rd Year Geography. Passionate about reducing health inequalities by addressing systemic barriers to healthcare, with a particular interest in period poverty. Comprehensive experience in events management and fundraising across a range of societies. Wordle and Buzzball enthusiast.
Lead Researcher
Felix Wallop
3rd Year Archaeology and Ancient History. Intent on understanding the thoughts and wishes of the Durham student body at the most granular level, and using this understanding to implement wide scale change - particularly concerning housing and sustainability. Working on political risk outside of university, most likely to be found on a football pitch somewhere.
Editor in Chief
Indigo Crane
3rd Year English Literature. Aspiring journalist. Big on reading, music and art. Passionate about producing media that holds individuals and institutions accountable, and addressing inequalities both within the student community and on a wider global scale.
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Chief Liason Officer
Flo Ward
3rd Year Philosophy, Politics and Economics. Aspiring lawyer with a particular interest in international relations. Deeply interested in how global policy decisions cascade into everyday lives. Background includes involvement in a range of charity work, charities promoting breast cancer awareness and supporting student wellbeing. Always up for chatting with other students, and excited to find ways to improve student life in Durham.
