Students show ‘learning beyond textbooks’ in research presented to Parliament

Two York St John University student researchers have presented their work to MPs and policymakers in Westminster. 
 
Grace Weston, a 2nd year Business Management student, and Darcy Neilson, currently completing her PhD in Developmental Psychology, presented their research at the annual Posters in Parliament event at the House of Commons. Both students are part of the ‘Students as Researchers’ project with the York Business School at York St John University. 
 
Posters in Parliament provides an opportunity for over 50 students, representing universities from across the UK, to exhibit their work, and for legislators and policy makers to see first-hand some of the innovative research taking place across the country. 
 
Grace presented her research piece, ‘Black Rainbow: LGBTQ+ and BAME [Black, Asian and minority ethnic] Student Experiences at York St John University’, alongside Dr Sanjeewa Winojith, Lecturer in Marketing at York St John. The paper investigates the experiences of LGBTQ+ and BAME students, with a focus on their wellbeing, sense of belonging, and academic success.  
 
Darcy presented a poster summarising key findings from the project led by Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Associate Dean for Law and Policing at York St John, which examined ‘The Impact of Legal Policies and Workplace Culture on Breastfeeding in the UK Health Sector’. The research involved questioning over 900 health employees, and explored mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding practices/policies, shared parental leave and workplace support upon returning to work. This work has recently been published in the International Journal of Law and Society.  
 
Grace Weston said that the project had transformed her future, understanding how rigorous academic inquiry can inform policy and practice. 
 
“Presenting our research was truly a transformative experience. It allowed me to share how York St John University is working to understand and address the unique challenges faced by students with intersecting marginalised identities,” said Grace. 
 
“The most rewarding aspect of this work is knowing that our findings will help create evidence-based recommendations, inclusive curriculum toolkits, and targeted wellbeing resources specifically designed for students who hold multiple marginalised identities." 
 
Darcy Neilson said that when she began her student research project with Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi during her MSc she never imagined that it would take her to the Houses of Parliament. 
 
“Collaborating on this project as a student researcher, working with experienced academics, has been an incredibly enriching experience,” said Darcy.  
 
“Being a student researcher means embracing curiosity, pushing boundaries, and learning beyond textbooks. It is an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than a single degree; an opportunity which afforded me the chance to bridge the gap between academia, policy-making, and meaningful, real-world change.   
 
“The conversations shared on the day made it clear how research can directly shape policy change.” 
 
Dr Sanjeewa Winojith said that both students’ research highlighted the importance of inclusive educational environments – something that was highlighted in 2024, when York St John was named as the University of the Year for Social Inclusion by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.   
 
“Representing York St John University, alongside talented students and colleagues, was an honour,” said Sanjeewa. 
 
“The event emphasised the value of collaboration in advancing undergraduate research, with participation from numerous universities across the UK.” 
 
Learn more about students as researchers at York St John University. 
 
Find out more about studying at York Business School.  

Photograph: from left to right,  Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Darcy Neilson, Grace Weston and Dr Winojith Sanjeewa.