Esha Zafar’s passion for food and health was sparked during a college work experience placement at a primary school - a turning point that helped her discover how nutrition could inspire positive habits from a young age.
She said "I was helping with science lessons but became really interested in what was happening in the school kitchen. I ended up preparing slides about healthy eating, with quizzes for the pupils. They were so engaged and it really stayed with me."
That early experience motivated Esha to explore nutrition further, and she’s now in the final year of her BSc (Hons) Nutrition and Exercise Sciences degree at the University of Central Lancashire, set to graduate in July.
"I originally had an interest in the physiology side, but over time I’ve become much more focused on nutrition. The course has helped me find that direction."
From her first year, Esha has been involved in the university’s Eat 2 Win programme, delivering health checks at public events. This is an experience she credits with greatly boosting her confidence.
In her second year, she supported a 12-week lifestyle programme for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, designed to help with diet, physical activity, and long-term health goals.
“That was such a rewarding experience,” says Esha. “It was run with my course lecturer, April Melia, and I delivered many of the weekly sessions. It helped me apply what I’d learned and really connect with people.”
Esha also been a Student Wellbeing Ambassador, supporting mental health awareness and promoting healthy habits through campus events. As part of the team, she’s helped deliver the STAR programme - guiding prospective students in setting goals to help them settle into university life. As an Ambassador Esha has also supported the ‘This is Me’ campaign - which champions disability disclosure - and offered practical support like navigating campus and using assistive tech.
“It’s important to support students beyond the classroom,” she says. “These small things really help, especially when people are struggling.”
Her commitment to volunteering and public engagement hasn’t gone unnoticed. Esha has twice been named the university’s Sport Volunteer of the Year, most recently at the CVCL Awards in 2025.
Academically, Esha has thrived in practical settings, using the university’s specialist laboratories to explore topics such as allergen control and food safety.
"We did a lab practical testing surfaces for protein residue. It was a real eye-opener. Even if something looks clean, it might not be safe for people with allergies. That really reinforced how serious food safety is."
She describes the facilities as “brilliant,” with plenty of opportunities to collaborate, practise, and apply theory in real-life contexts.
“This course combines health, nutrition and exercise in a really meaningful way,” she says. “I’ve learned so much, and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I want to keep building on it.”
Esha now plans to apply to study MSc Dietetics. She has also successfully interviewed for a summer internship within the university’s wellness centre, where she will be delivering nutrition education and developing the pre-diabetes programme. This opportunity will allow her to continue gaining valuable hands-on experience and contribute directly to community health initiatives, once again working with April.
April said, “Esha has shown real commitment throughout her degree, particularly in how she’s applied her learning to support others through community health initiatives. Her growth in confidence, professionalism and communication has been fantastic to witness, and she’s made a meaningful impact through her involvement in our community-focussed health projects.”