Cover girl Edwina makes her mark

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY student Edwina Casebow has been recognised in a university talent list for her part as editor of a new science magazine. The list of 100 students features in Varsity, the Cambridge student newspaper. They have all contributed to a particular field of activity within the university, be it media, politics, initiatives, arts, sport or as an entrepreneur, and were whittled down by a panel of independent judges from about 250 initially nominated.

Miss Casebow, as the editor of Bluesci, Cambridge's only science magazine, was described as playing a key role in its creation and development and being heavily involved in the editorial side.

'It is quite strange to see your picture on the front page of Varsity and knowing that other people recognise you, although you don't necessarily know them,' said the sixth and final year medical student.

'A lot of people have come up to us and said how successful the magazine has been.'

Bluesci first appeared around the university in September, having been wholly set up and produced by a team of students.

'I have always done a lot of writing, as a hobby and since being at university, so I got involved initially and I was keen to get it going,' said Miss Casebow, 24, who was educated at Ladies' College before going to Cambridge.

'Traditionally, newspapers are done by arts students, so it is pretty unique. We have had a really good reception and it has taken off way beyond how we imagined.'

The initial print run has already been increased to about 5,000 copies each term. People were invited to submit articles and there has been no lack of interest.

The team roles initially overlapped quite a lot, before people moved into particular positions.

Miss Casebow wrote some medicine-related articles and then moved into the role of editor.

As well as ensuring it had enough content, the team has had to carefully balance the amount of advertising and revenue with the costs of increasing the print run, production and publicity. It is not subsidised in any way, but a deal with Varsity means that it is distributed with the newspaper.

'It was a lot of hard work, but I really enjoyed it so it never really felt like work.

'My course doesn't really allow for the creative sides to really come out, but it's the creative elements that I really enjoy.'

Miss Casebow recently had a placement with The Times on the Body and Soul supplement, but has had to hand over the reins of the magazine to concentrate on her final exams.

She graduates in December.