Ariana Howells, a 17-year-old from Barry, Wales, has secured a place at Oxford University’s St Hilda College to study biochemistry, driven by her passion for scientific inquiry into medical cannabis and mental health research.

She aims to explore how medical cannabis can transform healthcare, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based investigation despite societal stigma surrounding its use.

Ariana's research on THC's effects on sleep architecture uncovered a significant gap in scientific knowledge, with only seven relevant studies available, highlighting the need for more unbiased, in-depth research.

Her academic pursuits are complemented by her achievements in biology competitions, including winning gold at the Biology Olympiad and reaching the semi-finals of the International Biology Bowl, alongside her talents as a juvenile synchronized ice skater.

Welsh Education Secretary Lynne Neagle congratulated students like Ariana on their achievements and encouraged them to pursue their future goals with pride, whether through university, apprenticeships, or employment.

Ariana’s research emphasizes the limited existing studies on cannabis and sleep, advocating for more thorough and unbiased scientific investigation to better understand its potential benefits.

Growing up in a household with a senior psychiatrist father and active involvement in science and care, Ariana underscores the importance of scientific inquiry over media stigma.

Her interest in medical cannabis is deeply personal, influenced by her mother’s positive experience with cannabis for Crohn’s disease and her family’s involvement in a medical cannabis clinic in Wales.