Alumni team

What the Eisteddfod means to me Rhys Hughes (MA 2017) – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 25 May 2023 by Alumni team

Rhys Hughes (MA 2017) graduated with a master’s in Welsh and Celtic Studies, before embarking on a PhD in Arizona, USA. Having grown up in Wales, he shares his memories of the National Eisteddfod and how he stays connected to his Welsh roots whilst far from home.

From acting in the Sherman Theatre, to Professor at King’s College – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 23 May 2023 by Alumni team

We spoke to Professor David Mosey CBE (LLB 1976) about student theatre, football, and the law degree that led to his distinguished career: from Trower & Hamlins Solicitors, to King’s College London, to a CBE in the New Year’s Honours List 2023 for services to the construction industry.

Campaigning for excellence not empire – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 20 April 2023 by Alumni team

Simon Blake OBE (BA 1995) has spent the last thirty years working for organisations that tackle social justice, equality and stigma. He is now spearheading a campaign to break the link between the UK Honours system and Britain’s legacy of colonialism, to make it more inclusive.

The role of the immune system in dementia

Posted on 17 March 2023 by Alumni team

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting one’s memories and ability to do cognitive tasks, as well as causing hallucinations and loss of motor control. In our recent Research Showcase event, Dr Mat Clement (PhD 2013) and Dr Wiola Zelek (PhD 2020) from the School of Medicine, discuss the role of infectious viruses, the immune system, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s development.

What the Eisteddfod and the Welsh language mean to me – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 14 March 2023 by Alumni team

Dr Matt Jones (MA 2017) moved to Cardiff from Connecticut with a desire to immerse himself in Welsh culture and the Welsh language. During the 2018 National Eisteddfod held in Cardiff Bay, he was able to truly engage with this culture and see the language in full flow.

Lifting, talking and standing tall – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 23 February 2023 by Alumni team

Mental health professional Paul Regan (BN 2016) wanted to find a way to help men open up about their mental health. After teaming up with friend and fellow alum Charles Needham (BSc 2008), together they developed Stand Tall, a non-profit bringing free exercise and mental health seminars to their local community.

An alumni update from Cardiff Business School – Professor Rachel Ashworth

Posted on 25 November 2022 by Alumni team

Professor Rachel Ashworth, Dean of Cardiff Business School, offers an update on school activities and community achievements.

Meet the Researcher – Dr Kerrie Thomas

Posted on 17 October 2022 by Alumni team

Dr Kerrie Thomas is a Reader at the Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute (NMHRI) and Co-Director of the Hodge Centre for Neuropsychiatric Immunology. Her research looks to further our understanding of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and ultimately improve the way we treat this devastating condition.

Supporting the next generation of Cardiff students – a look back at the year

Posted on 11 October 2022 by Alumni team

Students are at the heart of Cardiff University, but financial challenges can prevent the best and brightest minds from accessing the education and opportunities they deserve. Last year our supporters gave a staggering £68,000 towards supporting Cardiff students to achieve their full potential, through generous donations, as well as gifts in Wills and in memory of loved ones. Our alumni also gave their time and expertise to support our students through mentoring, giving career talks and offering internships to help prepare them for life after Cardiff.

The 30(ish) winners have been chosen – special preview

Posted on 4 October 2022 by Alumni team

Following an enormous response by the alumni community, Barry Sullivan, Head of Alumni Relations, gives us a teaser for what’s happening next, what to look out for on the list, and maybe even a hint at who’s in the running for the 30(ish) Awards.

#TeamCardiff fundraisers take on Cardiff Half Marathon

Posted on 3 October 2022 by Alumni team

On Sunday 2 October, around 70 alumni, students and staff ran the Cardiff Half Marathon to raise money for Cardiff University research as part of #TeamCardiff. They’re aiming to raise £25,000 for neuroscience and mental health, and cancer research.

Recipes for Success: Veg drawer fritters

Posted on 25 September 2022 by Alumni team

Ross Clarke (MA 2014) studied Magazine Journalism and is now a food and travel writer for titles such as National Geographic Traveller and The Independent. He shares his super easy and tasty fritters recipe with the alumni community.

My flash mentoring experience – Esther Morris (BA 2018)

Posted on 22 September 2022 by Alumni team

In March, Esther Morris (BA 2018) a Senior Account Executive at Nelson Bostock Ultd, took part in our annual flash mentoring scheme for Cardiff’s alumnae - Womentoring. Esther was matched with fellow alumna Rebecca Harris (BA 2008), Senior Commercial Manager at The Walt Disney Company. Esther shares her experiences of the programme and the benefits she found from being matched with a mentor.

Running for mental health research – Gethin Bennett

Posted on 20 September 2022 by Alumni team

Gethin Bennett (LLB 2015, PgDip 2016) is running the Cardiff Half Marathon in October in memory of his father, who he lost to depression in 2007. Gethin caught the running bug whilst studying abroad in 2016 and has run the half marathon twice previously. He shares his tips for those thinking of getting into running as well as what he’s looking forward to on the day.

Completing my PgDip whilst living with Endometriosis – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 12 September 2022 by Alumni team

Nickie Broadbent (PgDip 2022) is a Neonatal Medicine graduate who was diagnosed with Endometriosis in 2014. She shares her experience of completing her degree during the pandemic whilst managing her condition, the benefits of remote learning, and her advice to others who may be experiencing Endometriosis.

Recipes for Success: Veggie Glamorgan sausages

Posted on 25 August 2022 by Alumni team

Rebecca Skelly (BA 2015) is the owner and chef director at the Fiery Celt, having previously worked as a marketing manager. Here, she shares her vegetarian-friendly Glamorgan sausage dish for our Recipes for Success series.

Recipes for Success: Traybake with cheesy croutons

Posted on 25 July 2022 by Alumni team

Jane Cook (BA 2008) is an award-winning food blogger, podcaster and PR consultant who studied English Literature. For our Recipes for Success series, Jane generously shares her wonderful cheesy recipe.

Cancer immunotherapy at Cardiff

Posted on 28 June 2022 by Alumni team

Cancer immunotherapy is a groundbreaking research area that aims to help the immune system to identify and target cancer cells. Cardiff University is expanding the potential of cancer immunotherapy through a combination of bioinformatics, laboratory research, clinical trials, and collaboration with institutions across Wales.

Recipes for Success: Mushroom and pea pilaf

Posted on 25 June 2022 by Alumni team

Beca Lyne-Pirkis (BMus 2004) is a writer, broadcaster and Great British Bake Off finalist. She likes getting creative with cooking and wanted to share this nice easy recipe for our Recipes for Success series.

Queen’s Birthday Honours – 2022

Posted on 22 June 2022 by Alumni team

Members of the Cardiff University alumni community have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.