Alumni Stories

King’s Counsel alumna returns to Cardiff to inspire next generation

Posted on 17 March 2023 by Anna Garton

Nneka Akudolu (LLB 2001, PgDip 2002) was sworn in as a King’s Counsel in 2022, joining a select group of law practitioners appointed by the monarch. As a KC specialising in criminal law, Nneka works on the most serious cases that are dealt with in the Crown and Appellate courts, and is one of only seven Black female KCs in the UK.

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.

Meet the Researcher – Dr Huw Morgan

Posted on 14 March 2023 by Anna Garton

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world with thousands of new cases diagnosed every year. Dr Huw Morgan (BSc 2012, PhD 2018) is looking at how stem cells behave around cancer cells, with the aim of developing simpler, and less invasive treatments for skin cancer.

Bursaries’ positive impact on student experience – Thomas Hill

Posted on 8 March 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Thomas Hill (Accounting and Finance 2022-) is a recipient of the ICAEW Foundation student bursary. In this account, Thomas tells us about growing up in Rhondda, and how bursaries such as this have helped not just him, but countless other students at Cardiff University who require additional financial support.

Supporting life-changing cancer research – Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022)

Posted on 8 March 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Mollie Lewis (BSc 2022) is running the Cardiff Half Marathon in October to help raise funds for the life-changing cancer research carried out at Cardiff University. As it’s her first time running a half marathon, Mollie shares her insights on getting into running as well as the amazing support she has received from family, friends and #TeamCardiff.

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.

Events internship inspires future career – Rosy Turner (BSc 2021)

Posted on 20 February 2023 by Jordan Curtis

In summer 2021, Rosy Turner (BSc 2021) completed a paid internship with Green Man Festival through Cardiff University’s long-running partnership programme. Rosy explains what she gained from the placement and how it’s helped her on the path to her perfect career.

Gair Rhydd – Celebrating 50 years

Posted on 27 October 2022 by Jordan Curtis

Gair Rhydd celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. From writing articles on typewriters and pinning them to layout boards for print, to publishing the paper online seamlessly, Gair Rhydd has been through many changes since its first edition on 3 October 1972.

Cardiff alumni represent Wales at Rugby World Cup

Posted on 26 October 2022 by Jordan Curtis

With the Rugby World Cup underway in New Zealand, Wales kicked off their campaign with a closely fought 18-15 win over Scotland. This year holds major significance as for the first time, a number of the team have gone into the tournament with professional contracts.

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.

#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.

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.

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.

Remembering Reesh – saying yes to life and running Cardiff Half Marathon

Posted on 25 May 2022 by Laura Stephenson

Laura Stephenson (BA 2008) has signed up to run Cardiff Half Marathon in October in memory of her friend Areesha. She’s raising money for Cardiff University’s cancer research and was inspired by her friend’s strength in the face of a devastating diagnosis, and ‘say yes to everything’ attitude.

From surgeon to tech CEO: why I pivoted my career to help save the NHS – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 20 April 2022 by Alumni team

Dr Owain Rhys Hughes (MBBCh 2005) is an ENT surgeon and successful healthtech entrepreneur, whose initiative Cinapsis is helping tackle the current NHS backlog crisis and reduce burnout across the healthcare workforce. He shares his experience of pivoting a career, the importance of collaboration and how making real change is possible.

Meet the Volunteer – Audrey Long (BSc 1987)

Posted on 15 March 2022 by Alumni team

Audrey Long (BSc 1987), has more than 25 years of professional experience in life science marketing and business development across the world, and has just started her second year as a mentor for Cardiff’s Womentoring programme, offering her advice and support to early-career female graduates.

How we can eat our way to a healthier planet – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 15 March 2022 by Alumni team

Steve Garret (MSc 2009) is the Founder of Riverside Real Food, weekly food markets that promote fresh, sustainable and local food. Steve is a passionate food activist and an award-winning social entrepreneur. Here, he explains why it’s important to eat locally and the benefits of shopping at local farmers’ markets.

Improving prostate cancer diagnosis with a simple blood test

Posted on 10 March 2022 by Anna Garton

Professor Aled Clayton (BSc 1993, PhD 1997) is based in Cardiff University’s School of Medicine and the Wales Cancer Research Centre. His research team, the Tissue Microenvironment Group, is a collection of dedicated and diverse researchers who aim to unlock vital information that will improve the way we diagnose and treat prostate cancer.