Alumni Stories

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.

Polycystic ovary syndrome and the importance of endocrine research

Posted on 16 February 2022 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Professor Aled Rees (MBBCh 1993, PhD 2002) has dedicated his life to endocrinology – one of the lesser-known areas of research that impacts us all. Here he explains what endocrinology is, why it’s important, and how his research looks at the long-term health conditions associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Let’s talk about global polarisation: For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 15 February 2022 by Alumni team

Alexandra Chesterfield (BA 2003 and PGDip 2004) applies behavioural science to her work, to improve outcomes for individuals, organisations and societies. She works as the Head of Behavioural Risk at a successful bank and teaches as a guest lecturer at Jesus College Cambridge. Alexandra’s new podcast, Changed My Mind, and her book, Poles Apart, both examine and address the increasing polarisation occurring across the globe. Here she explains why this is such an important topic, and why now more than ever, is the time to talk about it.

Cardiff Half Marathon: A perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day

Posted on 15 February 2022 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Kate Morgan (BA 2017, MA 2020) is running her first half marathon in March 2022 to raise money for Cardiff’s Neuroscience and Mental Health research. It’s not been the easiest time to train, and Kate explains what motivates her and how she’s done her best to stay on target throughout lockdowns, restrictions and delays.

From midwife to radio presenter – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 24 January 2022 by Alumni team

Lizzie Romain (BMid 2014) is a midwife at a private maternity hospital in London, but she’s always battled to balance her midwifery career with her more creative side. Just before lockdown in March 2020, she joined her local community radio station in West London and is taking the leap in 2022 and transitioning into a full-time career in broadcast.

Cardiff community recognised in New Year’s Honours 2022

Posted on 17 January 2022 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for 2022 recognises the outstanding achievements of many members of the Cardiff University community.

Lockdown runner takes on first half marathon

Posted on 29 November 2021 by Alumni team

Mark Woolner (BScEcon 1995) took up running during the first UK lockdown and is returning to Cardiff nearly 30 years after graduating, to take on Cardiff Half Marathon in 2022. He shares his motivation, inspiration and what he’s looking forward to on race day.

Exploring the connection between bipolar disorder, psychosis and childbirth

Posted on 29 November 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Professor Ian Jones (MSc 1997) is an Hon. Consultant Psychiatrist and a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the National Centre for Mental Health (NCMH) at Cardiff University. His research focuses on bipolar disorder and episodes of postpartum psychosis in bipolar women. Here he explains what bipolar is, how it affects individuals, and why women are more likely to be admitted to hospital after childbirth than at any other time in their lives.

Inspiring the next generation of scientists – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 23 November 2021 by Alumni team

Wendy Sadler MBE (BSc 1994) is the founding Director of science made simple – an award-winning social enterprise that offers science shows to schools and families to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers. Currently Senior Lecturer in the School of Physics and Astronomy, throughout the pandemic, Wendy has been working on a project called ‘Our Space Our Future’ which aims to increase the number of young people choosing careers in the space industry.