Cardiff Connect

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.

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.

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.

Taking a career break – Bossing It

Posted on 24 January 2023 by Emma Lewis (BA 2017)

Taking a career break is something many of us will do in our lives and it’s something to take pride in. There are many reasons for taking a career break - whether it’s to develop your professional skills, take time out to spend with family, or simply to seize new experiences. We spoke to some of our alumni community who have shared their advice on the benefits of a career break, and how to get the most from your time out.

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.

The start-up learning curve – Bossing It

Posted on 22 November 2022 by Emma Lewis (BA 2017)

Setting up a business from scratch can be challenging, so learning from your own journey as well as others can be crucial in ensuring your venture is a success. We spoke to some of our clued-up alumni who have shared their advice on getting your start-up off the ground.

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.

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.

Changing lanes in your career – Bossing It

Posted on 30 September 2022 by Emma Lewis (BA 2017)

Making a career change can be a daunting prospect, but also incredibly rewarding. We spoke to some of our alumni who have successfully taken a leap of faith to a totally new career path.

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.