Cardiff Connect

Celebrating Volunteers’ Week 2023

Posted on 26 May 2023 by Emma Lewis (BA 2017)

Volunteers' Week is an annual celebration taking place between 1-7 June of the contribution millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities. Each year, our incredible […]

The importance of alumni volunteering – CAUKIN Studio

Posted on 26 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

In 2015, Joshua Peasley (MArch 2018), Harry Thorpe (MArch 2018) and Harrison Marshall (MArch 2018) founded CAUKIN Studio. The aim? To empower global communities through sustainable design and architecture, whilst educating and upskilling local communities around the world.

Founding Cardiff University’s first Alumni Chapter – Gabriel Yomi Dabiri

Posted on 25 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Cardiff University officially launched its New York Alumni Chapter in April 2023, with the goal of making better connections in its global community. Gabriel Yomi Dabiri (LLB 2008), co-founder and co-chair of the chapter, talks about the event and his memories of Cardiff.

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.

Alum raises more than £5,000 following niece’s diagnosis with a rare condition

Posted on 3 May 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Alum Gavin Jewkes (BA 2011, PgDip 2012) has set himself the challenge of running Hackney Half Marathon next month, to raise money for research into a rare condition that his baby niece was diagnosed with last year.

Women in leadership – Bossing It

Posted on 28 April 2023 by Emma Lewis (BA 2017)

We recently spoke to some of our successful women leaders from the Cardiff University alumni community. They shared a piece of advice they would give to their younger self in the latest edition of our Bossing It series.

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.

Investing in the next generation of female founders in Wales

Posted on 31 March 2023 by Jordan Curtis

Women Angels of Wales (WAW) is a newly launched, female-led angel investment syndicate, supported and facilitated by the Development Bank of Wales. Co-founder Jill Jones (MSc 2020, Business Studies 2019-) and fellow member Helen Molyneux (LLB 1987) told us about their plans for WAW and the inspiration behind the project.

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.