Cardiff Connect

Flash mentoring – empowering the next generation of Cardiff alumnae

Posted on 3 December 2021 by Alumni team

Joanna Dougherty (BScEcon 2017) took part in our WoMentoring flash mentoring scheme - short-term mentoring for female graduates from successful alumnae. Our WoMentors provide guidance and support, helping to inspire and empower the next generation of Cardiff alumnae.

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.

Finding your way in the world of freelancing – Bossing It

Posted on 23 November 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Taking the leap to become a freelancer can be daunting, maybe even downright terrifying. If you’re ready to take the plunge but don’t know where to start, we’ve got you covered with this guide of top tips from Cardiff University’s alumni community.

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.

Meet the new Head of the Welsh School of Architecture

Posted on 26 October 2021 by Alumni team

In August 2021, Dr Juliet Davis became the Head of the Welsh School of Architecture following nearly ten years at the School. Several months into her new role, Professor Davis shares what led her to Cardiff, her priorities as Head of School, and her ambitions for the future.

Gwrych Castle: the story behind the new location for I’m a Celebrity

Posted on 26 October 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Mark Baker (MA 2008, PhD 2014) discovered the beauty and complexity of Gwyrch Castle at the age of 11 and has devoted much of his life to protecting and restoring it, as well as publishing his first book about it at the age of 13. Mark describes how the castle not only caught his imagination, but also the eye of ITV producers of I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here.

The value of a degree in humanities – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 20 October 2021 by Alumni team

Tim Edwards (BA 2005, MA 2007) is currently the Chief Marketing Officer at QS Quacquarelli Symonds, but his career path was far from pre-determined and he had no idea what he wanted to do when he first stepped onto campus as a religion and theology student. He explains how studying a humanities degree opened him up to a wealth of new experiences, a successful career, and life-long confidence in the skills he learned at Cardiff University.

Coming back to Cardiff to help build its future

Posted on 28 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

James Kelly (MEng 2017) is an engineering alumnus who went from studying within the University walls, to building brand new ones as a construction manager. He came back between 2019 and 2021 to help construct ‘Abacws’, the new computer science and informatics, and mathematics building. His return to campus was one full of pride, excitement, and challenges.

Starting a podcast: top tips from the pros – Bossing It

Posted on 21 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Podcasting is everywhere these days, with individuals and businesses alike creating audio edibles for listeners to eat up while on their commute, daily walk, or doing chores. Cardiff University alumni have (of course) jumped straight in, setting up their own successful podcasts and sharing what they’re passionate about with the world. How did they do it? Well, we picked their brains to find out...

Meet the Researcher – Oliver Scourfield (BSc 2018, MSc 2020)

Posted on 16 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Oliver Scourfield (BSc 2018, MSc 2020) is a research assistant in the Gallimore/Godkin lab in Cardiff University’s School of Medicine. His research focuses on malignant mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lungs, generally caused by asbestos exposure, which in the majority of cases proves fatal.

Insight placements: an easy win for any business

Posted on 9 September 2021 by Alumni team

Beth Addison (BSc 2019) took part in a Cardiff University Insight with Microsoft, and after just one week discovered a desire to work in the field of tech. She was guided through the organisation by Microsoft’s Higher Education Lead and Cardiff University alumnus, Elliot Howells (BSc 2016), and she’s now two years into her role as an Azure Solutions Specialist for Retail, Hospital and Travel with Microsoft.

£10k bursary in memory of fallen Second World War airman, to support future students

Posted on 7 September 2021 by Alumni team

Donald Philip Glynn Miller (BSc 1940) graduated as a Bachelor of Science in mining engineering from the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, a founding college of Cardiff University.

The Syrian refugee fundraising to give something back

Posted on 6 September 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Naser Sakka (MSc 2019) arrived in the UK in 2015 as a refugee from Syria. Since then, he has made it his mission to do whatever he can to give back to the community that helped him rebuild his life. As well as volunteering with the Welsh Refugee Council and helping local businesses during the pandemic, in 2019 he ran Cardiff Half Marathon, raising money for Cardiff University’s cancer research.

Abacws: A new home for the Schools of Mathematics, and Computer Science and Informatics

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Alumni team

Due for completion this autumn the new ‘Abacws’ building will bring together the School of Computer Science and Informatics and the School of Mathematics into one world-leading facility. This six-storey building has been designed in collaboration with students and academic staff to create interdisciplinary, flexible, and creative workspaces, with innovative teaching areas.

Empowering rural communities through palliative education – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 18 August 2021 by Alumni team

Dr Abhijit Dam (MSc 2014) is the Hon. Medical Director at Kosish, the first rural hospice in India since 2005. He pioneered developments in palliative care and created a course for young women in rural communities, teaching them to provide palliative care for the elderly and terminally ill.

The Syrian refugee helping Welsh businesses thrive online

Posted on 23 July 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Naser Sakka (MSc 2019) is a resilient family man who arrived in the UK in 2015 as a refugee from war-torn Syria. He fell in love with Wales and, after completing a course created for refugees at Cardiff University, went on to gain his masters and started a social enterprise which has helped local businesses, particularly during the pandemic.

Life lessons from Leonardo da Vinci – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 14 July 2021 by Alumni team

Rose Sgueglia (BA 2008, PGDip 2009) is a writer, journalist and marketing consultant based in Cardiff. She founded Miss Squiggles, a digital magazine and content agency and her work has been published in GQ, La Repubblica, Yahoo and WI Life. Here she describes the unexpected life lessons she learned from a man who lived over 500 years ago.

Examined Life: Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL (LLB 1983)

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Anna Garton

Agnes Xavier-Phillips JP DL (LLB 1983) is a woman who’s not afraid to say yes to an opportunity. During her career she’s worked as a teacher, nurse, lawyer, and now volunteers her time and expertise to support a range of organisations.

Why being a School Governor is so rewarding – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 23 June 2021 by Alumni team

When Richard Ayling (BA 1968) retired from the business world, he still wanted to put his skills and experience to good use and discover a new way to contribute to society. Here, he describes the challenging and highly rewarding path he found himself on after applying to be a School Governor.