Cardiff Connect

Why I joined a start-up (and why you should too) – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 13 May 2021 by Alumni team

Alex Moir (BA 2018) is a marketing executive who, after graduating and working in bars in London to make ends meet, landed his dream job by taking a chance on a start-up company. Here he explains why he thinks start-ups can be a great way to get your career going.

10 tips to put the fun back in fundraising

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

COVID-19 rules across many parts of the UK and the world are changing. Many of us are starting to venture out into the world of doing stuff and, to help get you going, we’ve got some simple (and easy) fundraising ideas.

Sign up for #5kMay

Posted on 29 April 2021 by Anna Garton

This month, the creators of the 5k lockdown challenge, Run For Heroes, have launched a new virtual running event, #5kMay. Find out how to support Cardiff University research by participating in your own 5k this May.

Meet the new Head of the School of Engineering

Posted on 28 April 2021 by Anna Garton

After twelve years at the School of Engineering, Professor Jianzhong Wu was appointed Head of the School in September 2020, amid the pandemic. We spoke to him about leading the School through these challenging times, his priorities, and ambitions for the future.

Sisters in business – a force to bee reckoned with

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

Sisters Gillian Nimmo (BSc 1985) and Jane Nimmo (BSc 1986) studied the same course at Cardiff University over 30 years ago and recently teamed up to run a small eco-friendly business called Let It Bee, selling sustainable skincare products, soaps and other hive products. They work straight out of their kitchens, with the help of thousands of buzzing bees.

Restoring Kenyan Coastal Forests – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 16 April 2021 by Alumni team

A group of Cardiff alumni have started their own charity called the Little Environmental Action Foundation. Freddie Harvey Williams (BSc 2014) writes about his journey towards conservation and working with his friends from Cardiff.

Examined Life: Dr Darren Freebury-Jones (BA 2010, MA 2012, PhD 2016)

Posted on 16 April 2021 by Alumni team

Dr Darren Freebury-Jones (BA 2010, MA 2012, PhD 2016) is a triple Cardiff alumnus and a popular Shakespeare lecturer in Stratford-upon-Avon. His passion has led to some surprising discoveries about the world of literature. He explains why he chose to dedicate himself to the Bard, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

New Welsh Language Strategy launched

Posted on 25 March 2021 by Alumni team

The University has recently launched a new Welsh Language Strategy which will focus on celebrating, championing and connecting with the Welsh language across all aspects of University life. The strategy gives a clear and defined cultural and community agenda, designed to complement and actively contribute to the University’s overarching research, teaching and international ambitions.

Brewing up a storm: Sarah John is Bossing It

Posted on 25 March 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Sarah John (BA 2011), founder and director of Boss Brewing, is a woman on a mission to achieve her goals and break barriers along the way. Here, she describes a rollercoaster ride of business successes, battling corporate giants, bringing her newborn to meetings, and generally shaking up the status quo.

New Head of School of Dentistry

Posted on 25 March 2021 by Anna Garton

After seven months in post as the new Head of the School for the School of Dentistry, we spoke to Professor Nicola Innes about how she has found the role, her priorities and her hopes for the future.

Networking to build a successful business – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 24 March 2021 by Alumni team

Cheryl Luzet (BA 1999), is founder and CEO of digital marketing agency Wagada, whose team help companies across the globe grow and generate leads. She’s been named one of the UK’s 100 most inspirational female entrepreneurs by Small Business Britain. Here, Cheryl shares her top tips for networking for when in-person events return.

Why 2020 was a defining moment for epidemiologists

Posted on 17 March 2021 by Alumni team

Adetoun Mustapha’s (MPH 1999) professional and personal life in Nigeria went into overdrive when COVID-19 hit. She found herself in a position to help instigate real change and combat fake news around public health. Here, she describes her experience of navigating a new way of working and living, studying the spread of COVID-19, and speaking out about environmental justice issues.

Womentoring ‘21 – Cardiff University alumnae supporting Cardiff University alumnae

Posted on 15 March 2021 by Anna Garton

This March, to celebrate Women’s History Month we’re holding our first flash-mentoring event, Womentoring '21.

One family’s history of female empowerment

Posted on 12 March 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

In 1898, Cardiff University offered an opportunity to a young woman that had a huge impact not only on her, but on the women in her family who followed in her footsteps. On this International Women’s Day, we talk to Cassie’s granddaughters about the importance of education for female empowerment.

COVID-19 and cancer: Understanding attitudes and breaking barriers

Posted on 9 March 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Harriet Quinn-Scoggins (PhD 2019) is a medical anthropologist who focuses on cancer research. Once part of the Future Leaders in Cancer Research (FLiCR) programme, she is now involved in the COVID-19 cancer attitudes and behaviours study. Here she explains why an anthropological approach is important, and how this research can improve early cancer diagnosis.

Meet the Volunteer – Glyn Lloyd

Posted on 26 February 2021 by Anna Garton

Glyn Lloyd (PhD 2008, PGDip 2007, MSc 2003, LLB 2002) is Partner and Founder of Cardiff-based Newfields Law, a firm which specialises in immigration law. Having volunteered as student, Glyn has continued to do so as an alumnus, sharing his experience and expertise to help support students realise their potential, regardless of their background.

Celebrating Wales and supporting musicians in the face of COVID-19

Posted on 25 February 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Iestyn Griffiths (BA 2016, MA 2018) describes his journey from being a music-mad child to co-directing a large-scale, digital concert for St David’s Day, celebrating and supporting Welsh musicians.

How my parent’s work ethic inspired me to succeed – For Alumni, By Alumni

Posted on 18 February 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Jackie Yip (BA 2018) has traveled the globe and emersed herself in every opportunity that has come her way. Using the work ethic her parents instilled in her and the support offered at Cardiff University, Jackie filled a few short years with a lifetime’s worth of experiences.

7 alumni books to get you in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day

Posted on 11 February 2021 by Kate Morgan (BA 2017)

Valentine’s Day may look a little different this year and it’s unlikely we’ll see many grand, public displays of affection but don’t despair, you can still enjoy a bit of romance at home with these alumni authors. Curl up on the sofa, grab a hot cuppa, and indulge in some warm, fuzzy feelings with these exciting page-turners.

A generous start to the Chinese New Year

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

The British Branch of Western Returned Scholars Association has generously donated masks to Cardiff University in a heart-warming gesture of solidarity and support.