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Alumni

Alumni stories

Discover fascinating stories from our alumni community. Read about their impact and achievements, helping to shape the world and the lives of people around them.

Running for mental health research – Gethin Bennett

Running for mental health research – Gethin Bennett

20 September 2022

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

Completing my PgDip whilst living with Endometriosis – For Alumni, By Alumni

12 September 2022

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

Queen’s Birthday Honours – 2022

22 June 2022

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

Remembering Reesh – saying yes to life and running Cardiff Half Marathon

25 May 2022

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

From surgeon to tech CEO: why I pivoted my career to help save the NHS – For Alumni, By Alumni

20 April 2022

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)

Meet the Volunteer – Audrey Long (BSc 1987)

15 March 2022

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

How we can eat our way to a healthier planet – For Alumni, By Alumni

15 March 2022

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

Improving prostate cancer diagnosis with a simple blood test

10 March 2022

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

Polycystic ovary syndrome and the importance of endocrine research

16 February 2022

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

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

15 February 2022

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.