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Queen Mary Alumni

Blog

Montage of alumni voices on our blog. Featured are the Singing Dentist, aka Dr Milad Shadrooh, Dilani Selvanathan, Siti Kasim and Matt Kay.

Our graduates have gone on to do a variety of interesting and exciting things throughout their careers and beyond.

Our blog shines a spotlight on the voices of our alumni and friends and on the transformative effect gifts of time and donations from alumni have had on our students and the wider University.

Photo of Hani Garabyare - she is holding the neck of her black rollneck jumper around the edges of her face and the photo has been taken against a black backdrop. Alumni profile - Hani Garabyare
29 November 2022

(Public Policy MSc, 2010)

Hani Garabyare was a child refugee who became the first Somali-American woman ever to work in the United States Senate and the first of two Somali-American women to receive a White House political appointment. In her alumni profile, Hani shares the lessons she’s learned through her personal and professional experiences and her advice to anyone pursuing higher education.

 

Selfie-style photo of Naila Barrett. She is standing in front of a hedge and is smiling. Alumni profile - Naila Barrett
12 January 2023

(English with Creative Writing BA, 2021)

My writing has changed astronomically. I came to Queen Mary with a want, but not much of a way. I had no idea how to write academically, let alone critically to a university standard! I was definitely a blank canvas. The support of many fabulous lecturers is a testament to the writer and person I am now.

 

Headshot of alumnus Syed Anjum Alumni Profile - Syed Anjum
19 September 2022

(Pharmacology and Innovative Therapeutics BSc, 2020)

My degree was essential in understanding terminology and concepts relating to medicines and the effect they have within clinical settings. In pharmacology we delved deep into clinical trials and their design, which has come in handy when speaking with doctors about safety and efficacy. 

 

Headshot of alumnus Moj Taylor Alumni profile - Moj Taylor
13 December 2019

(Hispanic Studies and Drama BA, 2008)

The main transferable skill I took away from my University experience was emotional intelligence: understanding and interacting with diversity of culture, religion, gender and creative ideas – not everyone is going to agree with you and that’s fine. I also liked being thrust into an environment where everything is questioned and where you were supported from day one to experiment with the person you wanted to be – personally and professionally. 

Alumni profile - Ayeesha Miah
6 January 2023

(Psychology BSc, 2019)

I love how diverse the topic of psychology is, from learning about child development to the evolution of our ancestors to the way the mind works. Every lecture was fascinating and there was always an abundance of knowledge to learn.

 

Photo of alumna, Caitlin O'Donnell. She is wearing a suit and is standing with one hand on her hip. She is smiling widely at the camera. Alumni profile - Caitlin O'Donnell
26 January 2023

(English Studies: Writing and Society 1700-1820 MA, 2012) 

This was the first time I studied literature within the context of a much larger movement that touched on all elements of society, history, religion, etc. I discovered that it’s through analyzing text that we understand the world, and therefore ourselves. 

 

Headshot of alumnus, Alex Barrow Alumni profile - Alex Barrow
24 February 2023

(International Relations BA, 2013)

My studies and career path have enabled me to grapple with issues concerning both nuclear weapons and peaceful nuclear technologies, and experience first-hand how global debates around proliferation, security, climate change and future technologies are all wrapped up together and need to be carefully navigated. 

 

Headshot of alumnus, Simon Nader. He is smiling and wearing a grey t-shirt. The photo is a studio style shot with a black background. Alumni profile - Simon Nader
28 February 2023

(English and Drama BA, 2000)

To this day, when speaking to my students I use Lois Weaver’s slogan, “if they don’t get it, that’s ok”, which is an absolute cornerstone of the way I approach work – and I’m very thankful for that. 

 

Headshot of alumna, Annie Mirza Alumni profile - Annie Mirza
6 March 2023

(Comparative Literature and Linguistics BA, 2013) 

Open discussions and problem solving were essential on both courses, and without the comfort of a learning environment to get involved in discussions and figure out a problem, I’d feel anxious to take the lead. But I’ve done this at university before, so in a job, it feels less daunting.

 

David Ajibade standing in a conservatory in front of plants Alumni profile - David Ajibade
10 May 2023

(Biomedical Science BSc, 2021)

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the generous alumni who have donated to support refugee and asylum seeker students. Your contributions have enabled students like me to pursue Higher Education and provided invaluable opportunities to overcome the challenges we faced during our formative years.” 
 

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