Alumni Spotlight Series

Inspirational Stories from UofG professionals

Lady Rampant

Lady Rampant is a law graduate and Policy and Campaigns Officer at the Equality Network. She is also Glasgow' best political drag queen, combining her two passions to spread awareness, joy, and laughter in what can be a bleak political landscape. As a student, getting creative for halloween sparked a 10 year journey through drag, to become a household name in drag across Glasgow and Scotland as the 'camp, glamourous, political, and above all else Scottish Lady Rampant.' We speak with Lady Rampant about her work both in drag and as a policy and campaigns officer, and how the path to your dream job isn't always obvious.

Ken McCallum

Ken McCallum (Mathematics BSc 1996) is the Director General of MI5. Over his 20+ years career he has been responsible for keeping the country safe across key events in UK history, including the London Olympic Games and Glasgow Commonwealth Games. In this spotlight, we discuss early career drivers, from sporting leadership at University, to the political landscape he found himself graduating in. We learn what motivates him through an undoubtedly difficult role, and find out what kind of person you need to be to work at MI5 (spoiler: it might not be what you think!)

Ken gave the 2023 Bowman Lecture titled: Maths and MI5: The calculations that keep the country safe. Watch the full lecture here.

Easha Singh

Easha Singh (MBA 2023) is a cyber claims adjuster at Aviva. In this episode, follow Easha through her journey from a prospective student deciding which University to undertake her MBA in, right through to her current career working in an industry she loves in a city she calls her second home. As someone who already had professional experience before completing the MBA, Easha explains how the course propelled her career and provided exciting, real-world opportunities to grow and work as a team - ultimately preparing her for the fast-paced and diverse career she's in today in cyber insurance. 

Helly Shah

Helly Shah (MSc 2022) is an Operations Analyst at Morgan Stanley. Choosing to come to Glasgow from India to study and work is what Helly describes as one of the best decisions she's ever made. Fully embracing the culture and diversity in Glasgow, Helly encourages anyone who's thinking about studying abroad to just do it. Reflecting on her experience as a student, one of the best things about her course was the attention to real-life working: 'You don't just learn, you experience'. Now Helly is working for a company she loves - and making the most of Glasgow's thriving cafe scene!

Dr Punam Krishan

NHS GP, broadcaster, author, mum, and Strictly star - how does she do it? In this episode, hear from UofG's very own dancing queen, Dr Punam Krishan. Themes discussed include balancing a diverse and busy career, the excitement of being on TV, family aspirations and motivations to become a doctor, her drive to help the community, why it's so important to stop the spread of misinformation online, and her favourite memories of studying at UofG. 

Beth Gohl-Greenaway

Beth Gohl-Greenaway (MLitt Dress and Textile Histories 2013) is the Strategy Director for VBC (Value Based Consulting) in Berlin, Germany. In this episode, we learn the path that took Beth from her Masters in Glasgow, to working in the fashion industry, to guiding businesses in sustainable fashion in Berlin. Beth shares her vision for the future of fashion. Spoiler alert: It's the next generation who'll lead the charge. Want to know how you can get involved? Watch on!

 

Ben Dotsei Malor

We travelled to NYC to meet Ben at the United Nations, where he works as Chief Editor at UN News. As an IT graduate from UofG, Ben's pathway into media originated in his student accommodation on Hillhead St, where for the first time his passion for radio became a reality for his career. He progressed quickly, working across radio and media at the BBC before moving to NYC to join the United Nations. Managing a team of languages, Ben and his team act as the voice of the UN, covering many of the worlds's challenges today. Learn what qualities make a great journalist, and the value of 'solutions journalism' in impactful reporting.

Chris Thomson

Chris Thomson (MA Sociology, 2005) is the Head of Scottish Government, USA. During a trip to America for our Burns events, we caught up with Chris in his office, located within the British Embassy in Washington, DC. In this advice packed episode, we discuss the path that led him from 'scared 17-year-old' to international diplomat, and the value he takes from his work as civil servant. Chris shares his tips for building confidence, the soft skills that are invaluable in diplomacy, and the impact studying sociology has had on his career to date.

Katy Scott

Katy Scott (English Literature, 2020) is a journalist at BBC Scotland. The start of her UofG journey looked a lot different, intitially enrolling in physics before switching to English Literature to persue a lifetime passion of writing. Her episode examines the anxieties many of us feel when approaching the job market, but thankfully support and self-belief came through rich and successful involvement in student media: becoming Editor in Chief at the Glasgow Guardian, and Deputy Editor in Cheif at the Glasgow University Magazine (GUM). Her top tip for getting into Journalism? Be annoying!

Camilla Pia

Camilla Pia (French, 2003) is the Commissioning Executive at BBC Radio 6 Music. We spoke to Camilla at Wogan House in London to learn all about their path from studying French at UofG to navigating a successful and varied career in media. The first thing that came to mind when asked what it takes to make it in the industry was passion. And if there's one thing that's abundantly clear in this interview, it's Camilla's passion for music.

A fantastic insight into the importance of student media, (shoutout to Subcity Radio and The Glasgow Guardian), and knowing where to speak up, show up, and get involved. Plus, a healthy dose of nostalgia for Glasgow's legendary music scene and iconic venues!

Professor Richard Smith

Professor Richard Smith (MD 1982), is a Consultant Gynaecological Surgeon and Professor of Practise. In this spotlight, we speak to Richard in his family home on the Island of Bute. He studied medicine at Glasgow, returned to complete his MD in 1992, and returned again to complete his Higher Doctorate, so it's safe to say he is a firm believer in studying at Glasgow. We spoke about his somewhat unusual path into gynecology, and learn what it takes to perform the UK's first womb transplant. Richard reflects on his time spent at University, and the warmth and camaraderie that comes with it. A heartwarming episode through and through!

Lyle McAdam

Lyle McAdam (Media, communications and International Journalism, MSc 2020) is Head of Communications at Positive +1. In this spotlight, Lyle shares a wealth of advice and tips for getting your foot in the door of a media or comms role, and showcases the many paths you can take to do so. He recounts his particular ambition to study his Master's degree at UofG: what drew him to the course and how it aligned with his wider career ambitions. In his role of Head of Communications at Positive Plus +1, a new app set to empower the HIV community like never before, Lyle explain how skills such as consistency and perseverance can be invaluable when throwing yourself head-first into a new field. 

Tiffany Vong

Alumna Tiffany Vong (Historically Informed Performance Practice, 2018) is an organist, harpsichordist, and choral conductor. She conducts for various musical groups across Glasgow, including the UofG Choral Society, and is the Organist and Director of Music at Jordanhill Parish Church.

We caught up with Tiffany to discuss her unique specialism, the importance of representation for women in conducting, her advice for those looking to break into music, and the value of community practice.

Mark Johnston

Mark Johnston (BVMS 1983) is Britain's most successful Flat Horse Racing Trainer of all time. Before setting up Johnston Racing in 1987, which today boasts over 5,000 wins, Mark qualified as a vet while studying at the University of Glasgow. Today, he runs one of Britain's most successful racehorse training yards, which he shares with his son Charlie. In the spotlight, we take a trip down memory lane as Mark recounts his early education, career, and favourite memories of Glasgow. We learn the (simple) secret to his success, what makes the Vet alumni community unique, and why he chooses to support his Alma Mater.

David Zuo

David Zuo (MA 2018) is a product manager at Epic Games. His passion for gaming started from a young age, but it wasn't until taking an introductory gaming module in Glasgow that he first considered it as a career. As product manager for Fall Guys, David saw 50 million players in the first two weeks, making it one of the most successful game launches in history. In 2023, he was named in the Forbes 30 under 30 list. In this spotlight, we discuss the role that Dr Who played in David's decision to come to Glasgow, how his ambitions changed, and the path that shaped his career to date. David shares his top tips for making it in the industry, and shares some of his favourite memories from studying at Glasgow.

Neah Evans

Neah Evans (BVMS) is professional racing cyclist, Olympian, and world champion. In her specialism of track endurance, she has represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games, European Championships and World Championships, and Scotland at the Commonwealth Games. In her spotlight, Neah shares the unique path that led her from vet student to professional cyclist, her proudest achievements to date, and why it's so important to give things a chance.

Kirsty Hassard

Kirsty Hassard (MA 2010, MLitt 2014) is a curator at V&A Dundee. She is the co-curator of Tartan, a celebratory exhibition that explores the legacy of Scotland's iconic threads. In this spotlight, Kirsty shares the creative and logistic process that goes into curating s large-scale exhibition, the key learnings from both her undergrad in History and Masters in Dress and Textile Histories at UofG, and her advice for those looking to enter the museums industry. 

Dr Owase Jeelani

Dr Owase Jeelani (MPhil 2005) is a World-renowned Paediatric Neurosurgeon, inventor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. In this spotlight episode, hear the somewhat unconventional motivation that led Dr Jeelani to undertake his masters in medical law at the University of Glasgow. Learn what motivates him to keep learning, and the events that led him to founding the charity Gemini Untwined. Owase shares his thoughts on what has led to success, and invites you to do the same.

Kimmy Sim

Kimmy Sim took a sweet leap of faith when she left her corporate job to run a local bakery in Singapore which specialises in an old-school snack: Tau Sar Piah. In this #AlumniSpotlight, learn the motivations that led Kimmy to take this risk, and the transferable skills a University of Glasgow MBA provides.

Rakasree Basu

Rakasree Basu (MSc 2022) is a founder (Frames Per Second Films) and producer, who specialises in Indian co-productions, often with Nordic countries. She is a Creative Industries and Cultural Policy alumna, British Council Creative Economies Scholar, and India-UK Arts Advocacy Ambassador.

Brian McBride

Brian McBride is the former Amazon UK CEO and new president of the Confederation of British Industry. He is Chairman at The Trainline PLC and NED at Abrdn (Standard Life Aberdeen). He is also Lead Non-Executive Director on the Board of the UK’s Ministry of Defence, a UK Government appointment. He is also a Senior Adviser with Scottish Equity Partners.

Ben Mervis

Ben Mervis is a respected food historian, researcher, and author. After graduating, he moved to Copenhagen and worked at 3 Michelin Star Restaurant Noma. He was worked as a contributor and researcher on Netflix's Chef's Table, and is founder of magazine Fare which he started in 2017. In 2022, he released his first book, 'The British Cookbook', authentic home cooking recipes from England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Robin McKie

Robin McKie is is an award-winning journalist and author who is currently Science & Environment Editor of The Observer. He held the role of editor at the Glasgow University Guardian in the 1971-72 academic year, and counts his days working on the paper some of the happiest in his life. 

Euan Ashley

Dr Euan Ashley is Professor of medicine and genetics & associate dean at Stanford University, where his group is focused on the science of precision medicine. In 2010, he led the team that carried out the first clinical interpretation of the human genome. He is cofounder of three companies, and in 2021 released his first book 'The Genome Odyssey — Medical Mysteries and the Incredible Quest to Solve Them. Dr Ashley and his team are also the World Record Holders for the fastest genome sequencing.

Jason Leitch

Jason Leitch is Scotland's National Clinical Direct the Scottish Government. In 2020 he burst onto the public scene when he played a key role in communicating public health messages to the country throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. He has become one of the most familiar faces on Scottish television screens over the past two years, thanks to his ability to convert complicated scientific information into a clear and understandable form for the general public.

Raphaëlle Berger

Director of Discovery Chemistry at Merck & Co