Alumni Spotlight Series
Inspirational Stories from UofG professionals
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.
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.
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
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
