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## GRADE TEESEIDE 2023/2024

RHIANNON

HILES

PRESERVING THE

REGION'S HERITAGE

Teesside University

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## CONTENTS

## 32 SUPPORTING THE NHS

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## 28 MEET RHIANNON HILES


<table border=1 style='margin: auto; word-wrap: break-word;'><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>WELCOME</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>4</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>CALLING ALL TEESSIDE ALUMNI</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>5</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>6-7</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>GRADUATION NEWS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>8-9</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>NEW LONDON CAMPUS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>10-11</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>MAKING HISTORY</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>12</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>PRIME MINISTER VISITS NHC</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>13</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>UNIVERSITY NEWS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>14-16</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>ALUMNI NEWS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>17-19</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>BIG BITE CREATIVE</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>20-23</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>24-25</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>NATIONAL HORIZONS CENTRE</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>26-27</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>MEET RHIANNON HILES</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>28-31</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>SUPPORTING THE NHS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>32-33</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>BOOKING THE TREND</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>34-35</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>AUTHOR NEWS</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>36-37</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>NET ZERO</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>38-39</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>GRADUATES PAY IT FORWARD</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>40-41</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>DIGITAL LIFE</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>42-43</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>DELIVERING REAL IMPACT</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>44</td></tr><tr><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>CLASS NOTES</td><td style='text-align: center; word-wrap: break-word;'>48-50</td></tr></table>

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# WELCOME

I am delighted to be able to share this inspiring collection of stories celebrating another impressive year across the Teesside University community.

From protecting the North East’s heritage to establishing world leading businesses, our graduates are a continuous source of pride and inspiration, delivering real change across the globe.

It is always fascinating to learn about the achievements of our alumni, and I know these pages represent only a snapshot of the impact that you are having.

Personally, I am extremely pleased to see so many of our former students choosing to give back to Teesside University and support the next generation of graduates to make their mark on the world.

Our portfolio of scholarships continues to expand, and we are supporting more students than ever to access a University education, whatever their background.

As a University which recognises the transformative impact of education on people and communities, our ambition is to continue to grow our Teesside Transformation Fund in the year ahead.

We will seek to expand our support across research, community impact, and capital projects, as well as our vital scholarships programmes. In doing so, we hope to enable more people to challenge expectations and push the boundaries of what is possible.

At Teesside University we do not stand still, and this magazine details some of the exciting developments and projects which we are progressing to enhance our student and learning experience. As well as several new buildings across campus, we have also invested in an exciting new campus in London, which will allow our students and graduates greater access to the opportunities of the UK's capital.

We look forward to engaging further with our alumni community and corporate supporters in the future activities of these buildings.



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Professor Paul Croney, OBE

Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive

# CALLING ALL TEESSIDE ALUMNI

It is a pleasure to share this year's Graduate Magazine with our wonderful alumni community after another year of busy activity and expansion.

Here at Teesside, our campus continues to grow and thrive with the completion of our new Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and our state-of-the-art BIOS building, which will utilise digital technologies to enhance our teaching and learning in healthcare and biosciences. Plans are underway for our new Digital Life building too, which will provide a central hub for all of our fantastic expertise in games, animation and visual effects, giving us a vibrant new home for our events and outreach activities here in our local community. We were also thrilled to celebrate the launch of our new London campus at Here East in Stratford, which officially opened its doors to its first students this autumn and will give us an innovative new base down in the capital to grow our networks and to expand our engagement with industry.

I am pleased to share that our alumni team has grown too, and with it the expansion of our offering around volunteering, events and engagement activity. Our successful In Conversation series was a great example of this activity, bringing prominent graduates and supporters back to Teesside to share their expertise and insights with our alumni and wider community in an engaging series of events we will re-launch this year with an exciting new line-up. With a new menu of events and opportunities in the pipeline, there's never been a better time to re-engage and get involved in your alumni network, so I hope you'll stay in touch and keep your details up to date so we can welcome you back to one of these events very soon.

Following graduation in July – our biggest to date! – we were delighted to celebrate almost 6,000 new graduates crossing the stage and look forward to offering a more tangible portfolio of employability and engagement opportunities to this new cohort as we welcome them into our global community and support their next steps as they embark on their future careers.



## As we continue to build on the

recommendations shared in our alumni survey, I encourage our alumni community to stay in touch and to get involved in helping us to build something extraordinary across our global Teesside network. We’ve seen incredible impact this year from our graduates who have given back to the next generation, be that through their time, through mentoring and talks; through advocacy, via sharing success stories and promoting all things Teesside; or indeed through philanthropy and the provision of scholarship and bursary opportunities for those facing financial challenges in pursuing a university education. It is the entrepreneurialism and generosity of spirit that makes our Teesside community so special, and I look forward to engaging with more of you over the coming year through these exciting new activities and opportunities.

Thank you, as ever, for your interest and support. I look forward to another successful year building and celebrating our global community.

Lauren Bradshaw

Deputy Director,

Communications and Development

Alumni@tees.ac.uk

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## GRADUATION CELEBRATIONS IN FULL GLORY

This summer we celebrated

graduation, with nearly

6,000 students crossing the

stage to highlight their academic

achievement and to mark the

transition from students to alumni.

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A total of 15 ceremonies were held for five days in July,

honouring graduates who completed their courses from the

School of Arts & Creative Industries, School of Computing,

Engineering & Digital Technologies, School of Health & Life

Sciences, School of Social Sciences, Humanities & Law and

Teesside University International Business School.

The students were also joined by two honorary graduates,

renowned television presenter and architect George Clarke, who

received a Doctor of Arts, and a leading figure in the UK chemical

industry and former Teesside University governor, Paul Booth, CBE,

who received a Doctor of Engineering.



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GRADUATION 2023

じゃっぽ

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GRADUATETEESSIDE 7

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## GEORGE CLARKE DOCTOR OF ARTS

George Clarke is an award-winning architect, designer, and television presenter known for a range of successful TV series including Restoration Man and George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. He is also an ambassador for the Prince's Foundation as well as the homeless charity Shelter.

He founded his own education charity, ‘MOBIE’, which aims to inspire young people to create sustainable homes for their future and has engaged students at Teesside University in design challenges for a number of years.

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## PAUL BOOTH CBE DOCTOR OF ENGINEERING

Paul Booth, CBE, started his career as an apprentice with ICI, going on to lead a global career in the chemical industry at companies such as Huntsman Petrochemicals and SABIC UK. He has supported Teesside University over many years as both a Governor and Chair of the Board of Governors and continues to be a strong advocate for industry and education in Teesside.

He said: ‘The University is truly a world-class institution. I’m truly honoured to receive this award, especially from friends and colleagues. The vision and the strategy that the University has been developing and delivering over the last ten years is truly incredible.’

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GRADUATETEESSIDE 9

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SHARED MEMORIES

OF TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY GRADUATIONS

## DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR MYANMAR DUO

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Two students from Myanmar attended graduation as part of an international partnership with Teesside University. The pair completed the BA (Hons) International Business at Kaplan Myanmar University College in Southeast Asia.



Khin Yadana Su said: 'My experience of the academics was that they were all very supportive and patient. I really enjoyed too that we had a small cohort of

students. This was the first time I have visited the Teesside campus. It's a huge campus, and from what I have seen, there is a lot of facilities for students.

Khin La Yaung said: 'I really enjoyed completing my studies and wanted to travel to Teesside today to have the opportunity to attend a graduation ceremony.'

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A family tradition in the engineering industry is continuing thanks to Teesside University.

Danya Al-Hindawi, a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering graduate, was joined at her academic awards ceremony by her family, including her father Ibrahim, who is also a Teesside University graduate, and her brother Anas, who has just completed his first year of engineering studies.

Danya said: 'I have really enjoyed the degree; it's been amazing. I was always brought up with the belief that engineering is an inclusive field for everyone.

'It's the end of a chapter, but the beginning of a new world for me.'

Ibrahim said: 'I was delighted to witness Danya's graduation. I also enjoyed visiting the campus again, seeing its transformation, and reconnecting with the engineering faculty members I studied alongside during my own degree.'

## FROM STUDYING TOGETHER TO WORKING TOGETHER

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A mother and daughter duo enjoyed an extra special day as they graduated together from the same course.

Lesley Neal and her daughter Ellie, both from Darlington, completed their BSc (Hons) Paramedic Science studies.

Having worked for the ambulance service for years, Lesley returned to education to earn her degree. Ellie was inspired to join her mum in the healthcare sector and decided to pursue a career as a paramedic. Ellie said: ‘It’s a nice celebration, and getting all dressed up together was lovely. We got to enjoy double the celebrations.’



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# DOORS OPEN AT BRAND NEW LONDON CAMPUS

A new campus based in the creative heart of London is providing further opportunities for Teesside University students and alumni.

Offering courses in animation, gaming, computer science and business, the new campus is a leading-edge learning environment dedicated to collaboration and networking.

Based at Here East in Stratford, a vibrant innovation and technology campus that is part of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the University's London base provides the perfect environment for industry and academia to come together in a professional setting.

Teesside University London reinforces the University’s commitment to transform lives and economies and provide an outstanding student and learning experience.

The new campus – at the former media centre for the Olympic Village – provides students with access to and from major hubs across the capital and helps build on already thriving global networks.

It has brought new in-demand subjects to fresh markets, helping develop the skills for the workforce of tomorrow, while a flexible delivery model combines face-to-face and online learning. Learners study compressed hours on campus, usually two days a week.

Capitalising on the University's existing strengths in animation and games design, the new campus links the flourishing digital cluster of Middlesbrough directly with existing partners based in London.

Teesside University places great emphasis on engaging with employers and developing graduates who can make an impact in the workplace from the outset.



As a result, the London campus has been planned with co-design and co-delivery with industry and employers at the forefront, and the largely open-plan setting features a variety of different spaces facilitating serendipitous interaction and cooperation.

With impressive views across London, taking in landmarks such as The Shard, The Gherkin and Canary Wharf, Teesside University London also makes the most of its spectacular setting at the heart of the capital.

## Professor Craig Gaskell, Pro Vice

Chancellor (Enterprise and Knowledge Exchange) at Teesside University, said: ‘Teesside is an ambitious global university, and the new campus at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park means even more students and partners can engage with us, in and around London.

'Teesside University is committed to delivering an excellent student and learning experience and takes a proactive approach to developing student entrepreneurship and supporting students to realise and achieve their potential.'

'Teesside University London enhances our ability to engage directly with business and bring new opportunities for industry engagement for all of our students.'

Panos Ioannou [BA (Hons) 3D Computer Animation, 2005] the co-founder, director and head of production at LightField London, a London-based film and television studio, welcomed the expansion into the capital.



He said: 'The proximity of the London campus to London businesses is an enabler for people like myself, my company and others to help make graduates opportunity-ready, build relationships and keep both universities and businesses aligned through advising and collaborating to strengthen the industry community as a whole.'

Earlier this year, Teesside University London was announced as the first new member to join London Higher in 2023. London Higher is the membership organisation for universities and higher education colleges across the capital. Teesside University London joins the London Higher Centres Group, comprising 10 UK university centres located in the capital.

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☐

# Every day incredible things start

# CD

HereEast

hereeast.com

@HereEast



垚

WALKTHROUGH

MORE INFORMATION

回復

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RT. HON. THE BARONESS CHAPMAN OF DARLINGTON

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ADA BURNS

# MAKING HISTORY

Two new senior leaders at Teesside University are making history as the first women to be appointed to their positions.

Rt. Hon. The Baroness Chapman of

Darlington, the former MP for Darlington

and a leading figure within the Labour Party,

has been appointed as the University's new

Chancellor.



Ada Burns has taken over as the new chair of Teesside University's Board of Governors. Together, the pair will help drive forward the University's strategic ambitions.

Baroness Jenny Chapman was the member of parliament for her hometown of Darlington between 2010 and 2019, during which time she served on the Labour front benches as Shadow Minister for Prisons, Shadow Minister for Childcare and Early Years and Shadow Minister for Exiting the European Union.

In 2020, she was made a life peer and sits in the House of Lords as the Opposition Cabinet Spokesperson, as well as Shadow Minister of State at the Cabinet Office.

Baroness Chapman said: ‘Teesside University’s mission to raise aspirations among our young people and provide them with ambition, inspiration and opportunity aligns with the causes I have fought for throughout my political career. I am proud to join Team Teesside and am committed to doing all I can to help the University continue its remarkable work.’



Prior to joining Teesside University as a governor, Ada Burns was the first female chief executive in Darlington Borough Council’s 150-year history.

Originally from Ireland, Ada moved to the region in 2005 and has been a Teesside University Board member since 2019.

‘I’m very proud to be the chair of the Board of Governors,’ said Ada.

The Board plays an important role in agreeing where we are going as a university and makes sure we deliver on the mission that we have set.

'This institution transforms lives and is transforming economies in the Tees Valley, and globally.'

## GLOBAL AMBITION

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Dr Warren Harrison is Teesside's new Pro Vice-Chancellor (International).

Formerly the Dean of Teesside University International Business School, Dr Harrison succeeds Dr David Bell, who retired at the end of March.

# PRIME MINISTER HOSTED BY THE NHC

Teesside University's National Horizons Centre (NHC) hosted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as he unveiled plans to relieve pressure on the NHS.

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The NHC, which opened in 2019, is the University's £22.3m centre of excellence for the biosciences and healthcare sector.

Mr Sunak toured the facilities and met student nurses and paramedics from the University's School of Health & Life Sciences.

He also took time to hear about the industry-focused research taking place at the NHC – including the utilisation of ground-breaking technology to diagnose and detect cancer cells and the development of innovative medical diagnostic equipment – praising the commercial application of this work [See page 26].



During his visit, he outlined his Urgent and Emergency Care Plan, which included thousands more hospital beds, 800 new ambulances and the opening of ‘virtual wards’ which will see frail and elderly patients and those with respiratory conditions treated in the home. The use of video technology and wearable devices to monitor patients were central to the plans, with officials saying that up to 20% of hospital admissions are avoidable with the right care in place.

The plans link well with Teesside University’s strengths and ambitions around community-focused and integrated healthcare, as well as the use of innovative technologies and practices emanating from NHC research.



Professor Paul Croney, OBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, said: ‘We were delighted to have the opportunity to brief the Prime Minister about the groundbreaking research, partnerships and training that form the basis of this national centre of excellence.’

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## HAPPY INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS RANK TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY THE BEST

International students have ranked Teesside University number one in over 25 categories in a major global survey.

The autumn International Student Barometer (ISB) 2022 is a global survey which gathers feedback from international students across the world in a wide range of areas.

This year, almost 120,000 students were surveyed across 131 global universities. Teesside University ranked 1st out of 32 UK Universities and 2nd out of 131 global universities for overall happiness.

## FRIEND-LY FACE LAUNCHES NEW FOOTBALL ACADEMY

Boro fan favourite George Friend returned to Middlesbrough to launch the new Teesside University Football Academy.

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y no

Former Middlesbrough and current Bristol Rovers defender, George Friend attended Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium to launch the new Football Academy, which will develop the next generation of men's and women's footballing talent in the region and provide exciting opportunities for progression into semi-professional and professional careers.

The academy programme enables students to study in their preferred discipline, inside or outside of sport, while continuing to train and play at a high level in football.

George, who has established a scholarship at Teesside University, said: ‘The North East has a huge amount of talent, and it would be fantastic to see a greater pipeline of professional players coming from the Tees Valley as a result of this programme.’

## HONORARY 'DOGTORATE' FOR SPECIAL COLLEAGUE

Brengle the Therapy Dog received an honorary ‘dogtorate’ in recognition of the hugely positive impact he has had on his regular visits to the University campus.

The golden retriever visits the University weekly with his owner, Middlesbrough Salvation Army church leader Naomi Kelly, as part of the University's faith and reflection service.



Brengle’s ‘pawsome’ demeanour helps break the ice and encourages students to engage with the faith and reflection service, while his calm presence is reassuring in stressful situations. He has provided invaluable support to a cohort of students who had suffered a bereavement and is on hand for a warm cuddle for learners as they come out of exams.

Captain Kelly said: ‘A lot of people who come to see Brengle might start off from a place of stress, and by the time they leave, they’re laughing and joking and talking about how relaxed they feel. He shows unconditional love to everybody he meets. He loves getting cuddles and loves people chatting to him.’

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WATCH BRENGLE BEING PRESENTED WITH HIS 'DOGTORATE'

## HISTORIC CAMPUS BUILDING IS NEW POSTGRADUATE HUB

Teesside University students have collaborated with designers and architects to help create The Buttery, a new postgraduate space.

Once the dining hall of the former Victorian grammar school in Middlesbrough, the building has been given a new lease of life.



The £5m development on the Middlesbrough campus now provides a dedicated 24/7 space for postgraduate students and researchers to study, collaborate and socialise.

Marek Jaakson, Chief Financial Officer for Middlesbrough charity MAIN, who studied MSc Accounting and Finance as a mature student, said: 'Looking around the building, you can see our ideas have been taken on board by the architects. It's given us a chance to be a part of the University's history and help shape the experience for future generations.'

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# STUDENTS' DESIGN SHOWCASED ON NATIONAL TV

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Creative students have seen their design work showcased on a national television programme.

The interior design students transformed the interior of a caravan featured in an ITV series starring actors Robson Green and Jim Murray.



The students collaborated with ITV's Signpost Productions on the project, designing the interior of the tackle wagon which Robson and Jim use in the latest series of Robson and Jim's Fly Fishing Adventure. They designed and developed bespoke wall coverings, textiles and fish-themed furniture.

Robson visited the University to collect the completed vehicle. Impressed with the students' "incredible imaginations", he said: 'They got hold of this old, small, twee caravan and they've turned it into a mobile fishing lodge. It's a real character, which is what we wanted.'



## AWARD FOR LIFETIME OF NURSING EXCELLENCE

Denise Dye, lecturer in Community Nursing in the University's School of Health & Life Sciences, has received the title of Queen's Nurse from the Queen's Nursing Institute (QNI).

The QNI grants the honorary title of Queen's Nurse to community nurses who have demonstrated a high level of commitment to patient care and improving nursing practice as leaders and role models.

Denise started her nursing career as a cardiology nurse, before becoming a substance misuse nurse in a female prison. She became a community staff nurse and sister before qualifying as a SPQDN specialist practitioner in district nursing at Teesside University.

‘Being able to combine teaching with my knowledge from practice is a dream role,’ said Denise.

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# FROM SAUSAGE ROLLS TO ROCK 'N' ROLL

Nieve Morrison went from creating marketing plans for a national bakery chain during her degree to a new role which has already seen her working with international pop stars.

Nieve, 22, from Stockton, graduated this year with a first class BA (Hons) Marketing and is now a major events and project co-ordinator at Sunderland AFC.

In the first few months of her job, she was involved in the behind-the-scenes organisation of major music concerts by pop megastars Beyoncé and Pink.



During her degree at Teesside University International Business School, Nieve spent time on placement with Resolution Media and Publishing, where she worked as marketing officer for the Power of Women (POW) campaign, which is dedicated to raising the aspirations of young women across the Tees Valley.

Nieve said: ‘I had some amazing lecturers who really helped me during the degree and made me think about the career path I wanted to take. I also received support in arranging a placement. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience.’

Nieve also praised the University’s facilities, including the library, which she described as “a great space” especially in the lead up to deadlines.

‘One major highlight during my degree was presenting to Greggs and developing a marketing plan for their business,’ she said.

‘I really enjoyed working on the live projects, especially with Greggs.

'I would say to anyone thinking of applying to Teesside to definitely do it.' FOLLOW OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE TO KEEP UP TO DATE WITH ALL OF OUR ALUMNI NEWS



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2022

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# FURTHER SUCCESS FOR BETH MEAD

International football superstar and Teesside University graduate Beth Mead crowned a remarkable end to 2022 with even more success when she was named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Beth was announced as the winner of the event’s main category in recognition of her international sporting accomplishments and the impact of her success beyond the world of football.

The England Women's Football Team were also crowned Team of the Year.

The accolades capped off a fantastic year for Beth, which saw her thrive at the European Championships 2022 with England's Lionesses and win Player of the Tournament and the Golden Boot.

The Arsenal footballer scored six goals for her country at the competition, which added up to a record-breaking 20 international goals during the 2020/21 season.



Beth was also the runner-up in the Ballon d'Or Feminin, which recognises the best female footballers from across the globe. Beth, 28, from Whitby, studied BA (Hons) Sports Development at Teesside University and was part of the Elite Athlete Scheme, graduating in 2016. She has since set up a scholarship in her name supporting aspirational female footballers at Teesside University.



Professor Mark Simpson, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), said: ‘Teesside University is very proud of all that Beth has achieved. She had an incredible year and the many prestigious accolades she has received are extremely well deserved.’

## A Middlesbrough café is serving up a taste of Central Africa thanks to the family links of a Teesside University graduate

Marie Bernice Rutaganda worked part-time at Bedford St Coffee while studying for her project management degree at Teesside University from 2019 to 2022.

During that time, the coffee shop owner at Rounton Coffee Roasters discovered that Marie Bernice's family runs a coffee washing station in Rwanda.

The wet mill near Kibuye in Rwanda, which is owned and operated by Marie Bernice's parents, acts as a central purchasing and processing facility for surrounding smallholders. The family business, Rwamatamu Coffee LTD, is the first step in preparing coffee 'cherries' into the 'beans' used to brew coffee.



Since graduating last year from Teesside University, Marie Bernice and her husband Luke are working with Rounton to launch a new coffee from her family's coffee plantation.

It is the first time the coffee has been sold in the UK, with Rounton Coffee Roasters now the first in the UK to stock Rwamatamu's coffee.



Marie Bernice said: ‘I was working as a barista while completing my studies as a way of staying within the coffee industry. I then introduced them to my family’s business to see if there was a possible collaboration, and the rest is history.’

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STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR ALUMNI COMMUNITY HERE.

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CAMPUS TO CORNERSTONE

With a national award for its approach to staff engagement, Graduate Magazine learns how people and place are key to the ongoing success of Enterprise WordPress agency Big Bite Creative.

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===== PAGE 12 =====
'There's a definite sense right now that the tech sector in Middlesbrough is maturing,' says Iain McPherson [MSc Digital Applied Media, 2010], co-founder and CEO of Big Bite Creative.

Like a number of other businesses founded by Teesside University graduates, such as Behaviour UK (Formerly SockMonkey Studios) and Double Eleven, Big Bite has moved well beyond the start-up stage to become a cornerstone of the Tees Valley digital economy.

As the only agency in the UK to hold the prestigious WordPress VIP Gold status, Big Bite works with major brands including News Corp, Gumtree and Amnesty International to improve how they publish digital content, covering everything from editorial workflows to end-user experience.

Indeed, the company’s offices at Albert Road are testament to its continued success. The large, glass-fronted, high-tech, open-plan facility is a far cry from the company’s more humble beginnings in 2011 on the top floor of the Phoenix Building at the University’s Middlesbrough campus.

The company moved into its new offices just before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. ('Maybe that was a bit of a mistake timing wise, but it actually worked out really well for us,' notes Iain Wryly.) Nevertheless, as other companies in the tech sector used lockdown as an excuse to downsize their facilities and encourage their employees to work remotely, Big Bite has taken a different tack.

Operating a hybrid model, with its approximately 33 staff working a minimum of two days a week in the office, the company has invested heavily in developing a workplace culture that attracts and, perhaps more importantly, retains staff.

‘We don’t have a single person working fully remotely,’ says Chief Operating Officer Sarah McCormick [BA (Hons) Marketing and Public Relations, 2009] proudly.

‘We gave the team the choice to work from home following the pandemic, but it was a unanimous decision that we all wanted to return to the office for at least part of the week to see each other and be able to have face-to-face contact.’



As lain explains, Big Bite embraces the truisms that staff are a business's number-one asset and it is easier and cheaper to retain good employees than to recruit new ones.

‘We’ve implemented quite a few new initiatives in the past two years, such as hybrid working, increased pension contributions, flexible hours, personal development budgets and mental health support. All of these have been implemented as a result of continuous engagement and dialogue with staff to discern what they really need rather than being imposed by management,’ says Sarah.

And, with a large proportion of the company’s workforce recruited from the alumni community, it is clear why the company sees the University as an ongoing partner.



‘We’ve taken graduates from all sorts of areas – music, psychology, journalism – not just computing,’ says Iain. ‘Ultimately it’s the soft skills that you learn at university – self-motivation, study, research – that are most important to us.’

To help bridge the gap between university and the workplace, Big Bite has employed a mentor to help graduates as they adapt to life at Big Bite, and it is anticipated that this person will work closely with Teesside University on areas such as bootcamps and curriculum development to ease the transition from university to employment.

# 6 IT'S THE SOFT SKILLS THAT YOU LEARN AT UNIVERSITY - SELF-MOTIVATION, STUDY, RESEARCH - THAT ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO US.

It is this approach that has seen Big Bite recognised recently by the Sunday Times as being one of the best places in the UK to work, ranking in the top 10 nationally for small businesses, while also being highly commended in the Best Place to Work for Employee Wellbeing award with an engagement score of 98%.

lain and Sarah, together with Chief Technical Officer Jason Agnew [BSc (Hons) Computer Programming, 2009], and Chief Engineering Officer Mark Goodyear [BA (Hons) Graphic Design, 2009], form a C-Suite at Big Bite dominated by Teesside University graduates.

As a maturing Tees Valley business, lain recognises the important role Big Bite plays supporting the region's economy and is keen to continue engaging with new and upcoming companies through events such as Refresh Teesside and ExpoTees.



Ultimately, this links to his ambition to keep Big Bite as a company which retains and attracts people to come and live and work in the region.

'For me it's all about the quality of the work,' he says. 'I'm not interested in scaling to a ridiculous size. I want to continue doing work which is really fun and exciting with interesting clients.

'That's what drives me.'

Businesses founded by Teesside University students have some of the highest turnover in the country, bringing millions of pounds of revenue into the North East region and beyond. £94 MILLION

turnover of current Teesside University graduate businesses. 7th highest in the UK



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133

graduate enterprises

trading after three years.

1st in the North East.

*Academic Year 2021/22 - HESA Intellectual property: Spin-off activities by HE provider 2014/15 to 2021/22 table, sourced from Higher Education - Business and Community Interaction survey data. Find out more at tees.ac.uk/source.

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IAIN MCPHERSON AND SARAH McCORMICK IN BIG BITE'S OFFICES.

MORE INFO:

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## TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

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Lauren Heslop completed her undergraduate studies at Teesside University before joining as a member of staff. She spoke to Graduate Magazine about how she is taking her education to the next level with a postgraduate degree.

There are certain decisions we make in our lives that truly change its course. Coming to Teesside University to study journalism is one of mine; as well as providing me with the best possible education, it paved the way for my career.

Fresh from college, I was looking to pursue my undergraduate degree. Teesside University blew me away, and I knew it was where I needed to be. I fell in love with the course and the outstanding facilities, and I met tutors who were truly passionate about their teaching.

I enjoyed everything about university life. It gave me opportunities to expand my horizons, develop new skills and build lasting personal and professional relationships.

In the summer of 2021, I completed my undergraduate studies with a first-class honours degree in BA (Hons) Journalism, starting my career within Teesside University's Communications and Development team soon after.

It was a real privilege to kickstart my career as a content producer at an institution I've felt so connected to in my adult life. Through my professional role, I've been able to put everything I learned from my studies into practice, and my content has even been shared by print and broadcast media, which was a goal of mine.

A year into my work, I was presented with another life-changing opportunity – to take up further study at the University alongside my career.

Pursuing a postgraduate degree was always my ambition because I love learning. I was excited to build upon my undergraduate work, dive deeper into the practical and theoretical aspects of a career within communications and take on a new challenge to support my professional goals. So, I jumped at the chance to study MA Digital Media and Communications within the School of Arts & Creative Industries.



Teesside University's focus on all things digital and its Future Facing Learning initiative, which gives students and staff the power to harness new technologies, were hugely important to me given the nature of the course. Thanks to the University being the first Adobe Creative Campus in Europe, students are able to benefit from free access to the Adobe Creative Cloud suite.

And I chose the perfect time to begin my studies, with the newly refurbished Buttery building [see page 15] quickly becoming my new favourite spot on campus for private study and collaborating with other students on my course.

Once you’re part of Teesside University, you never really leave it and it never really leaves you. As I work towards achieving my postgraduate degree, I’m immensely grateful to have the opportunity to take my skills and career to the next level here.

## DON'T FORGET!

UK students who graduated from Teesside University in the last 10 years are eligible for a 20% fee discount on postgraduate study

> International graduates are also eligible for a £1,000 alumni scholarship if they progress to a new postgraduate programme.

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## BREAKING NEW HORIZONS

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# The £22.3m National Horizons Centre, based at Teesside University's Darlington campus at Central Park, is playing a key role in the growth of the North East health and bioscience sector through industry-focused research.

Disease-specific research forms a key strand of the NHC’s output, with researchers at the centre using advanced technologies such as genomics and proteomics to identify specific biomarkers associated with different types of cancer.

Biomarkers – biological indicators that can be used to predict, diagnose, and monitor diseases and conditions – can be found in tissue biopsies, blood, urine, and other bodily fluids, and their analysis provides valuable information about a patient’s health status and response to treatment.

This research has the potential to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment, allowing for earlier detection and more targeted therapies.

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NHC Director Professor Vikki Rand (pictured above) has a background in cancer genomics. She takes a hands-on approach to the centre’s research output and is involved in several projects investigating aggressive cancers.

Her work in aggressive lymphoma has discovered a link between a specific gene and the survival rate of children with the disease. By demonstrating that mutations of the TP53 gene are linked to an inferior survival rate of children with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the research has made it possible to highlight patients who are less likely to be cured with current therapies.

‘Being able to identify which patients are more likely to respond to specific treatments is absolutely vital to effective treatment of cancer,’ said Professor Rand. ‘We now hope that this research can eventually be used to enable clinicians to tailor their treatments to ensure that children affected by this disease can maximise their chances of recovery.’



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## DEVELOPING NEW THERAPIES

The development of new therapeutics is a major focus of research at the NHC. Its collaborative environment at has resulted in new opportunities to develop and deliver new therapeutics for a range of diseases.

Linda Popplewell, Professor of Genetic Medicine at the NHC (pictured above), has developed several patented therapies which have entered clinical trials. She is particularly interested in finding new gene therapies for rare diseases such as Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

The close links that the NHC has built with local NHS and healthcare bodies has enabled Professor Popplewell to liaise directly with patients themselves.

'Being diagnosed with a rare disease can be devastating. Meeting with patients and understanding the impact their disease has on their quality of life provides us with inspiration for everything we do; they are our ultimate stakeholders,' she said.

'Developing drugs for rare diseases is complicated by the lack of understanding of the diseases themselves, hence the need for biomarker studies, and by the small numbers of patients affected, making clinical trials difficult and not cost-effective for investment by drug companies.'



## NEW HEALTHCARE TECHNOLOGY

The NHC is also at the forefront of research into developing new diagnostics and wearable technology to help patients suffering from chronic conditions manage their healthcare.

One project, led by Professor John S. Young (pictured below), is piloting new digital devices to enable people receiving dialysis to monitor key treatment measurements at home, without the need for invasive blood tests or hospital visits.

'The ultimate aim is for this technology to enable patients to track their potassium levels and other important measurements regularly at home,' said Professor Young.

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‘This could save lives by facilitating timely treatment of abnormal blood results.’

Discover. Develop. Deliver

Since opening in 2019, through the dark days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent recovery, the NHC has played an integral part in delivering skills and expertise in a sector which is acknowledged as playing a key role in the economic success of the UK in the 21st century. With an ever-growing talent pipeline and research outputs still to be delivered, the NHC is set to become a keystone in the North East bioscience and healthcare ecosystem.

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# IN US EI INF

# MEET RHIANNON HILES

As she leads Beamish Museum through some of the biggest developments in its 50-year history, Chief Executive Rhiannon Hiles reflects on her time at Teesside University and how one lesson in particular provided the building blocks for a stellar career at the forefront of social history preservation.

Two bricks – one handmade and one machine-made – had been placed on a desk at the front of the class by lecturer Stephen Hayward.

As Rhiannon Hiles and her fellow students walked into the classroom they were given one instruction, “Discuss”.

It might seem trivial, but to Rhiannon the opportunity to study an object and pay close attention to how it compares to others was an invaluable lesson.

‘The handmade brick was Georgian or earlier,’ she said. ‘As I’ve gone through my career, that lecture has been instrumental to my own knowledge and the attention to detail that gets paid to making sure things look authentically of the period they are supposed to be representing.



look authentically of the period they are supposed to be representing.

'It's so important to get the details right.'

It's a skill that has served her well in her current position as chief executive of one of the biggest visitor attractions in the UK.

Now in its sixth decade, Beamish Museum known as the 'Living Museum of the North' is undergoing a £22m development after receiving almost £11m in Lottery funding, which Rhiannon describes as the “biggest project it’s ever done in its history”.

'We have curated over 30 exhibits. We’ve

‘We have curated over 30 exhibits. We’ve rebuilt a farmstead set in the 1950s and are creating overnight accommodation so people can come and be fully immersed and stay overnight as well,’ she said.

‘We are also revisiting the stories we tell in our spaces to meet the needs of visitors nowadays.



‘People have a higher expectation of what they consider as value for money at this time, in this current economic climate, and we want to exceed their expectations for their visit.’

Coming out of Covid, the attraction Rhiannon fell in love with has seen “tremendous footfall”.

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It also has the same ‘wow factor’ Rhiannor experienced on her first visit, as families return again and again to learn from the experienced and passionate staff working under Rhiannon’s strong leadership.

Rhiannon vividly remembers the excitement she felt when walking into Miss Smith the music teacher's house, an exhibit at Beamish, for the first time.

‘It was very Victorian and well curated,’ she said.

'I talk about that when I'm training staff. I will say, "take your mind back to when you first visited – which exhibit made you go, 'Wow!'?'"

Rhiannon studied on the History of Architecture and Design and the Built Environment course at the University from 1991 to 1994 – but the people she met and the things she learned here more than 30 years ago have shaped the professional she is today.



She is still in touch with senior lecturer Linda Polley and remembers many interesting and intriguing lectures from the likes of Stephen Hayward and Nicholas Oddie.

‘These are the people I think about when I’m in my job now, and I remember what they taught me,’ she says.

‘I can’t convey enough the value I got from listening to those course tutors and being part of their world.



'Their knowledge is what shaped my ability and my knowledge.'

She added: ‘I was inspired by the course and meeting people who were passionate about what they did.

‘People who are vital in your learning and your development throughout your life stay with you.’

Growing up, Rhiannon's grandparents also helped to shape the career she enjoys

today, as they would take their

grandchildren on holiday to interesting places in Europe and Scandinavia.

‘They loved museums and heritage,’ she recalls.

From being little, I just knew we were going to interesting places, and as a museum professional now, I recognise that they were open-air museums.

Rhiannon knew she'd found her genre when she began volunteering at Beamish.

‘We went to Beamish as part of the course to look at how they had converted interiors back to the Georgian period and what they were doing from an architectural perspective,’ she said.

‘I loved it and thought, “could you imagine if you worked here? It would be brilliant!”’

As a student, Rhiannon also volunteered at the Oriental Museum in Durham, at Discovery, what was then known as the Hancock, now the Great Museum of the North, and the Laing Gallery.

However, it was at Beamish where she

However, it was at Beamish where she found her niche.

'It was just so different there,' she said.

It was just so different there, she said.

The fact you could use the objects in your engagement, you could hold them or you were standing inside a building or a vehicle as part of the collections, for me, was so powerful compared to looking at objects behind a cabinet, which is incredibly valuable in a more traditional museum setting.

Working in open-air museum spaces with communities helping to shape the stories inspires me and motivates me more so than the traditional museum space.

'I was very influenced by the experiences I had at the more traditional museum spaces, and I'm very grateful for the experiences I had, but I did decide I was more of a social history open-air museum curator.'

Rhiannon's sister Bronwen heard Rhiannor 'rave on so much' about her fantastic Teesside course that she gave up her own course at Loughborough to join Rhiannon at Teesside.

Both Rhiannon and Bronwen still reflect on the “brilliant times” they had at Teesside University.

‘We had such good opportunities and did fantastic things and had great lecturers,’ she said.

GRADUATETEESSIDE 31

'To be in the Waterhouse building while studying, where we were near to the Linthorpe Pottery and Dorman Museum, was special.

'I would like to think the tutors now look at the roles me, Bronwen and others have gone on to do and feel quite proud – I hope so anyway.'

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# SUPPORTING THE NHS PAST, PRESENT TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY STAFF THANK THE NHS AND FUTURF

As an anchor institution for the region with a long history of healthcare education, Teesside University is proud of its role supporting the NHS throughout its 75 years.

Through innovative course provision, strategic partnerships and, most of all, a pipeline of talented and dedicated graduates who have gone on to make their mark in the NHS, the University has worked closely with healthcare providers to help keep the region healthy.

Now, with the opening of BIOS, our £36.9m state-of-the-art new science, health and medical facility, the University is looking to further enhance the work we do in shaping the NHS professionals of the future.

Key features of the new building include a clinical skills floor and a purpose-built Operating Department Practice suite to support the development of key workers.

Situated at the heart of our campus, BIOS also offers high-quality, leading-edge laboratories for the sciences and clinical subjects and will enable the development of fields of study of key importance to the region, including pharmaceutical science, human biology and biomedicine.

Professor Tim Thompson, Dean of Teesside University's School of Health & Life Sciences, said: 'BIOS will help us to provide more modern, flexible and digitally enabled learning spaces to help train the next generation of health professionals and provide a compassionate, forward-thinking and inclusive learning environment.'

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## OUR GRADUATES MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Leanne Nellis was inspired to retrain as a neonatal nurse following the tragic death of her newborn daughter Maisie.

She completed her BSc (Hons) Child Nursing studies in 2021 and is now helping the same neonatal team that cared for Maisie at The James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, making a significant difference to other young babies and their families.

Being part of a family with children, Leanne admits: ‘We had to make some sacrifices, but I really enjoyed my training. It was very intense, but I would totally do it all again.’

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## Anthony O'Connor's degree in paramedic practice put him on a whole new career path at the age of 31

Despite being slightly apprehensive about starting university as a mature student, he soon settled into student life.

'I was pleased to see that my course attracted a wide range of ages and people from many different backgrounds.'

'The best thing about my course was that it delivered an equal balance of theoretical and practical learning. It was exciting to go out on placement and put into practice what I had learned.'

Rachel Cutler achieved her lifelong ambition of becoming a midwife and following in the footsteps of her parents, who are both healthcare professionals.



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Rachel said: 'I have always wanted to work with women and families. This course gave me the opportunity to care for women's physical and emotional needs throughout their pregnancy journey.'

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## NURSING SUCCESS

Earlier this year, Teesside University enjoyed success at the annual Student Nursing Times Awards, with Joseph Morley, a BSc (Hons) Nursing Studies (Adult) student, winning the Student Nursing Innovation in Practice award, while the University's FdSc Nursing Associate Higher Apprenticeship was awarded Nursing Associate Training Programme Provider of the Year (pre-registration).

Joseph, 25, from Middlesbrough, who was combining his studies with a part-time role as health care assistant in the neuro theatres at The James Cook University Hospital, said winning “felt surreal” and he was grateful to South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Teesside University for their support and encouragement.



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## MORE ABOUT OUR WORK WITH THE NHS

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===== PAGE 18 =====
# BOOKING THE TREND

The world of publishing has been well graced by talented Teesside graduates, and we are always keen to celebrate your success.

As part of our mission to create a better-connected alumni network through enhanced benefits and services, we are working hard to showcase our graduate authors.

A new online directory of alumni authors and podcasters, which is searchable by genre and format, has been set up on our website.

Purchases can also be made from the directory, which links through to Book Corner, an independent book seller, run by alumna Jenna Warren [MA Creative Writing, 2008], herself a published author.

We will also be doing seasonal promotion of graduate books, and our new ‘Book of the Month’ feature on the alumni Instagram page is proving incredibly popular.

Finally, starting in March 2024, you can join booklovers at the University's new summer season of author evenings, giving you a chance to meet the authors and enjoy a glass of wine in the refurbished library at the Middlesbrough campus.



We look forward to seeing you there. To learn about this and other University events, visit: tees.ac.uk/alumnievents

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## GUT FEELINGS Coping with cancer and living with a young syndrome

## GUT FEELINGS: COPING WITH CANCER AND LIVING WITH LYNCH SYNDROME

## [SAM ROSE, PHD STUDENT]

This book spans ten years from the author's first cancer diagnosis to the life-changing surgeries for her second and third. Racking up a collection of medical experiences supports anyone facing the uncertainty of cancer or Lynch syndrome, and patients and survivors feel less alone.

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## TEN DATES

##### ene boy, one girl... ten dates

## [RACHEL DOVE, MA CREATIVE WRITING, 2019]

Is it the end of their love story or just the beginning? Callum Roberts and Alice McClaren have spent two wonderful years building a life and a home and making plans for a future together. But when Alice is involved in a car crash, Callum fears that he has lost her forever. As he sits by her bedside, he promises he'll do anything if only she'll open her eyes.

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## HEDGEY-A AND THE HONEY BEES

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## CRYAN MIZZEN, MA CREATIVE WRITING, 2017

Hedgey-A is a friendly hedgehog who likes helping others. One day, Hedgey-A is visited by his friend Brizzy the honeybee. Hedgey-A learns that bees are becoming sick because chemicals called pesticides are being used on plants. But he knows just what to do and sets off for London to see the Queen, who he hopes can help.

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===== PAGE 19 =====
## AUTHOR NEWS

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# LITERARY SUCCESS FOR UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC

A new novel penned by a Teesside University academic has received the accolade of being ranked Children's Book of the Week by The Times.

Rani Reports on the Missing Millions is a collaboration between games animation lecturer Dr Satish Shewhorak and his wife, full-time author Gabrielle Shewhorak, who also writes under Gabrielle Kent.

Their book follows the story of budding journalist Rani Ramgoolam, a British-born Mauritian, as she teams up with her Nani, who is visiting from Mauritius, to follow a series of mysterious clues in her search for a winning story for the local newspaper's junior journalist competition.

Satish said: 'Growing up, I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in books, film and television, and never anyone from Mauritius, where my parents were born. It was important for us to write a children's book with a British South Asian main character, as we want our daughter to see Satish is a member of the POC in Play organisation, which aims to improve representation within the games industry, and is also researching the level of minority ethnic representation within videogames over the previous decade.

Gabrielle, who is a graduate and former member of academic staff at Teesside, is no stranger to literary success herself, with two successful children's books series, Alfie Bloom and Knights and Bikes. She has also collaborated with Teesside University honorary graduate Rhianna Pratchett on upcoming Discworld book Tiffany Aching's Guide to Being a Witch. It marks the 20th anniversary of Terry Pratchett's first Tiffany Aching novel, The Wee Free Men.



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## PEN PORTRAITS

Best-selling author Adele Parks MBE, from Eaglescliffe, and author and comedian Bob Mortimer, from Middlesbrough, feature in a new MIMA exhibition, People Powered: Stories from the River Tees.

The pair, who are both honorary graduates, are part of a series of photographic portraits from the National Portrait Gallery on display at MIMA until 7 January 2024.

Adele has featured in the University's

In Conversation series.

Watch her interview with

Dr Mansoor Soomro as they chat

about her Teesside roots, writing

and her successful career here.



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===== PAGE 20 =====
# SUPPORTING A CLEANER, GREENER FUTURE

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# 

Teesside University is playing a major role supporting the just transition to a net zero economy and putting the Tees Valley firmly at the heart of the UK's green industrial revolution.

Key to this mission is the University's new £13.1m Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre (NZIIC), based at Middlesbrough Advanced Manufacturing Park, which opened for business this autumn.

The national centre of excellence for net zero technologies has already established itself as a key facet in the region’s drive for clean energy and a circular economy, and is supporting businesses through several industry-focused research and innovation projects.

Leading by example, the NZIIC has already set the standard for carbon reduction with the build itself hitting its net zero target through innovative measures including a zero-waste initiative, living roof and the use of recyclable materials throughout.

As a result, the centre has received the BREAAM Outstanding Award for building techniques that reduce the impact on the environment during construction and operation.

The NZIIC will support the University in achieving its commitment to become a net zero institution by 2030.

Several innovative projects are underway, including developing new processes to create recycled workwear, finding alternative uses for food waste to reduce landfill and replacing non-renewable plastics with sustainable alternatives throughout the supply chain.

The NZIIC is collaborating with partners in South Africa to support hydrogen research and a transatlantic centre of excellence for decarbonisation with the University of Illinois in the United States.

The Director of the NZIIC, Dr Gari Harris, said: ‘I want to see this region become the go-to destination for net zero research and development, and we are well placed to do that.



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DR GARI HARRIS

‘The East Coast cluster is developing first-in-pipe technology around carbon capture and storage and green/blue hydrogen production, and we have the largest hydrogen storage capabilities in the country.

'As well as the moral imperative to cut carbon, there's a real economic advantage with some major opportunities to be had.'

The NZIIC development received £5.2m from the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the European Regional Development Fund. It is one of the projects in the University's ongoing campus masterplan, which has seen £280m invested to date.

## DELIVERING FOSSIL FUEL ALTERNATIVES

The NZIIC is playing an integral part in a ground-breaking research project to accelerate decarbonisation and the use of hydrogen through supporting industrial research and development and capacity building in the Tees Valley.

In collaboration with Durham University, the £11m project will see academics and industrial partners work together to identify challenges within the hydrogen economy and develop innovative solutions to overcome them.

Examples of challenges include fuel switching to hydrogen for high-grade heating, the use of hydrogen in flexible and resilient power systems, and hydrogen fuelled heavy-duty transportation.

With the Tees Valley responsible for almost 50% of the UK's production of hydrogen, innovation in this sector is predicted to be a huge driver of economic growth in the region.

Professor Stephen Cummings,

Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), said: ‘This ambitious project aligns perfectly with our research strategy by helping to deliver a smooth transition to decarbonisation, ensuring that all members of our society are able to benefit from the move to net zero.’

The project is funded with £4.8m from the Research England Development (RED) Fund, part of UK Research and Innovation, as well as funding from Teesside University, Durham University and industrial partners.

## NET ZERO LEADER

Professor Michael Short was listed as one of the most influential people in the UK working within the net zero agenda.

He was named on the inaugural Net Zero 50 List 2022, which brings together the 50 most inspiring individuals, initiatives, products and services which are driving forward decarbonisation.

Professor Short was named within the Net Zero Hero category for his work with the University's Centre for Sustainable Engineering, which focuses on the design, development, and enhancement of engineering systems, processes, and products that are efficient and sustainable without compromising the natural environment.





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===== PAGE 21 =====
## EXPLOITERS EXPLOITERS EXPLOITERS GRADUATES PAY IT FORWARD

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Teesside University has long benefitted from the generosity of its graduates giving their time and expertise to help enrich the student experience.

Whether volunteering as a guest speaker or informal mentor, recruitment ambassador or a board member, we are proud that our alumni continue to inspire our community and help us develop the talent and solutions that shape the future.

Wherever they are in the world and however much time they can afford, the experience and expertise of our alumni volunteers is always incredibly valued, and we are extremely grateful for their efforts.



Becoming an alumni volunteer is a rewarding experience and, for many, comes about through wanting to give back to Teesside, having been inspired and supported during their own student days.

Panos Ioannou [BA (Hons) 3D Computer Animation, 2006] is one such graduate.

Animation, 2006] is one such graduate.

Panos, who is co-founder of LightField London a creative communications studio specialising in producing film, 3D animation and commercials recently volunteered as keynote speaker at the 2023 ExpoTees London event, the annual showcase of animation, VFX and concept art from the University's School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies.

The event, held at the University's new London campus in June, welcomed more than 150 guests, who gathered for professional networking and an opportunity to meet the latest graduating talent.

He volunteered because: ‘Teesside University gave me the opportunity to be surrounded by an incredible mix of students, including some seriously talented artists and postgraduates.

‘I feel it is LightField’s responsibility to assist where we can with students, graduates, universities and the wider community.

'Events like ExpoTees London gave me that peek behind the curtain of what it's actually like to work on films, commercials, games, or architectural projects that truly captivated and inspired me.'

Being a volunteer makes a great addition to a CV, supports mastering new skills such as public speaking and making presentations, and gives people an enormous sense of pride and fulfilment to be able to support the next generation.

If you would like to find out more about registering to become a volunteer, visit tees.ac.uk/alumnivolunteering

olovai

600+

graduate volunteers registered

academic schools engaging with alumni volunteers

200+

volunteer hours achieved

Volunteering role: Runs group tours and talks for aviation students.

## HAYLEY BUTLER, FDA TOURISM & AVIATION, 2016

'I like to volunteer my time, as I understand how valuable guest speaking was when I was at Teesside, so helping future cohorts is something I wanted to do.'

## RODRIGO ROMERO, BSC (HONS) COMPUTER GAMES PROGRAMMING, 2022

Volunteering role: Career talk about his role as a Junior Programmer.

‘When I was a student, the industry talks were invaluable.’

This year, we are launching our Alumni Volunteer Awards, recognising and celebrating the impact of graduates who share their time and expertise with our university community.

For further information, including how you can nominate or self-nominate, visit tees.ac.uk/alumnivolunteering

Nominations open in January 2024.



===== PAGE 22 =====
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# TEESSIDE'S DIGITAL FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Teesside University has a world-renowned reputation for its expertise and commitment to the digital sector, and its innovative approach means it is continually striving to offer more to students. A new £40m Digital Life building is just part of those ambitious plans. With the support of industry-engaged alumni, the University is working hard to grow the sector through skills development and nurturing the next generation of tech entrepreneurs.

## NEW DYNAMO NE CHAIR IS TEESSIDE ALUMNUS

## North East tech network Dynamo has appointed Teesside alumnus James Bunting as the new Advisory Board Chair

James, who graduated from Teesside in 1998 with a BA (Hons) Business Studies, is the CEO of Leighton and has replaced the network's co-founder Charlie Hoult, who is stepping down after ten years.

'Our region boasts a diverse range of technology businesses spanning various industries. We have established giants like Sage, SMEs like Visualsoft and start-ups like My Sales Coach.

‘We have talented people in the North East, and we want them to stay in the region. I feel our region has a set of shared values of community, innovation, ingenuity and pride. These values and a tenacious “get stuff done” mindset will enable us to foster collaboration among North East organisations for the betterment of our tech sector.’

'Looking ahead, I feel the North East tech sector holds immense potential,' said James, who rejoined Leighton, a software delivery business which builds high-performing teams and develops successful software applications, as CEO six years ago, having worked there when he was a student.

Established In 2013, Dynamo is an industry-led membership organisation aiming to grow the North East tech economy.

Lauren Bradshaw, Deputy Director of Communications and Development at Teesside University, has also been appointed to the advisory board of Dynamo North East.

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## DIGITAL LIFE BUILDING TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO DIGITAL TECH CAMPUS

The Digital Life building is part of the University's ambitious campus masterplan, which has seen £280m invested to date to transform the campus and provide vibrant, modern facilities for students, staff and partners.

Estimated to be completed by Spring 2025, the £40m innovative research, teaching and learning facility for the School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies is part of the University's commitment to a responsible and sustainable digital future.

It incorporates smart labs, digital art studios, a multi-functional lecture theatre and events space.

## INDIE GAMES STUDIOS ATTEND PRESTIGIOUS CONFERENCE

Indie games developers based at Teesside University's enterprise hub networked with some of the industry's biggest names at a prestigious conference.

The six new games studios – Dink, Omniplay Games, Northrak, Dog Box Studios, Shadow Panda and Desk Burger – are part of the University's PowerUp indie games accelerator and attended the Develop conference in Brighton, the UK's biggest conference and expo for games developers.

Based in Teesside Launchpad, the University's on-campus business accelerator, the six studios benefit from mentoring from industry leaders, access to resources and workshops and subsidised studio space, hardware and software.

The programme aims to help the companies follow in the footsteps of illustrious Launchpad alumni such as Coatsink Studios, who were recently acquired by Thunderful Group in a £65m deal; SockMonkey Studios, who have recently been acquired by Canadian company Behaviour Interactive; and Radical Forge, who now employ more than 80 staff.

===== PAGE 23 =====
# DELIVERING REAL IMPACT TO PEOPLE'S LIVES

The generosity of alumni and friends is continuing to deliver real impact to the lives of students and communities thanks to an ever-growing portfolio of scholarships.

As an engine of economic change,

Teesside University strives to ensure that

all students, regardless of background

or circumstance, are able to take full

advantage of the huge benefits offered

by higher education.



By giving students the gifts of financial and academic investment, scholarships play a key role in achieving this.

Under the umbrella of the Teesside Transformation Fund, the University’s flagship philanthropic and social mobility initiative, the range of scholarships continues to expand.

As a result, increasing numbers of students are having their lives changed, not just through financial support but also by boosting their self-confidence, self-belief and pride knowing that they are worthy of investment.

Since 2018, Dame Diana Brittan DBE has generously donated two scholarships in memory of her late husband, Lord Leon Brittan. Lord Brittan was the first Chancellor of Teesside University from 1993 to 2005.

She said: 'A scholarship is saying to somebody that, "you're good, you're worth it and we're investing in you".

‘If any person that’s had a Brittan Scholarship feels that they have done a little bit better then they might have done otherwise, or that they have done things they might not have, then that, for me, is a high level of satisfaction.’

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DAME DIANA BRITTAN DBE

WITH SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

NICHOLAS TERENCE WATSON

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My motivations to apply for this scholarship stem from two main sources. The first of my two motivations was my late grandad Terence McCullough, who constantly believed in me and my abilities and always taught me the values of self-belief and perseverance, from encouraging me through my 13 years of rugby all the way through to my studies that took me to my degree here at Teesside University. My second motivation was to be able to show future applicants, for any scholarship programmes, that no matter who you are, how rich or poor you might be or where you come from, you can always achieve success if you are able to persevere through all the hardships thrown your way.

## NICHOLAS TERENCE WATSON, BRITTAN SCHOLARSHIP

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It's not just about the money received from the scholarship, it's having the people behind you as well the ability to speak with someone.

DANIEL BUTTERWORTH,

KEN HOME SCHOLARSHIP

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The impact the scholarship has had on me is huge. Other than the financial support it provides, it also gives me the extra motivation and desire to be my best self and to put as much effort as I possibly can into my studies. GEORGIA WRIGHT, KEITH SKEOCH SCHOLARSHIP

Animation is my passion and has been from quite a young age, and to be able to use this money to support myself and be able to reach out is really important to me.

ANNABELLE HIBBERT,

ANIMEX SCHOLARHSIP

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For someone to come along and say, “I’m going to invest in you because I believe you can do this” - that’s a massive confidence boost. It gave me that boost to get the very best grade that I could.

JENNIE WILLIS, KEITH SKEOCH SCHOLARSHIP

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## YOUR SUPPORT IN 2022/23

## OVER £200K

invested in the Teesside Transformation Fund

519

Alumni volunteers registered

## 60 

new scholars

benefiting from

scholarships

Volunteer demographics



UK

421 - 81%

Rest

of world

98 - 19%



## THE IMPACT OF SCHOLARSHIPS

Find out how you can support the next generation of Teesside students by contacting a member of the Alumni Relations & Development team on 01642 738227 or email: development@tees.ac.uk

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===== PAGE 24 =====
# DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE

Be the Change is Teesside University's workplace giving scheme, designed to support the fantastic work of a wide range of charities and community groups in the Tees Valley.

Through employees' monthly salary donations, the University can provide grants of up to £500, four times a year, to selected organisations to offer additional support. The University is match-funding donations and kickstarted the scheme with an initial £5,000. Staff who sign up to donate the pennies from their salary can nominate organisations for support.



Rachael Barker, Head of Alumni Engagement and Stakeholder Development, said: ‘The Be the Change scheme is another way that the University gives back to the local community. We are very proud of our team, whose donations are helping to change lives across the Tees Valley.’



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## DONATION PROVIDES BOOST FOR UNICORN CENTRE

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The Unicorn Centre in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, which provides horse-riding therapy for disabled adults and children, was one of the first organisations to benefit from the scheme, with a total of 11 charities each receiving £500 in the first round of donations.

Since opening in 1998, it has grown into a team of around 100 volunteers, who assist with riding lessons each week. They rely entirely on fundraising and donations to subsidise the cost of riding lessons.

## SPARE PENNIES HELPING CHARITY TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGE

Nite Light CIC social enterprise, based in central

Middlesbrough, supports the most vulnerable people in the

community and has also received £500 through the scheme.

Set up in 2020, Nite Light CIC aims to help improve the quality

of life for those in need, providing hygiene bags and meal cards

to support people who are homeless or facing financial difficulty.

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## MAKING HEADLINES

It's been another busy year for Teesside University, with our staff, students and alumni once again making headlines across the globe. Here are some of the highlights you may have seen in the news...

## AUGUST 2022

Dr Gillian Taylor appeared on BBC 2's Countryfile to discuss the work being carried out by her research team to preserve a historical, archaeological site threatened by climate change.

## SEPTEMBER 2022

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Sports and exercise academics Dr Jonathan Taylor and Dr Michael Graham wrote for The Conversation about the benefits of being a ‘weekend warrior’ when there is limited time available for workouts throughout the week. The article was reshared by The i.

## OCTOBER 2022

Nutrition and public health expert Professor Amelia Lake was interviewed by Susanna Reid and Ed Balls on ITV breakfast show Good Morning Britain about young people's consumption of energy drinks.

## NOVEMBER 2022

Potential health risks associated with adopting a raw vegan diet, popular among celebrities, were highlighted by Dr Laura Brown. Her comments were originally shared by The Conversation and featured in The New York Post and Mail on Sunday.

## DECEMBER 2022

The Times was among the national publications highlighting England football superstar and Teesside University graduate Beth Mead's success after being named Sports Personality of the Year.

## JANUARY 2023

Teesside University academic Denise Dye was awarded with the prestigious title of Queen's Nurse, BBC News and ITV News reported.

Dr Lisa Baldini shared expert insight into research behind microplastics for The Independent as a study revealed they were found in operating theatres.



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## FEBRUARY 2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s visit to Teesside University’s National Horizons Centre was highlighted by BBC World News, ITV News, The Times, The Guardian and The Independent as well as in a number of international publications.

Creative writing academic Lucy Burns was shortlisted as one of the four best young writers today in the 2022 Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year award category.

## MARCH 2023

Much-loved therapy dog Brengle was awarded an honorary ‘dogtorate’ by Teesside University in recognition of his work supporting mental health and wellbeing. The news was highlighted nationally by BBC News, ITV News and the Daily Mirror, as well as being shared extensively on social media.

## APRIL 2023

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Dr Christopher Massey considered how we can apply what we have learned from the General Strike of 1926 to managing railway strikes today in a piece published by MSN News and The i.

## MAY 2023

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Fashion academic Lynne Hugill discussed the latest workwear trends which are seeing professionals turn to less formal clothing with BBC News.

## JUNE 2023

Dr Pippa Oldfield featured in a BBC World Service broadcast in which she shared her expertise on war photographers.

Tourism expert Beverley Boden commented on the popularity of holiday destination Center Parcs in a piece for The Independent as well as later reports from The Sun and the Daily Mail.

## JULY 2023

School of Health & Life Sciences Dean Professor Tim Thompson offered insight into the NHS long-term workforce plan as it marked its 75th anniversary on BBC Radio 5.

The award of an honorary degree to renowned architect and television presenter George Clarke, who was involved with the original design of Teesside University's library, was highlighted by BBC News.

International Business School academic Dr Mansoor Soomro commented on how extreme temperatures including heat waves impact working arrangements in a report by BBC News.

===== PAGE 25 =====
# CLASS NOTES

# Where has life taken your classmates since graduation? Read more, online: tees.ac.uk/classnotes

## 1980 s

## Denise Gargan [BA (Hons) Economics, 1980]

After studying at Teesside in 1978 as a US study abroad student, she has made banking her lifelong career. Having just turned 65, Denise shares that she was grateful for the time spent at Teesside as it opened her eyes in many ways; it encouraged her to take risks and to reach further. Denise went on to study at Drexel University in Philadelphia, where she earned an MBA. Denise currently manages endowments and foundations at PNC Bank and would love to visit the campus again to relive her time there. ‘It was fabulous.’

## David Miller [BA (Hons) Business Studies, 1986] Thirty-seven years ago (when Teesside University was a Polytechnic), David

became the first non-University graduate marketing trainee with United Biscuits before moving into the world of advertising and strategic planning. David's career then led him to merge and run WPP's marketing strategy house, specialising in financial services. He later quit to advise and reposition the heritage luxury brand Debrett's before selling on his business. Subsequently involved in setting up and running a fintech business, David has also picked up a couple of Non-Executive Director roles along the way.

## Uma Bird (née Mungol) [Diploma Management Studies, 1989]

For the last 15 years, Uma has been teaching in California, having moved to America more than 22 years ago with her husband, also a Teesside alum. She says, ‘Teesside is very dear to my career, and it is also where I met my husband of 31 years. We have both been very fortunate to have travelled and lived in many different places. We are so grateful. Thank you, Teesside.’



## David Miller [BA (Hons) Business Studies, 1989]

Since studying at Teesside, David has had a life in retail – taking him from the boardroom of Harrods to the deserts of Qatar. He has two adult daughters as well as a young son. He has recently turned his hand to the commercial world of UK manufacturing and enjoys life living in the Garden of England, Kent.

## 1990 s

## Mark Brian [Advanced Diploma Leisure Management, 1993]

After starting work at Kingston University as their Sports Development Officer, Mark worked with BUSA/British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS). Here, he managed several sports, went on to set up their International Department, attended four World University Games and managed the headquarters for England at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester 2002. He then took over the role of Head of Sport at BUCS, leading the largest sporting programme in Europe. Mark now works as Head of Sport at Durham University.

worked for Cleveland Fire Brigade as a developer. During that time, she created a web-based application to manage the service’s Community Safety services. While Anne has recently retired, she is proud to have left a tablet app written in C#, which the Service uses to carry out fire safety checks.



## Clark Ainsworth [BA (Hons) Business Communication, 1996]

After several years of working for local newspapers and 16 years as a journalist at the BBC, Clark made the move to Hong Kong in 2016. He's now Deputy Digital Editor of the South China Morning Post.

## Anne Jones [MSc Information Technology, 1995]

Darlington before moving to Manchester to get married and work as an outreach worker for the National Autistic Society. In 2005, he went back into youth work for a project in Bury. Then, in 2007, he started working as a Learning Support Assistant in secondary schools across Manchester. Having worked in education ever since, Mark now lives in Plymouth and continues to support students with additional needs in mainstream lessons. He reports that he loves his job and values the rewards that come with working with the students that he supports.

Anne worked for Atos in manufacturing and rail transport after graduating from University. For the last 13 years, she has

## Mark Suddes [BA (Hons) Business and Finance, 1996]

Mark has worked at Procter & Gamble for 24 years in Belgium, the UK and the USA. He is currently a finance director based in Newcastle.

and they currently live in Slough with their two children. Carly is a Development Manager for Iris Software.

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In 2000, Mark started work as an assistant manager at a youth project based in

## Mark Pearson [NVQ Customer Service, 1996]

## Ertugrul Partial [BEng (Hons) Electrical Engineering, 1998]

## [BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering, 1999]

After completing his postgraduate qualification at Teesside, graduating in Advanced Manufacturing Systems in 2002, Ertugrul initially worked as a Power Systems Engineer at EDF Energy Networks

Mark has recently launched L4 Financial Management, a consultancy business, based in the North East, specialising in part-time and project-specific portfolio finance director services for SMEs. With expertise in Xero accounting software and associated apps, he offers tailored financial management solutions to optimise businesses' financial health.

and later at the National Grid. He continued his career at the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation between 2014 and 2021. Since 2021, he has been working as an expert technical consultant at ADM Electricity Distribution Corporation. Ertugrul is a Chartered Engineer and a full member of Cigre Working Groups. He is pictured presenting at CIRED Conference in Rome.

## Mark Brown

## David Barton [BSc (Hons) Media Technology and Production, 1999]

Upon graduating from University, David worked in the Commercial Operations Team at ITV to ensure that the commercial schedule successfully aired for all ITV regions and channels. He moved to MTV in 2006, followed by a short spell at Sky in 2009 before returning to ITV in 2010 to manage the Commercial Operations Sponsorship team. David married fellow Teesside alumna Carly (nee Gaunt) [BSc (Hons) Computer Science, 2000] in 2005,

## Gareth Jenkins [BSc (Hons) Media Technology, 1999]

Gareth works as Senior Principal Consultant at Oracle, supporting international human resources systems implementations.

## 2000 s

## Neil Walsh

## [BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology, 2000, and MSc Criminal Investigation, 2003]

Neil works for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC) and is Regional Representative for Eastern Africa, with a staff of 200, covering 13 countries.

## James Bromley [BSc (Hons) Criminology, 2004]

Since leaving University, James has had a variety of roles – from working within Customs and Excise and the RSPCA, to a professional football club charity foundation. James is currently CEO at a local charity in Derbyshire.

## Nilupa De Silva [BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance, 2006]

After joining Central Bank of Sri Lanka in June 2010 as a Management Trainee, Nilupa moved to the Bank Supervision Department and is currently working as a Senior Assistant Director.

## Amanda Livingstone [BA (Hons) Fashion Enterprise, 2006]

Having left the fashion industry to refocus her career, Amanda works on oil rigs in the North Sea. She has enjoyed time on oil and gas projects in Brunei and Israel, and, more recently, she has secured a position as a Health and Safety Executive & Compliance [HSE&C] Advisor with BP on the Net Zero Teesside project.

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## Adam Pickard [BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise – Coaching Science, 2006]

Since leaving University, Adam has mostly worked in education as a primary school teaching assistant and teacher. He recently left the profession and has created Invincible Mindset, a positive, aspirational mindset programme for children and young people. Over 1,000 children have been a part of Invincible Mindset so far, and Adam reports that feedback from schools and local organisations has been extremely positive.

## Esther McNeill [MA Education, 2007]

'Life after TU has been amazing,' says Esther, who taught at St Margaret Clitherow's Catholic Academy in Middlesbrough before becoming the Lead Teacher at the Autistic Spectrum Unit, based within Beech Grove Primary. This autumn, Esther moved to Holmwood SEN school. 'I started late in life when it came to study, but I'd say it's never too late.'

## Louise McLaren [BSc (Hons) Nursing, 2008]

Louise has qualified as an NHS Staff Nurse and spent time nursing in hospitals as well as out in the community. Having graduated from Northumbria University with a BSc Specialist Practitioner in District Nursing, Louise’s current role is as Specialist Nurse with the Bladder and Bowel team.

## Klysa Hall [MSc Forensic Science, Crime Scene Investigation, 2009]

Since graduating, Klysa has completed her PGCE and is currently employed as a Policing and Criminology Lecturer at Newcastle College.

## Gareth Healy [PGC Management, 2009]

Gareth has worked in several roles at Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, where he is currently the Fleet Manager responsible for the Council's 200 vehicles. His commitment to moving towards the fleet being carbon-reduced and carbon-free, plus his pursuit of adopting green technology, was recently acknowledged when Gareth was named Green Fleets Alternative Fuel Vehicle Champion.

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## 2010 s

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## Rakesh Nadig [MSc Information Technology, 2011]

Rakesh recently reflected that his time studying at Teesside greatly contributed to his career development. The opportunity to specialise at master's level helped him move into a managerial role within his company. He says, ‘The expertise gained through my postgraduate studies enabled me to attain the highest performance rating at work, leading to my recognition as a recipient of the HCL Achiever award twice in the years 2018 and 2019.’

## Alex Gillett [PhD Business 2012] Alex is currently a senior lecturer at the University of York

Carlos Almeida [BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering, 2013] After graduation, Carlos worked for BP in his home country of Angola, initially as a Production Technician in an offshore installation and then latterly in roles such as Operations Planner. He currently works as a Process Engineer for Azule Energy, which is an incorporated joint venture between BP and ENI. He hopes to return to Middlesbrough soon to show his wife the place that gave him the foundation to be who he is today.

## Jóhann Østerø [MA Computer Science, 2018]

For the last five years, Jóhann has worked at Flowcore, the largest telecommunications firm on the Faroe Islands. He combines this work with a part-time computer science teacher role at the University of the Faroe Islands. In addition, he has also released two mobile games, one by his own company (called Gaman Games). Jóhann and his wife are also building their own house.

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## Oraya Tancharoensap [MA Creative Writing, 2018]

Upon graduating, Oraya published her book, Lilith: Death's Order. Available in both Thai and English, her book is available on Amazon. The sequel, August: Death's Remnant, has also been published.

## EVENTS

Join other Teesside alumni and supporters at our upcoming events. Visit tees.ac.uk/alumnievents for further details and more events.

## Postgraduate open day 20 January 2024

In Conversation...

Marek Reichman

4 December 2023

Join us at our new London campus for the first speaker in the second In Conversation event series. We're thrilled to welcome Teesside alumnus and honorary graduate, Marek Reichman,

Aston Martin Lagonda's Chief Creative Officer as he shares his journey.

Whatever your master plan is, our postgraduate open day is the perfect place to get all the information you need. Chat with subject experts about our range of taught and research programmes and chat to support staff about postgraduate loans, disability services and more.

## PG Prospects -

## A life in Research 22 January 2024

Join our PG Prospects Information Sessions to explore exciting opportunities for postgraduate studies. Get a glimpse into life as a PhD researcher. Discover the challenges, rewards, and the impactful journey that awaits you in the world of advanced research and academia.

##### In Conversation... Savannah Marshall 25 January 2024

Teesside alumna Savannah Marshall showed early promise as a boxer which has seen her go on to have an illustrious amateur career, before turning pro in 2017. One of the biggest names in women's boxing, join us as Savannah shares insights into her remarkable career and pursuit of world titles.

## IN CONVERSATION

Our 'In Conversation' series features renowned speakers from the world of sport, business and culture who share an exclusive insight into their remarkable careers. To keep up to date with forthcoming events in the series visit: tees.ac.uk/inconversation

Deborah took over a preschool business in 2021. She is enjoying being her own boss and loving her new business.

## 2020 s

## Deborah Boyle [BA (Hons) Early Childhood and Education, 2020]

## Arthur Arepyev [BA (Hons) Creative Media, 2020]

After graduation, Arthur continued his studies online and started working in a VFX studio, Universal Production Partners, where he worked on projects including Gran Turismo, Barbie and Foundation. After this, he switched to being freelance, where he worked on creative visuals with different clients, such as IQOS. Arthur is currently working for different startups based in the United States, developing projects in Unreal Engine and slowly building his own brand and business.

## Domenica Abramo [BSc (Hons) Aerospace Engineering, 2021]

Domenica returned to Italy after studying in Teesside to pursue her Master’s degree in Space and Astronautical Engineering. During the last two years, she has been involved in many incredible projects related to space and interplanetary exploration. She says, ‘Once a Teessider, always a Teessider. See you soon.’

## Nathan Terry [BA (Hons) Media & Communications, 2023]

As a recent graduate, Nathan is pleased to report that he has already found work at a local marketing company in the Tees Valley and now works with major national and international brands.

## Imrooz Mohammed [MSc Electrical Power and Energy Systems, 2022]

Having relocated from Manchester four months ago, Imrooz currently finds himself in Canada. He is an Electrical Engineer with Kent (Imperial Oil and Shell). Imrooz got married last year and reflects that he often misses his university days.

## We would love to hear what you have been up to since leaving Teesside University

Please use the QR code to let us know your news.

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# LETTERS FROM THE COMMUNITY

Today I travelled by train from Manchester to Yarm and had the privilege of being sat beside three Teesside students. They shared a table with me briefly and I must admit, it was an absolute delight. Such a wonderfully considerate group of young adults. They were positive, kind, thoughtful and intelligent. I was so impressed and genuinely engaged by them. They talked about their courses with each other, they discussed their time with mentors, and more. Meeting these three made me feel the future is bright. As a previous student of Teesside it makes me remember and realise just how brilliant of an institution you are. Outstanding work!

Teresa Carthy,

BA (Hons) Business Studies, 1999

As I write down my Teesside University journey, a flood of memories rushes back: memories of late-night research sessions, laughter echoing through the group discussions, and the profound connections I made. It's incredible to think that my postgraduate time at the university was just a few months ago, but the impact it has had on my life is immeasurable. I'm ready to give value to the world with the knowledge and values instilled in me by my alma mater.



I remember those passionate lecturers who challenged me to think beyond the ordinary, pushing me to question the status quo and find innovative solutions to complex problems. They nurtured my curiosity and fostered a love for lifelong learning. But it wasn't just the academics that shaped my growth; it was the vibrant community I became a part of, the friendships that blossomed, the cultural exchanges that broadened my perspectives, and the shared experiences that forged unbreakable bonds. As I reflect on my journey, I'm humbled by the achievements of my fellow alumni as well. I've connected with other alumni who are pioneers in their respective fields, making strides in groundbreaking research, leading companies with integrity, and giving back to communities with unwavering compassion.



As we embark on our individual paths after graduation, I find comfort in knowing that I'm not alone. I am part of a diverse and dynamic network of Teesside University alumni spread across the globe. Our connections run deep, our stories are intertwined, and our hearts are forever bound by the love we share for this remarkable institution. With endless gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead.

Fuhad Gbolahan Atolagbe,

MSc IT Project Management, 2023

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# TEESSIDE RE:FRESHED Incl; ALUMNI WEEKEND SAVE THE DATE 17 - 22 June 2024 Join us on campus, internationally or online TALKS | TOURS | SPORT | SOCIALISING

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tees.ac.uk/teessiderefreshed