Alumni profiles
The University of Brighton is always keen to hear what it's graduates are up to. If you'd like to share your story with others or comment on any of the stories below, please contact us to let us know.
Latest profiled graduates
The Brighton Effect - Issue 29
Anji Hunter - Taking it all in her stride
When Anji Hunter visited our graduationceremonies in the summer, she radiatedenergy and enthusiasm for the work ofher alma mater.
Julien MacDonald - Stitching up a global career
It is unlikely that Julien MacDonald needsmuch introduction, having thundered throughthe fashion world since graduating. Julien’siconic designs have been worn by some ofthe world’s most glamorous celebrities andhis stellar career has made him a householdname.
Dr Fasil Tekola Ayele - Best foot forward
Earlier in the year, Dr Fasil Tekola Ayele (PhD 2010) made a big stride in his fledgling career when hewas published as a first author in the New England Journal of Medicine, one of the world’s leadingmedical publications.
The Brighton Effect - Issue 28
Mandy Chessell – Never stop questioning and learning
Not many people can boast the title of Master Inventor, fewer still that they are a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. Mandy Chessell (Software Engineering MSc, 1996) has both.
Norman Cook – You’ve come a long way, baby
“Call me whatever you like: Norman, Norm, Nobby…” Perhaps better known as Fatboy Slim, Norman (born Quentin Leo Cook in 1963) was a student at Brighton Polytechnic from 1982–1985, achieving a 2:1 BA in British Studies. Almost 30 years since graduating, Norman invited The Brighton Effect to his home to chat about his time as a student, his career and his relationship with the city.
Sandra King – Golden opportunities
Graduating from Chelsea School in 1978 with a Bed in Human Movement and Education, Sandra King’s sights were set on a career in PE teaching. Fast forward to 2011 and Sandra is at the heart of preparations for London 2012. How did she progress from PE teacher to competition manager for boccia at the 2012 Paralympics?
Ben McFadden –A healthy approach to volunteering
Dr Ben McFadden qualified in 2010 from the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) with a Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery degree (BM BS). He is currently a foundation year 2 doctor starting his first rotation in general practice.
Louise Rennison – It’s a funny old business
If you could build a career based on your adolescent fantasies, you’d probably be laughing. Not bad work if you can get it. Comedienne and author, Louise Rennison, tells us how voicing her inner teenager has led to a prolific publishing career, award-winning books and why research is no big chore.
The Brighton Effect - Issue 27
Dr Steve Ingham – Going for Gold
Dr Steve Ingham graduated in sports science in 1996 and in just two years was coming face to face with Olympic rowing legends Sir Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent. “It was a steep learning curve,” he said. “One minute you are looking at journal articles or case studies and the next you have a legend like Steve Redgrave towering over you and asking if you can make them go faster. It was very daunting.”
Dr Lizzie Ward – Accentuating the Posti+ive
Dr Lizzie Ward, who has graduated from the University of Brighton twice, is a research fellow on a mental wellbeing project run by the university with Age Concern, Brighton, Hove and Portslade.
John Wells-Thorpe – The Healing Power of Architecture
John Wells-Thorpe is a hugely experienced architect and University of Brighton alumnus. Since the 1980s he has been working with colleagues around the world to promote the idea of the healing environment. John is also the architect responsible for the original Hove Town Hall.
