Cardiff Connect 2023

In this Summer 2023 edition of your alumni and friends magazine, you’ll hear how our current researchers are advancing our understanding of conditions such as arthritis, and psychoses like schizophrenia, and how our talented alumni are making a difference to the world around them.

Improving our understanding of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Elle Mawson (Medicine 2021-) is a researcher in the Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute. Inspired by a family member’s struggle, her work is improving our understanding of what’s happening in the brains of patients with psychoses. Funded by a gift in a Will, Elle’s research has the potential to help develop much-needed new treatments.

The anonymous donation that changed the trajectory of a family’s life

The Miles family’s connection with Cardiff University is one that spans three generations. John (MBBCh 1960) met Enyd, née Griffith (MBBCh 1960), whilst studying medicine together in the 1950s. Their son David (BSc 1986), came to study here in the 1980s where he met his wife, and their two daughters have now followed in their footsteps. David shares his father’s story and explains how an anonymous benefactor started their family’s journey to Cardiff University, all those years ago.

A man is rubbing the knuckles of his right hand.

Ask the expert: Arthritis

Around 10 million people in the UK struggle with arthritis which can impact mobility, quality of life and cause chronic pain. Professor Simon Jones, Co-Director of the Systems Immunity Research Institute at the School of Medicine, explains what causes arthritis and the ground-breaking research taking place in Cardiff.

Javi, wearing red doctoral robes, sits on a Cardiff street reading a letter

Javi's Legacy

Javi Uceda Fernandez (PhD 2018) came to Cardiff University in the summer of 2013 on a placement to Professor Simon Jones’ laboratory at the Systems Immunity Research Institute. His incredible energy, constant positivity, and bright outlook meant he was a hugely popular member of the institute.

Inspiring the next generation of law students

Nneka Akudolu (LLB 2001, PgDip 2002, Hon 2023) was sworn in as a King’s Counsel in 2022, joining a select group of law practitioners appointed by the monarch. As a KC specialising in criminal law, Nneka works on the most serious cases that are dealt with in the Crown and Appellate courts, and is one of only seven Black female KCs in the UK.

The Cardiff graduate ‘shooting for the stars’

Dr Jenifer Millard (MPhys 2016, PhD 2021) is a science communicator specialising in astronomy. Her work as host of the Awesome Astronomy podcast and talent for sharing her passion, has rocketed her career into TV and radio. We talked to her about her time at Cardiff and how a girl from Barry is inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.

Championing positive change to mental health in the Muslim community

Jamilla Hekmoun (MA 2018) is chair of the Muslim Mental Health Alliance (MMHA), and spent the pandemic working tirelessly to provide resources and support to the Muslim community. She also sits on the board of the Muslim Council of Wales and leads community engagement for SEF Cymru. We spoke to Jamilla about her time at Cardiff University and the important work she does in the community.

“I look back at my time as a student with huge affection.”

Michael Bell MBE (BM 1981) came to Cardiff to study music in 1978 and is conductor of the Cardiff Philharmonic Orchestra, which he set up in 1982. Forty years and nearly 400 concerts later, Michael has chosen to leave a legacy to Cardiff University to support future music students, who may not have the chance to attend university otherwise.

Changing the future of ICU patient care

Dr Samyakh Tukra (MEng 2017) is the founder and CEO of Third Eye Intelligence, which has developed a unique and powerful artificial intelligence (AI). The system gives Intensive Care Unit (ICU) clinicians an early warning of when a patient will develop organ failure.