AlumniNews
US donor supports innovative COVID-19 initiatives
In these unprecedented times we are thrilled and humbled that our alumni around the world continue to support us, for COVID-19 related activity and for our ongoing priorities. Based in California, Leslie Stretch (Economic and Social History and Industrial Relations, 1983), has supported many projects at the University over a number of years, including an invaluable scholarship scheme. Most recently, Leslie funded a Doctoral Research Centre (DRC) through the University of Strathclyde’s USA Foundation: part funding up to three PhDs focusing on crucial challenges related to COVID-19 recovery for children facing adversity.
Four generations of engineers from same family come through Strathclyde in a century
When James McHarg started studying engineering at the-then Royal Technical College in Glasgow in 1916, he could have had no way of knowing his son, grandson and the great grandson he would never meet would follow in his footsteps. At the age of just 15 he started an incredible family association with the University of Strathclyde which has seen four generations study here in the institution’s various forms across more than 100 years, with the latest McHarg graduating this week.
Strathclyders awarded New Zealand Prime Minister's Science Prize
Strathclyders Stuart Cooper and Adam McCarthy are proud graduates of the Forensic Science Masters’ course – Class of 1999-2000. They were part of The Institute of Environmental Science & Research Ltd (ESR) team that scooped the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Science Prize this year. Named on the award are Stuart Cooper, Adam McCarthy and a number of their colleagues from ESR, in Auckland.
Candidate.ID goes from strength to strength
Strathclyder Adam Gordon joined the Recruitment Industry on leaving University before moving to International Marketing Group Havas. There, he specialised in Recruitment Marketing and Communications, and studied for the Chartered Institute of Marketing's Professional Postgraduate Diploma, building on his studies at Strathclyde.
A Creative Career - from Fashion to Floristry
Strathclyder Andrew Wright studied Business Management and has gone on to enjoy a colourful career which has taken him around the world.
Young Legend of the Year
On 22 November, VisitScotland Business Events announced its five Young Legends of the Year at an awards ceremony at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow. The inaugural event welcomed 100 guests including representatives from the country’s top universities, convention bureaux and tourism agencies.
Shogun secures significant seed funding
Strathclyder Finbarr Taylor graduated in 2011 with a degree in Computer Science. Seven years on, his company ‘Shogun’ a storefront builder for E-Commerce stores has recently raised $2.1m seed funding with participation from some of the best investors in Silicon Valley including Y Combinator, Initialized Capital and Funders Club.
Premiership Experience signs significant Chinese deal
Glasgow-based company Premiership Experience, set up by Strathclyder Kieran Coyle when he was just 18, recently signed a significant seven-figure deal in Beijing with a leading Chinese conglomerate. Premiership Experience, which offers tailored packages for football fans, has been in negotiations for the past nine months. The deal was brokered through the Bank of China’s UK office and Glasgow Law Practice. The company provides match day experience packages to some of England's top Premier League clubs plus international tours to European academies and works closely with schools and tour groups.
Alumnus named Fellow by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
Alumnus, John Ian Giffen, has been named a Fellow by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, recognising his career achievements to date with the profession’s highest mark of distinction. Fellows are outstanding members of the profession who, through their careers and community work, embody the designation’s high standards of professional excellence and integrity.
Petros Economou appointed Director and COO of In4Capital.com
Petros Economou, a Strathclyde 1994 Alumnus with an MSc in Finance, recently became Director & COO at In4Capital.com, a UK global funding platform matching startups/companies with investors and service providers.
MSc in Sustainability & Environmental Studies Celebrates 25 years
In 2017, we welcomed our 25th cohort of postgraduate students to our pioneering MSc in Sustainability & Environmental studies programme. As part of the celebrations we have engaged with alumni from the programme, to find out how the programme has helped shape their careers.
Alumnus adds fifth generation to 102-year-old family business
Congratulations to Strathclyde alumnus William Watt who has become his family’s fifth generation to join Scotland’s oldest, independently owned chain of department stores. Engineering graduate William who is the great, great grandson of Watt Brothers Ltd’s founder Allan Watt is immersing himself in all aspects of the retail business, joining the company as a trainee manager covering a number of the stores.
Strathclyde awarded £750,000 grant for Biomedical Engineering
We’ve received a grant of £750,000 from the Wolfson Foundation, to help transform facilities for our UK-leading Department of Biomedical Engineering.
Alan McLenaghan, SageGlass CEO, welcomed back to Strathclyde
We recently welcomed alumnus and CEO of SageGlass Alan McLenaghan back to Strathclyde for the first time over 25 years. Alan visited the Thomas Graham Building to experience one of the best views on campus without glare or heat from the sun, thanks to pioneering SageGlass technology which tints on demand.
Important notice regarding non-affiliated organisations
Please disregard any contact made by "Worldwide Association of Notable Alumni (WANA)" and “The International Alumni Association”. These organisations are not affiliated to the University of Strathclyde.
Strathclyde alumnus new associate of GVA
Congratulations to Strathclyde alumnus, Graham McPhail, who has joined the leading UK commercial real estate advisory, GVA, as an Associate.
Six facts about Sir Tom Hunter
Sir Tom Hunter, former Alumnus of the Year, is well known for his success in business and for this philanthropic work. He opened the Hunter for Entrepreneurship at Strathclyde, which focuses on the study, research and encouragement of entrepreneurship within Scotland.
Strathclyde alumnus appointed CEO of Seven Energy
Congratulations to Strathclyde alumnus Manish Maheshwari who has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of a leading Nigerian oil and gas company, Seven Energy.
Top-selling travel pillow Trtl gains support from screen stars
After appearing on Dragons' Den, getting reviewed by Jamie Foxx and showcased at the Grammys, Strathclyde entrepreneurs Michael Corrigan and David Kellock have seen sales for their Trtl travel pillow go through the roof.
Strathclyde alumni among Forbes #30under30 for Retail and E-commerce
Congratulations to Strathclyde alumni, Chitresh Sharma and Louis Schena, founders of the loyalty scheme Swipii, and Assean Sheikh, co-founder of the independent craft beer and gin club Flavourly, who were named in Forbes #30under30 for Retail and E-commerce.
Five figure donation to Strathclyde Entrepreneurs Fund
Scottish Equity Partners have donated a significant sum to the Strathclyde Entrepreneurs Fund. The fund provides investment in companies run University staff and students and alumni, including IT company Cojengo and personal safety alarm company Pick Protection.
Swipii to double its workforce
Strathclyde alumni Chitresh Sharma and Louis Schena's loyalty card firm Swipii pledges to double its workforce after securing a £500,000 grant from Scottish Enterprise.
Scottish Olympic sailing chief to ensure cycling success
Strathclyde alumnus Stephen Park OBE has been appointed British Cycling’s new performance director after 15 years as Olympic manager for the Royal Yachting Association. Britain amassed 23 Olympic and Paralympic sailing medals during Park’s time as manager and he will be tasked to lead the British Olympic Cycling team to even more success in the Tokyo 2020 games.
Strathclyde alumnus awarded Restaurant Manager of the Year
Congratulations to Strathclyde alumnus, Matthew Mawtus who was named the Academy of Food and Wine Service’s 2016 UK Restaurant Manager of the Year. Matthew, the only Scot to make the final was awarded a bursary to study at the Lausanne Business School in Switzerland.
Strathclyde alumna appointed Convenor of University Court
The former chief executive of three Scottish local authorities, Alumna of the Year 2015, and honorary graduate, Dame Sue Bruce, has been appointed Convener of Court at the University of Strathclyde.
Singapore's Mr Toilet is recognised at UN's NOVUS Summit 2016
Jack Sim founded World Toilet Organisation (WTO) in 2001 to campaign for better sanitation standards in toilets worldwide. This year the Strathclyde alumnus was among 17 social changemakers honoured at the inaugural Novus Summit, organised in partnership with the United Nations.
Strathclyde alumnus helps the blind explore the world
After being rejected by travel companies reluctant to accommodate blind travellers, alumnus Amar Latif set out to redesign the industry. Today the Strathclyde Alumnus of the Year 2006 guarantees a vacation for blind and partially sighted people that provokes all five senses, via tailored packages provided by his company Traveleyes.
Law Clinic Success at the Herald Society Awards
Strathclyde's Law Clinic, which receives support from the Alumni Fund, enjoyed a successful night at the eighth annual Herald Society Awards with the Clinic’s Executive Committee winning the 'Team of the Year' Award.
Strathclyde alumna is changing Kenyan children’s lives through classical music
Strathclyde alumna Elizabeth Njoroge is pioneering classical music education in Kenya through her Ghetto Classics music education programme. Since 2008 the programme has grown from just 14 children using instruments borrowed from the Kenya Conservatoire of Music to over 600 participating children, the formation of a full orchestra and performances for President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya and Pope Francis.
Calling out to support the next generation
Our Autumn Telethon 2016 Campaign kicked off this week! We have forty-two Strathclyde student callers contacting our alumni in the UK, US and Canada over the next six weeks in aid of the Alumni Fund. Funds raised from the campaign will support students and student projects.
Alumni Funded Law Clinic Shortlisted for Two Herald Society Awards
The Law Clinic, which receives funding from the Alumni Fund, has been shortlisted for two awards at the Herald Society Awards 2016. The Executive Committee has been shortlisted for the Herald Society Team of the Year Award while administrator Diane Inglis has been shortlisted for the Unsung Hero Award. The awards ceremony will take place on the 2 November.
Strathclyde alumnus brews up a storm
Congratulations to alumnus Gavin Meiklejohn who took off on his travels to British Columbia and ended up on the path to becoming an award winning brewer! Gavin, together with his wife and business partner Annika, took home seven awards in the Scottish Beer Awards for their brewery, Tempest Brewing Company.
Strathclyde to support school pupils in aiming for higher education with funding from alumni
Talented school pupils are to be offered support in achieving their goal of entering higher education. Eighteen young people have been identified by the University for the Young Strathclyders programme, which has received £12,500 from Strathclyde’s Alumni Fund.
Strathclyde graduates win environmental award
Founders of Revive Eco, Fergus Moore, Rebecca Richardson and Scott Kennedy were awarded The Environmental Award at Glasgow’s Inspiring City Awards 2016. Revive Eco collects used coffee grounds to produce all-natural plant food.
Strathclyde alumna becomes The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's first female president
Vice-chairman of Pricol, Vanitha Mohan was elected as the president of the ICCI during the annual general body meeting. She holds a postgraduate diploma from the University of Strathclyde.
Research associate in environmental economics by day; stand-up comedian by night!
Strathclyde PhD graduate and comedian, Matt Winning, offers an insight into the Edinburgh Fringe, teaching comedy and Glasgow's hecklers.
Pharmaceutical PhD graduate leading the international race against the Zika virus
Strathclyde graduate, Dr. Mario Stevenson, is one of the world’s leading scientific researchers into infectious diseases. Leading a team at the University of Miami, Dr. Stevenson is at the forefront of the global battle against the Zika virus.
Strathclyde alumnus named a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Professor Donald Cairns, who is head of RGU’s School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, has been recognised for his contribution to science. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Strathclyde in 1980 and has spent his career in practice and research.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
An interview with Strathclyde History and Marketing graduate, Melanie Blane, who founded skincare brand White Rabbit Skincare. Melanie has received help to start her cruelty-free skincare brand from the Entrepreneurial Spark and The Prince's Trust. Her top tip for budding entrepreneurs is 'get comfortable with being uncomfortable!'
Strathclyde Business School graduate talks about running a business
Business graduate, Peter Telfer took over Urquhart Opticians in 2014 with his business partner and childhood friend. Together the pair have increased turnover to over £1 million from around £840,000 in two years.
Herald’s Poem of the Day written by Strathclyde researcher and poet
Katie Ailes is currently working towards a PhD in English at Strathclyde.
Strathclyde's Law Clinic launches benefits drop-in service thanks to alumni funding
On 3rd August 2016, the Law Clinic launched a benefits drop-in service, with sessions offering help and advice on various benefits issues to members of the community who do not normally use the Law Clinic's services. This new service is part-funded by the generosity of our alumni, through gifts to the Alumni Fund.
Strathclyde PhD graduate launches Big Data Analytics journal
Amir Hussain has launched the new journal with the aim to provide a platform for the dissemination of research, current practices and future trends in the emerging discipline of big data analytics.
Strathclyde graduates in the top 20 inspiring social entrepreneurs
Alumni, Jeremie Warner and Stephen Spiers made the list for their innovative buy one, give one, business model for Power a Life. For every PAL power bank they sell, a solar light is given to a child in an African school to give children without electricity the chance to study at night.
Lab in a bubble could improve cancer care
The University of Strathclyde's physics department are working on a project to produce bubble-sized 'laboratories' using high-powered lasers to conduct experiments in plasma bubbles. The project could boost cancer treatment, medical imaging and industrial processes.
Strathclyde alumna and only female senior engineer at First Glasgow has been named 'Team Leader of the Year'
After studying at Strathclyde Wendy Findlay joined the Armed Forces and spent almost 20 years repairing armoured military vehicles with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. She joined Scotland's largest bus operator, First Glasgow, in 2012 and has become a strong role model for women in the heavily male dominated transport industry.
Strathclyde researchers preparing new cancer treatment for clinical trials
Scottish pharmaceutical company Ryboquin Ltd has raised £1.3 million of new funding to enable research to be carried out at Strathclyde's Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences. The new treatment could enable traditional chemotherapy to be up to four times as effective in some people and reduce some of the side effects of this treatment in some others.
Strathclyde study identifies descendants of medieval Scottish king
The Genealogical Studies Postgraduate Programme at Strathclyde’s Centre for Lifelong Learning has identified a descendant of a medieval king of Scotland. It has also led to the discovery of a distinct genetic marker for descendants of King Robert III. The findings have been made as part of the Bannockburn Family History Project, which explores genetic connections between people living today and their ancestors who fought in the Battle.
Strathclyde student develops dyslexia support app
Estendio, established by Strathclyde Business School student Chris Hughes, has created the Present Pal App, a presentation support App which will look to help increase the confidence and grades of students with dyslexia and other learning differences.
Study of U2 could help fans find what they're looking for
Music fans’ emotions could be used to help them find new songs online, according to research at the University of Strathclyde. The research found that the videos, and viewers’ responses to them, were highly individual but often also social, with shared emotions creating a sense of community. It also found that such emotions could help to inform searches, recommendations and playlists in online music providers.
Strathclyde academics receive top awards from the Royal Society of Chemistry
Professor John Murphy and Professor Duncan Graham, both of Strathclyde's Department of Pure & Applied Chemistry, were recognised with awards from the UK's professional body for chemical scientists.
Strathclyde Student's start-up revolutionises how we interact with loved ones in care
A business student at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow has raised £160,000 to fund a tech startup enabling families and carers to store memories and interact with loved ones in care.
Strathclyde alumnus becomes youngest ever MSP
At 21 years old, the former Strathclyde University student has become the youngest Holyrood MSP. Ross Greeg joined the Scottish Green Party at just 15 and played a huge part in the successful campaign to give 16 and 17-year-olds the vote in the referendum.
M-Squared Lasers has won a Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Congratulations to M-Squared Lasers and their founder, Strathclyde alumnus Graeme Malcolm, for receiving a Queen's Award for Enterprise. Going from strength to strength, Graeme received an OBE in the Queen’s Honours list in December 2014 and was elected to the Royal Society of Edinburgh earlier this year.
Strathclyde visiting lecturer on domestic abuse discusses her PhD
She presents an oral history of domestic abuse in Scotland from 1979 to 1992 through very private and previously untold stories of Scottish marriages, of living with everyday domestic violence, of its impact, and of the admitted failures of police, prosecutors and social workers.
Drug Discovery and Heterocyclic Chemistry at Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde has obtained compounds with the potential to treat the Ebola virus, Superbugs, Lung cancer, Prostate cancer, Diabetic nephropathy, Asthma and others. Professor Colin Suckling provides a useful look at the importance of Drug Discovery and Heterocyclic Chemistry at Strathclyde.
Engineer wins prestigious construction award
Strathclyde alumna Lynne McDonald has been named Engineer of the Year – Mechanical/Electrical in the prestigious Women in Construction Awards 2016.
Former leader of Glasgow City Council joins Strathclyde
The former leader of Glasgow City Council, Gordon Matheson, is to leave the authority to become a visiting professor at Strathclyde. Mr Matheson will be a visiting professor at the University's Institute for Future Cities - part of the economics department.
Commentary by Professor John Curtice
Professor of Politics at Strathclyde, John Curtice discusses the current polls regarding the EU referendum.
RSE honours for Strathclyde's Chancellor and two Professors
The prestigious accolade recognises the advancement of learning and useful knowledge, which is at the centre of public life, across the arts, business, and technology and science sectors. Lord Smith of Kelvin, Strathclyde's Chancellor since 2013, Visiting Professor at the University's Institute of Photonics, Dr Graeme Malcolm and Professor Zoe Shipton, of Strathclyde’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering are the among the latest recipients of the RSE fellowship.
Alumni business wins Shell LiveWire UK Smarter Future Award
Former Strathclyde Entrepreneurial Network Rising Stars - Revive - won the top prize in the Shell LiveWire UK competitionfor their unique waste recycling service.
Strathclyde alumnus appointed President of the Multimedia University in Malaysia
Professor Ahmad Rafi Mohamed Eshaq trained as an architect with a PhD specialising in architectural animation and virtual reality at the University of Strathclyde in 1998. He has had a distinguished academic career and has developed experience and expertise in the fields of virtual reality, virtual heritage, architectural visualisation, animation, educational technology and multimedia making him the best candidate to lead MMU onto greater heights.
Gravitational waves detected 100 years after Einstein’s prediction
For the first time, scientists, have observed ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Albert Einstein’s 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos. Strathclyde research and technology helped to create the system behind this incredible discovery.
Royal Society of Edinburgh prizes for Strathclyde academics and alumnus
Congratulations to our academics Dr Nasar Meer and Dr Malcolm Macdonald on their awards from the Royal Society of Edinburgh. RSE has awarded the Thomas Reid Medal to Dr Meer for his ground-breaking research on Muslim identities, race equality and nationalism, and the Makdougall Brisbane Medal to Dr Macdonald, for his outstanding research in space mission systems. A further award, the Senior Public Engagement Prize, has gone to Strathclyde alumnus and TV presenter Professor Iain Stewart.
Mentoring project to expand to all Glasgow schools
The MCR Pathways mentoring project, which helps disadvantaged young people reach their potential in life, and of which Strathclyde is a partner, is to announce a three-year plan to set up in every school in Scotland's largest city. Many of Strathclyde's alumni volunteer in support of the project.
It’s a new era for Scotland’s top economic research institute
Scotland’s leading independent economic research institute is set to mark its 40th anniversary with a major new investment in the level of independent economic and fiscal analysis undertaken in Scotland.The University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute is set to boost its economic research capabilities to provide decision-makers, the media and the public with even greater leading-edge independent economic analysis than before.
An appreciation of Mr Walker Graham
In late October, Mr Walker Graham, a highly valued former Dean of the Business School and member of staff of Strathclyde's Hotel School, sadly passed away. As a much beloved member of staff, many former students wished to express their sadness at the passing of such an inspirational teacher. One of those students, Mr Alistair Goldsmith, has written of his own memories of Mr Graham as a note of appreciation for the life of his former teacher.
A brief history of the true inventor of the television
There is no doubt whatsoever that the first man to demonstrate a working television system was Strathclyde alumnus, John Logie Baird despite other countries claiming the invention of the television as their own achievement.
Researchers at Strathclyde are working to make LiFi more practical and accessible
LiFi capability was discovered buried in the code of Apple's OS 9.1 update. It's a technology that uses light to transmit data through the air rather than radio waves. It had the potential to transmit data up to 200 times faster than current Wi-Fi capabilities and Strathclyde researchers are at the forefront of making LiFi more accessible.
Strathclyde alumni and associates feature in the New Year's Honours List
The New Year's Honours list includes: Nancy Loucks OBE, HaSS Visiting Professor and Chief Executive of Families Outside charity; Maurice Taylor CBE, honorary graduate, former Visiting Professor and Chief Executive of Chardon Management; CBE, Professor David Levin MBE, Business alumnus and former Visiting Professor; Dr Alan Turnbull OBE, Science alumnus and Senior Fellow at the National Physical Laboratory; and Dr John Baxter CBE, Engineering alumnus, honorary graduate and Group Engineering Director of BP.
Strathclyde Business Fellow awarded for his volunteer mentoring scheme
Strathclyde Business Fellow, Iain MacRitchie has received an award from the Prime Minister for his MCR Pathways mentoring project which has helped more than 200 disadvantaged young people.
Driving support for Malawi health project
The Scotland Chikwawa Health Initiative, set up by the University of Strathclyde and partners in Southern Malawi, is using motorbikes to transport vital vaccines, improve access to healthcare, and support a network of 50 community health workers. The bikes were purchased with a donation from Phoenix Honda and will support health care for around 18,000 people in areas where lack of transport makes access to health facilities difficult or impossible.
Johnson Controls appoints Strathclyde alumna as Vice President and General Manager of Original Equipment Group EMEA
Johnson Controls, the world’s largest automotive battery manufacturer, has hired Catherine Mulvey, to lead its Original Equipment business for the Power Solutions division in EMEA. Mulvey holds a Bachelor in Marketing and European Languages from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.