Alumni profile - Dr Ashitey Trebi-Ollennu 1 October 2021
(Avionics BEng, 1991)
As part of my role at NASA, I am responsible for designing, building, managing, and delivering a robotics system to Mars. I feel extremely fortunate to work for an organisation where our work genuinely impacts the whole world. NASA and space exploration is making technology and innovation accessible to everyone!
Alumni profile - Tolu Ojo-Williams 5 October 2021
(Law LLB, 2016)
In a world edging towards polarising extremes, recalling history is crucial to remind us of times past which mirror contemporary times, in order for the global community to avoid making the same errors as before. So, for me Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come as a society, celebrating the growth and freedom that has been claimed through that journey, and amplifying the voices of those who continue to win victories for us in their everyday lives. Black History Month is an intentional time to appreciate and educate each other.
Alumni profile - Ayotunde Rufai 6 October 2021
(Biology BSc, 2014)
Fashion has always been an expression of a community and/or individuals who represent a community. You cannot separate the two, and to get people to buy into any idea you need to make them feel a part of a community. For Jendaya, our aim to do luxury “The African way” means that our culture is one of our differentiators; the African identity is vibrant and fashion-forward which translates into our clothing and our branding.
Alumni profile - Jon Stevens 8 October 2021
(Freshwater and Marine Ecology MSc, 2019)
In my job I get to travel across south east England visiting a variety of sites from construction projects that are having their environmental impact assessed, to potential sites for redevelopment where land remediation needs to be put in place. I regularly look into geology and hydrogeology and work closely with our ecologists.
Alumni profile - Sadiqah Musa 12 October 2021
(Environmental Science BSc, 2005)
I am a co-founder of Black in Data. I work on data strategic projects and provide actionable insights that impact decision making to increase revenue. The data world is new, fresh, and young, which fuels my passion to see more people that look like me in the industry.
Alumni profile - Tomiwa Owolade 18 October 2021
(English BA, 2018)
[My book] is a critique of a tendency to conflate the experiences and cultures of the black British population with the black American population. Obviously, there are instances when comparisons are valid, but the assumption, which I found pervasive after the Black Lives Matter protests last year, that we can analyse black Britain through an American lens, is reductive.
Alumni profile - Grace Ama Issahaque 18 October 2021
(Computer and Communications Law LLM, 2017)
To mark Black History Month and its 2021 theme, Grace Ama Issahaque reflects on why she is 'Proud to Be' in regards to her education and career, her country, and the inspiring individuals who have come before her and who will follow in her footsteps in the legal sector.
Alumni profile - Natasha Olutayo 18 October 2021
(Computer Science BSc, 2017; Computer Science MSc, 2018)
There isn’t a one size fits all solution to all the issues faced by the Black community unfortunately because we are living in a system that has taken hundred of years to build. It may take just as long to tear it down, but I think that the process to get there will involve a lot of Black people and communities reclaiming their power and changing our mindset.
Alumni profile - Keshia East 22 October 2021
(History BA, 2013)
I love being half Ghanaian; I really embrace and love my culture. My mum was born and bred in Ghana, so when I was growing up, she made sure to teach me the language, culture and how to make the best Ghanaian dishes. I’m so lucky that she taught me these things. Whenever someone meets me and sees how integrated I am into both of my cultures, it gives me great joy!
Alumni profile - Madeleine Levy 28 October 2021
(English and Drama BA, 2011)
My book is a beacon of hope for Autistic individuals and their carers, as it promotes the message that individuals with long-term health conditions can achieve great things in society.