Alumni Award winners 2024

Winner
Emma Cutting

Emma (BSc Hons Physiology, 2014) manages the neuroscience clinical trials team at the University of Cambridge, working with world-leading neurologists to facilitate new trials using experimental cell and gene therapies, and testing medicines to combat neurological diseases such as dementia and Parkinson’s. She is published in the British Medical Journal.

Highly Commended
Dr Henry. C. Okonu

NHS doctor Henry (MSc Cardiology and Stroke, 2016) delivers excellent patient care, working between Acute and Community Primary care services to reduce prolonged hospital stays. His research explores the use of AI to improve service delivery. Henry was the first medical doctor from his ethnic region in Nigeria and he inspires others to access a medical education.

Highly Commended
Rana Begum

Rana (Foundation Art and Design, 1996) is an international award-winning artist. Spanning across sculpture, painting, and architecture, her work is inspired by urban landscapes and the traditional Islamic art of her childhood. The interplay between light, colour, and form is at the heart of her practice, creating works that capture a moment and embody change.

Winner
Kit Brown

Primary school teacher Kit (BEd Hons, 2020) is a TikTok sensation and former BBC Bitesize presenter, using platforms to share his passion for education. His debut children's book helps readers get the best out of primary school, tackling subjects like anxiety and friendships in the classroom.

Highly Commended
Warveen Yasmin Al-Atroshi

Yasmin (Master of Pharmacy, 2019) was a frontline worker in the COVID pandemic before moving into NHS project management. She is dedicated to healthcare reform and is pursuing a career in politics as a UK parliamentary candidate campaigning for change within the NHS and serving as a role model for youth engagement in politics.

Highly Commended
Dr Daniel Akinbosede

Daniel (BSc Hons Molecular Biology and Genetics, 2016) is an activist for race equity in Higher Education. Building upon the work he started as a student, Daniel continues to challenge institutional racism through campaigning, educating, and sharing thought leadership at a national level. He is an inspiration to many.

Highly Commended
Mohamed Patel

PhD researcher Mohamed (BSc Hons Applied Biomedical Science, 2023) is making advancements in healthcare technology to improve access to early-stage diagnosis of dermatological malignancies and diseases. Mohamed, an international student, aims for his pioneering work to reach communities across the world.

Winner
John Twitchen 

John (BSc Environmental Studies, 1996) is an environmental communications and policy specialist, striving to achieve a more sustainable society. With a fellow alum, John founded an award-winning innovation company which is developing new ways to make and recycle polyester clothing, preventing materials from ending up in landfill in the UK and overseas.

Highly Commended
Nicole Beaves

Nicole (MEng Engineering, 2004) is a fantastic role model for women leaders in STEM and has excelled since graduating. Through her career with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory, Nicole uses her engineering and analytical skills to develop concepts to benefit the defence and security of the UK and beyond.

Highly Commended
Robert Owen

Global technology consultant Robert (Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1978) has had a distinguished career shaping the way in which digital signal processing, microcontrollers and computer architecture is taught at universities across the world. Since graduating in 1978, Robert has made impactful collaborations and produced multilingual teaching materials to support learning.

Winner
James Lindsay

James (MSc Marketing, 2012) promotes the importance of mental health awareness across Herts. In his book Befriending My Brain: A Psychosis Story, James shares his personal journey to recovery. James is also an Expert by Experience at the university, directly supporting health and social work students.

Highly Commended
Bre McDermott-King

Bre (BA Hons Music Industry Management, 2018) inspires others by sharing her first-hand experiences from university to a career in the music industry. Bre has been involved with TikTok videos, case studies, she features on the alumni wall on campus, and is the host of the first ever alumni podcast series.

Highly Commended
Haylie Cahill

Haylie (BA Hons Tourism Management with Spanish, 2019) provides students with careers and employability advice for the tourism industry. She is a member of the Hertfordshire Business School Advisory Board and is a trained student mentor. Haylie also gave valuable professional insight to review the undergraduate tourism programme.