You might have heard that last year we celebrated our 50th Anniversary…
But it wasn’t just the University that turned 50 in 2017. Some of our alumni celebrated their 50th Birthdays as well. We were lucky enough to speak to some of them and find out what they’ve been doing since graduating.
Andrew Cassidy graduated from the University of Dundee with a PhD in 2007. He also celebrated his 50th birthday on January 1st this year. He tells us about his career so far…
“After graduating from Abertay University in 1989 with a degree in Biological Sciences, I took up a position at the Medical School and eventually studied for my MSc and PhD. I was incredibly fortunate to be able to study part-time for my MSc while establishing the first DNA Sequencing Service in Scotland. From its humble beginnings in a part laboratory part storeroom the facility has grown into a unit that provides genetic/genomics related services to the University of Dundee as well as a growing number of outside institutes.
“The time spent studying for an MSc, and in particular a PhD, have proven to be invaluable, not only in providing me with essential practical knowledge of the molecular techniques required to complete my work, but also by giving me the experience of working with collaborators outside of the University in a truly multidisciplinary and multinational environment. The last ten years have certainly been a roller-coaster ride as the research arena continually evolves to deal with the funding and technological challenges that have arisen but throughout I have always sought to evolve and transform, constantly horizon scanning for the technologies and techniques that will allow us to meet these challenges head-on and create a sustainable core resource for researchers and clinicians alike.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the some of the finest people in the University without the support of whom the facility would not have been such a success. The job has continued to be very exciting, interesting and challenging over the last 27 years.”
Another alum celebrating their 50th birthday this year is Taghrid Dmour. She graduated from Dundee in 1996 with a Masters degree Remote Sensing, Image Processing, and Applications.
“Studying at the University of Dundee was an amazing experience for me. As an International student, I was very much welcomed. The professors and the colleagues were very supportive especially my supervisor Dr. Robin Vaughan whom I kept in touch with many years after I graduated.
“The lectures were sophisticated and the facilities were amazing. I loved the time I spent in Dundee the city and the university, and have even been back… twice!
“After I graduated I went to work for the Natural Resources Authority in Jordan for 20 years in their Remote Sensing Department and during my last eight years, I was the director of this department.
“I’m now retired and thinking about pursuing my Ph.D. degree, better late than never!”
Another Alumnus who celebrated his 50th in 2017 was James Nicoll – who graduated with a Nursing degree in 2006. Here’s what he’s been up to since graduating.
“I was a mature student of mental health nursing in 1998, having worked in retail and electronics since leaving school. I was 33 when I graduated. I have worked in general psychiatry in Glasgow and Dundee and spent 7 years in addiction services in NHS Tayside. For the past 8 years I have been a sexual health adviser/specialist nurse in Sexual & Reproductive Health Services in Dundee.
“I have great memories of my time as a student at Dundee. The lecturers were so supportive of me and gave me constant encouragement. The class was mainly a young female cohort, but I soon settled in and have remained friends with classmates from what is the best part of 20 years ago. My nursing degree qualification has been truly life changing for me and I have no regrets at making the leap from my previous career. Thanks University of Dundee!”
(Below is a photo of James and his parents before his birthday lunch last year)
Also celebrating was 50 year old Ioannis Diakakis from Greece. He graduated with an MSc in Computer Science in 1996.
Here he is celebrating his special day with his wife, Giota and his daughter, Mary.
“Since I graduated I have been living in Chalkida, Greece where I work as a secondary school teacher.
“What I remember most is all of my friends in the ‘Greek Gang’ (as our lecturer Dr Unsworth would refer to us as). It just happened that there were six people on the course from my home country. One of them being Stavros Katsikis who has remained my best friend ever since.
“I will always have the beautiful city of Dundee and the University in my heart and I really hope that I will have the chance to visit you once more in the next few years.”
Below are images of Ioannis and Stavros, who also turned 50 in 2017.
