Alumni of the Year Award

Senior Product Manager

Rees has achieved remarkable growth within three years post-graduation, ascending to the role of Senior Product Manager with a proven track record in leading and scaling SaaS startups. Renowned for his expertise in agile and impactful product launch strategies, Rees seamlessly integrates data-driven insights, business imperatives, and UX research to engineer user-centric solutions. Notably, his enduring commitment to Brunel University and its community began early in his career. Shortly after graduation, Rees assumed a junior Product Manager position and promptly reached out to offer his expertise by volunteering to deliver industrial talks to undergraduate students, offering invaluable insights into job search strategies and role descriptions in the area. He also provided case studies in SCRUM which were valuable in teaching Software Project Management and providing SCRUM experiences. Over the past three years, he has continued to dedicate his time to Brunel, delivering presentations and guiding students in securing graduate employment, earning him the status of a revered role model among our student body. During his initial tenure, Rees facilitated a beneficial partnership between Brunel and his employer, fu3e, resulting in the establishment of placement and graduate agreements. Overall, Rees's professional journey and his commitment to both his career and supporting education showcase him as a well-rounded individual with valuable skills and a commendable ethos of giving back to the community and alma mater.

Auditor

Since graduating from Brunel University London last year, Divesh has endeavoured to give back to his alma mater in various capacities. Notably, he has dedicated significant time, and effort to providing valuable career advice to current students, particularly within the fields of Economics and Finance. This involvement has included active participation in university events and seminars, where he has engaged with students, shared insights, and offered guidance to aid in their professional development. Despite embarking on his own career journey at Moore Kingston Smith, he has remained steadfast in his dedication to supporting aspiring professionals from Brunel University. Through ongoing collaboration initiatives with the placement and career team, he has facilitated opportunities for Brunel students to explore career prospects within his organisation and fostered a symbiotic relationship between MKS and Brunel University. His continued involvement in mentoring and facilitating career opportunities aligns with the values and objectives of the Alumni Award. By nurturing talent, fostering connections, and contributing to the growth of future professionals, he is committed to upholding the legacy of excellence synonymous with Brunel University.

Doctoral Researcher

Donna-Marie graduated from the BA Education programme in 2019 with a first-class degree. When she left, she studied an MA at UCL but continued to offer her time, expertise and personal experiences to students on Brunel’s BA Education programme and has been committed to supporting new students on the programme ever since. Donna-Marie has volunteered for 4 years to come into lectures to share her own experiences as a student, led sessions focusing on equality and diversity, work ready skills and offered pastoral support to students. Donna-Marie is a warm, compassionate and approachable individual, and as an alumni student, our UG students feel an instant connection with her. Her insight has proved invaluable to students and staff on the programme and she is able to engage students in a meaningful way to help improve the quality of the student experience. Donna-Marie has provided pastoral support to students experiencing significant challenges, which has enabled them to complete their studies to a high standard and has gone above and beyond what has been asked of her. She is a strong advocate for Brunel and the student voice. Without her insight and support, the programme would not be what it is today.

MD at Kane International Ltd

Jonathan has mentored a large number of budding engineers over the last 6 years as part of Brunel Professional Mentoring. Not only has he offered them regular 1:1 mentoring sessions, he has invited them to his company offices and workrooms, introduced them to his colleagues and offered them paid internships. Jonathan is super keen to increase the number of female engineers and made such a big impact on a mentee that she thanked him in her 2023 YouTube interview that details her journey from Somalia to Brunel. This year, Jonathan booked himself into the Lancaster Hotel just so that he could attend and speak at the Find out more about Mentoring event on campus in September, which helped us to grow our number of mentee mentor matches for 2024. Jonathan's introduction of his wife to the Professional Mentoring community resulted in enough mentors with a psychology background for mentees. Jonathan's contributions deserve recognition beyond the Brunel Professional Mentoring community.

Section Planner

After earning his MSc in Engineering Management, Justin set off on a path driven by his passion for the Railway Sector. His commitment to excellence and desire to learn led to his being hired by Network Rail as a Planning Assistant. He advanced to the position of Section Planner in just six months, with great perseverance and acknowledgment from his manager and colleagues. Justin's dedication to achievement and self-improvement is evident in his well-defined objectives and persistent pursuit of them.

Despite his success in his career, Justin maintains a close relationship with Brunel University London. Even after graduation, he comes to campus frequently to help new students going through difficulties similar to what he did in his early years and also shares his knowledge in preparing CVs according to UK norms and navigating employment portals and also shares the best knowledge about the subjects to others. He particularly comes to the university during the hardest time for the students, which is their entry period, and helps them in the best way he can. His selfless dedication to supporting students showcases his genuine desire to uplift others and contribute to their success. He has assisted numerous students in securing admission to Brunel University, guiding them in selecting courses and highlighting the advantages of being part of Brunel University London. His exemplary achievements have inspired many to view Brunel as the premier destination for shaping their careers and embarking on their journey.

Justin was heavily involved in several groups at Brunel and was instrumental in starting the Malayali Society. He continues to be actively involved with society gatherings even after graduating, inspiring, and mentoring new students. Justin's mantra, "If you find your comfort zone, it's time for you to grow," epitomises his philosophy of continuous improvement and serves as a beacon of motivation for others. 

Head of Non-Clinical Sciences, GE Healthcare

Julie Davies completed her BSc degree in Biosciences at Brunel, and then went on to pursue a PhD in Biosciences entitled: "The novel role of the neuropeptides Orexin and QRFP and their involvement in Alzheimer’s disease". She successfully completed her PhD in 2014 and part of her thesis was published in 2015: "Davies, J....Karteris, E. Orexin receptors exert a neuroprotective effect in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) via heterodimerization with GPR103." in the prestigious journal Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing).

Between 2014-2019, Julie was a postdoctoral research fellow at Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford. During her stay in Oxford, she became one of the founding members of OxStem Neuro, a drug discovery company was focused on degenerative disorders using regenerative medicine. OxStem raised over £17 million, with data that Julie has generated, while being a strong influencing factor for investors. In 2019, Julie joined GE Healthcare, as a Senior R&D Scientist. There, she undertook project management of cross-functional key feasibility projects in oncology, including across multiple external academic research collaborations. Julie also assessed potential licensing, collaborations, co-development agreements, and strategic alliances in relevant opportunity space. Responsible for the nonclinical due diligence output, integrating internal and external SME for stakeholder review and approval (Go/No Go).

During the pandemic, Julie collaborated with a group to publish a research manuscript entitled: “Davies J, Randeva HS, Chatha K, Hall M, Spandidos DA, Karteris E, Kyrou I. Neuropilin‑1 as a new potential SARS‑CoV‑2 infection mediator implicated in the neurologic features and central nervous system involvement of COVID‑19. Mol Med Rep. 2020 Nov;22(5):4221-4226”. In this study, led by Julie, it provided an explanation for the involvement of SARS-CoV-2 cell entry mediators in key symptoms of COVID-19, namely anosmia (i.e., loss of smell) and neurological symptoms by mapping these receptors in the central nervous system (PMID: 33000221; 15,891views; 164 citations).

In 2022, Julie became Global Head of Nonclinical Development, R&D, for GE Healthcare, Pharmaceutical Diagnostics. Key achievements include being a nonclinical people leader responsible for tactical, on time delivery of all nonclinical activities (including regulatory) to support with contribution to the overall strategy, development and delivery of portfolio milestones across R&D, project management review and life cycle management. Julie is also responsible for shaping the nonclinical team, expanding expertise and developing strategic insights, identifying areas of growth/gaps to support the emerging R&D portfolio.

Executive Director, The Commons Project Foundation

Dr. Richard Gakuba is a distinguished medical doctor and a pioneering figure in digital health across Africa. With an MSc in Telemedicine and eHealth Systems from Brunel University London, he has dedicated his career to innovating healthcare through technology. Beginning in 2005, Dr. Gakuba spearheaded Rwanda's national digital health program, leading it for eight years and establishing himself as a leader in the field. His work has extended across the continent, advising on national eHealth strategies and implementing digital health projects in countries including Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Guinea, Liberia, Tanzania, Cameron, Ethiopia and more.

Dr. Gakuba's contributions to digital health have been recognised with the prestigious Holly Ladd mHealth Pioneer Award, underscoring his leadership in using mobile technologies to improve health outcomes. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the Eisenhower Fellowships, highlighting his global influence in healthcare innovation.

Currently serving as the Executive Director of the TCP Foundation Africa, Dr. Gakuba leads coordination activities, liaises with government and partners, and oversees the foundation's objectives. His previous roles have spanned a variety of positions where he has leveraged his expertise to advance digital health, from being a Senior Health Informatics Consultant with ICAP at Columbia University to advising Enabel on digital health investments.

Dr. Gakuba is also the co-chair of a continental digital health flagship initiative on Primary Healthcare Digitisation that is hosted by the African Center for Disease Control (Africa CDC). His membership on the advisory board of the Better Immunisation Data Initiative and the Digital Health Working Group of the UN Broad Band Commission further illustrates his commitment to improving healthcare through technological innovation.

An advocate for knowledge sharing, Dr. Gakuba has contributed to several key publications and studies that focus on enhancing digital health infrastructure and practices. His dedication to improving health outcomes through digital innovations makes him an exemplary nominee for awards recognising leadership and innovation in healthcare.

Climate Change Policy Manager

Marjan completed his MSc in Climate Change and Sustainability from Brunel University in 2016. After that, he returned to his home country, Bangladesh and started working in academia. He taught climate and environmental science at different leading universities in Bangladesh. He worked as a Lecturer and Research Coordinator for over three years at the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Research (C3ER) at BRAC University, where he taught climate change and managed different local and national development projects. He taught more than 300 students on climate change and sustainability issues, and engage them in different social activities through clubs, social campaigns etc. Through implementing different projects, he was also involved in building the capacity of the local level youth organisations, organising events, such as the International Climate Finance Conference, and supporting the Bangladesh government in building their ability to tackle the adverse impacts of climate change.

He joined the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the British High Commission Dhaka in 2020. His key role is to strengthen the climate partnership between the two countries, including leading the programmes on energy transition, working closely with all the relevant actors to support long-term decarbonisation and promoting resilience and adaptation objectives in Bangladesh. He played a key role in signing the UK-Bangladesh Climate Accord at the Ministerial level (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bangladesh-ukaccord-on-climate-change) to strengthen the climate partnership between the two countries. Besides, he is a core team member of implementing the £120m climate and environment programme, which focuses on building resilience, reduce vulnerability, building capacity of youth and promoting energy transition in one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world (Bangladesh). Marjan is considered as a climate ambassador within the climate community in Bangladesh, and in the future, he is keen to work in the policy process to bring about positive changes to mitigate climate change's worst effects and help decision-makers prioritise environmental issues based on scientific evidence.

Associate Director, Study Management

Stephanie co-founded Black Pharma in August 2020 with a resolute commitment to address the significant underrepresentation of Black professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Inspired by her educational journey at Brunel and propelled by compelling statistics that highlighted the industry's diversity challenges, she took it upon herself to create a change.

Notably, Black Pharma's programmes have had a direct and profound impact on students from Brunel University London’s Biosciences School. By meticulously designing and leading career upskilling and mentoring initiatives, she’s had the privilege to see first hand the transformative effect on these students. 

Since Black Pharma's inception, membership has grown to over 10,000 and under Stephanie’s leadership, they have supported an extensive number of talented Black students, graduates, and professionals. Stephanie’s key role within the organisation was establishing partnerships and collaborations with the likes of Pfizer, GSK, Johnson and Johnson, Roche to name a few. She has remained steadfast in her commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse pharmaceutical industry. 

Her passion for social impact led Stephanie to establish a group of talented students and early career professionals - Brand Ambassadors who have also personally collaborated with the school of biosciences at Brunel. Attending career fairs and talks to encourage and support prospective graduates into the Pharma world. 

STEM Media Broadcaster 

As a Computational Fluid Dynamics Engineer research engineer at Flomerics Ltd, Shini developed FloVent (their in-house CFD building simulation tool). FloVent provided dynamic (time-dependent) simulations, as a result of her research. This research earned her an Engineering Doctorate. Shini developed, tested and proved a “ freeze-flow” technique, designed to pause computations across the enclosed air spaces for large intervals of time, whilst continuously calculating the thermal boundary conditions across the building envelope. FloVent was financially and computationally expensive to run and therefore not widely used in the building services industry. Shini’s “ freeze-flow” technique reduced thermal computations whilst providing time-dependent dynamic thermal analysis. The overarching goal of my research was to improve the accuracy, usefulness and effectiveness of building simulation tools to increase thermal efficiency and sustainability in building design.

Dr Shini founded eSTEAMd Media in May 2022 which produces and broadcasts STEM-related media content of all forms including, television, books, radio, podcasts and live events. The main objective of eSTEAMd Media is to popularise and publicise the advancements of universities, research institutions, companies and individuals. She has authored seven STEM-related titles (4x Hachette UK, 2x PanMacmillan and 1x What on Earth Books). Shini’s latest publication, “ Engineers Making a Difference” , published in March 2023 and supported by Imperial College London and The Gatsby Foundation, features 46 contemporary engineers across 12 engineering sectors. 16,000 copies of the book were donated to every UK secondary state school together with a “schools kit” containing posters, teacher's handbook and classroom activities, which Shini helped to create together with educational experts.

Dr Shini presents engineering on television for The BBC, Al Jazeera, Discovery Channel and UKTV. She is also the host of two YouTube series, which she helped to write for PBS Digital, based on the UK A Level and American Advanced Placement Physics curriculum: 1. Crash Course Engineering (2018) (> 9 million views) 2. Crash Course Physics (2016) (>50 million views).

STEM outreach became a full-time occupation in 2011 with The Health Show on BBC World, (a 27-episode series funded by The Gates Foundation). Dr Shini hosted and/or produced other TV series, including Mother of Invention on Sky Atlantic, TechKnow on Al Jazeera (based in Los Angeles, 2013-2018) and most recently Razor on CGTN Europe (London, 2019-2021).

Other Roles
Trustee of PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communication, Eastern house, Porthcurno, Penzance
Member of the English Heritage Blue Plaques Panel,
Pro-Chancellor for Brunel University, (Dec 2023)
UN Women UK delegate (February 2024)

Awards
Diversity in Media with the Inclusive Tech Alliance (2020)
Asian Women of Achievement Award (2021)
The Institution of Engineering Designers (2022)

Content Creator

After graduating, Bec gained a job in London as a Digital Editor for multiple industry news channels and put her writing degree to good use, but she missed writing creatively. She met her husband, Sam, in 2015. After discovering a shared sense of humour, they began producing comedy videos for social media. Bec re-discovered her love of performing, which she had enjoyed in school. The couple continued this hobby of creating videos as they gained teaching certificates to teach English as a foreign language. Between 2015-2019 Bec taught English and creative writing around the world. She taught in Moscow, Guangdong and Beijing and found creative writing and drama to be an excellent tool for teaching English.

In 2020 Bec moved back to London. She wasn't exactly sure what we wanted to do, the only thing she was sure about was that she wanted to create. She began teaching cooking for an after-school club and using her spare time to write. She discovered a love of comedy sketches. She began filming these sketches and posting them to social media in 2020. Four years later, Bec is now an established, award-winning, comedy writer/performer and content creator with an audience of over 300k across TikTok, Insta and YouTube. She launched her video production business BAM! in April 2021. They went full-time at the end of 2021. BAM! produces comedy adverts for brands on social media. Since launching four years ago, they have produced countless online commercials for brands, including Bolt, TikTok, EE and Odeon, to name a few. Their videos often achieve views in the millions.

BAM! have won multiple awards for their comedy content over the past few years.

• Funny Women 2023 (Bec was a Content Creator Finalist + longlisted for Stage, Comedy Short and Writing)
• Lit Laughs 2023 (Finalist)
• Make Me Laugh 2023 (Winner)
• British Comedy Guide Production Award 2021 (Winner)
• Comedy Crowd Euro TikTok Challenge 2020 (Winner)
• Comedy Crowd Laughter Lab 2020 (Winner)

They were selected to take part in the world's first vegan content house, The Squeaky House, in 2021. They won the Vulpine Press comedy author search in 2021. Bec is also an improviser (trained with Hoopla up to Level 4 and currently studying FA Level 3) and can be found performing live in London with her troupes BAM! and Comicult.

Bec is also a presenter and can be found presenting party games on the Lucky Egg social channels. She also produces sketches and film review content for The Vortex YouTube channel. Bec is signed with The Gold Studios, an agency which "represents funny people with massive digital audiences." She also signed with acting agent, Branded Talent, last year and has featured in multiple ad campaigns as an actor. Bec acted in her first feature film recently, B-Movie by Seriously Funny Productions. Bec is fully committed to a career as a comedy writer/performer and has demonstrated her commitment time and time again. I would love for her to be celebrated in the Rising Star awards.

www.tiktok.com/@bamcomedyuk
www.bamcomedy.co.uk

U18s Head Coach, Brentford Football Club

Whilst training to be a PE Teacher at Brunel, Lydia began her coaching qualifications and graduated 4 years later with her B Licence. Over the past 15 years Lydia has forged her way as an Elite Football Coach, working for the English FA for 7 years as a National Coach for the Young Lionesses before going on to save Leicester City Women from a relegation battle in 2021 when she became Manager mid-season, with the team sat at the bottom of the Barclays Women’s Super League.

In July 2023, Lydia was announced as the first women to hold a Head Coach position with a Premier League Club working within the Professional Development Phase as U18s Head Coach. Lydia’s career is trailblazing, and she is now a role model for females wanting to work in men’s football.

Actor and Producer

Since graduating, Damson Idris has gone on to be one of the most promising actors of his generation. Leading in the hit FX TV show Snowfall alongside starring in Black Mirror, Swarm, The Twilight Zone, Farming, Outside the Wire and many more. 

His current starring role is that of a Formula 1 driver opposite Brad Pitt. Additionally, Damson has begun producing and creating opportunities for talent from all locations.

Abstract Artist

Since graduating, Shreena has become an established abstract artist of south Asian heritage in the space and has managed to get recognised in British Vogue, TFL, New York Times Square and painted for many big celebrities all whilst being practically a single mum (as her husband lives in Dubai) and battling a severe health condition and been confined indoors for three and a half years whilst being on oral chemotherapy.

Despite all of her personal battles, she still keeps smiling and loves to see others smile through her art. Her religious work touches so many people and she loves giving everyone hope through her work even if it means her painting till 3am to get things done for her clients.

Shreena has opened the doors for many artists and regularly gives career advice to prospective university students. Moreover, her artwork is distributed to various temples in the UK and India for events, and also to charities as a way to raise funds for young children and adults. She’s also gone into nurseries and schools to teach little ones about religious holidays and teaching them art related crafts. She’s also delivered a presentation and has been available to answer art questions at the National Maritime Museum last Diwali.

Her work can be seen here www.Instagram.com/artbyshree

News Reporter

Sophie Perry exemplifies the epitome of excellence and advocacy, embodying the very essence of what it means to be a Brunel Alumni of the Year Award winner. Through her remarkable professional achievements and unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity within the LGBT community, Sophie has left an indelible mark on both her field and society at large.

As a 2023 recipient of the Outstanding Future Leader Role Models for INvolve, Sophie's dedication to advancing diversity and inclusion in the workplace stands as a testament to her leadership and vision. Her tireless efforts in promoting equality have not only earned her widespread recognition but have also paved the way for meaningful change within corporate environments.

Moreover, Sophie's trailblazing initiatives extend beyond her professional accolades. Her founding of the LGBTQ+ Journalism Network has provided a vital platform for queer voices within the media landscape, amplifying narratives that have long been marginalised. Through this network, Sophie has fostered a community of support and empowerment, empowering aspiring journalists to break barriers and challenge stereotypes. In her role as a news reporter for PinkNews, Sophie has utilised her platform to shed light on issues impacting the LGBT community, from legislative battles to personal stories of resilience. Her insightful reporting has not only informed the public but has also sparked crucial conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and representation.

Sophie's contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her Equality and Diversity Award from NewsQuest. This prestigious honor underscores her unwavering commitment to championing equality in all its forms, reflecting the values of inclusivity and social justice that lie at the heart of the Brunel community.

In sum, Sophie Perry's outstanding achievements and profound impact on her profession and community make her a truly deserving candidate for the Brunel Alumni of the Year Award. Her dedication to advancing diversity, amplifying marginalised voices, and challenging societal norms serves as an inspiration to us all, embodying the spirit of excellence and leadership that defines the Brunel legacy.

Professional Athlete

Bryony is an Olympian who has represented the British Archery Team for 12 years. Last year, she became the first British woman to be World Ranked No. 1 in the modern era (since 1999), and became the first Team GB athlete in any sport to retain a title at the European Games (Women’s Team Gold- 2019, 2023).

After a breakthrough season in 2022, Bryony maintained a top 5 world ranking throughout 2023, and finished the year becoming European Champion, and finished 3rd in the mixed team event too. Bryony started 2024 by making the indoor World Cup finals in February, and is currently leading the 2024 British Team selection event.

During her time at Brunel, Bryony competed at her first Olympic Games in Tokyo, finishing 9th. This year, she aims to make her second Olympic Team in Paris. Alongside this, Bryony has been keen to give back to her sport through her role as a World Archery Athlete Representative - ensuring that the athlete voice is considered in matters that affect opportunities to compete and promote the sport.

Head of Computer System Department

Nadia started her journey with helping children to learn to code while she was studying at Brunel. She volunteered with Code Club at the Oak Farm library through Brunel volunteers. When she returned to Iraq, she continued her passion to help children learn coding, and she started the first Code Club in Iraq in Maysan, which is a city with a majority of low-income families. She started by training 20 females to become a trainer to help as many children as possible. When COVID hit, she didn't stop her efforts rather, she took the initiative and moved online, helping children in Iraq and outside Iraq. She offered a Scratch training to Iraqi children from refugee families in Jordan with the support of Light Living Organization, she also helped other lecturers and school teachers by offering online training on how to use applications and technologies to support them give their lectures to their students. She started a YouTube channel for that purpose.

After COVID, she continued her work with coding and realised that her city lack of proper training facilities and places where children and youth can learn safely and creatively. She used her family savings and build a place for them, this place has a big training hall, a classroom, a coffee resting area and a maker space. It also has indoor gardens and in floor fish tank. All who attend the sessions and enter the place feel welcomed and that they belong there. She brought energy, learning opportunities and safety for all the children and youth of Maysan. She is working now with the Iraqi Prime Minister Chancellor to bring coding and AI learning clubs to all schools and youth centres in Iraq. You can see her work on Instagram www.instagram.com/coderdojo_iraq.

Professor & CEO

Dr. Murtaza Najabat Ali's journey commenced in 2006 during his Master at Brunel University, where he developed a cost-effective stent. Aware of high cost and inaccessibility of these devices to 80% of patients in Pakistan, he wrote a letter to the President, highlighting absence of a medical device industry in the country and offering his expertise. The President forwarded the letter to the Chairman of National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) leading to an agreement to embark on this new venture. Assuming the role of Project Director at NESCOM, he established a pilot-scale production facility for cardiac stents accredited by a UK-based Notified Body.

He went back to the UK for his PhD. Upon his return to Pakistan, he joined the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and led Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Department. In 2017, a scandal on the implantation of expired imported stents in Pakistani patients drew national attention. In response, he was summoned by the Prime Minister and entrusted with establishing MDDC at NUST for indigenous development of medical devices. So, MDDC (and later its commercial arm, NHT) was successfully established and certified by the EU notified body, initiating production of angioplasty catheters, coronary stents and angiography catheters. During pandemic, his team also developed ventilators and powered air purifying respirators. NHT supplied thousands of devices to hospitals across Pakistan for poverty-afflicted stakeholders.

1) Established Pakistan’s 1st medical device manufacturing facility (Medical Devices Development Centre (MDDC)/N-ovative Health Technologies (NHT)) for producing high-quality, cost-effective life-support devices for underprivileged sector of society.

2) Established Pakistan’s 1st R&D industry (Revive Medical Technologies, Inc. RMT) dedicated for developing novel medical devices for the world. With a vision to fast-track innovation and make accessible novel medical devices to the community, RMT serves as one-stop shop for physicians and industries holding ingenious ideas who are in search of multidisciplinary expertise (design, fabrication, electronics and embedded systems, biomaterials, drug development and delivery systems, Artificial Intelligence and regulatory consultancy). RMT has developed medical devices for North America, Middle east and Europe-based clients.

3) Provided consultancy and technical services for establishing Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's (KSA) 1st medical device industry (in line with Saudi Vision 2030) dedicated for producing cardiac stents, catheters and absorbable & non-absorbable sutures.

4) Capacity Building within Pakistan and KSA. As COMSTECH Distinguished Scholar for capacity building of OIC member states, he has scheduled a series of sessions in Malaysia for mid-April. As founding HoD at NUST in past and as present HoD at Riphah International University, he developed curriculum and labs for quality education and supervised more than 50 MS and PhD students. Many of his beneficiaries are in leadership roles at NHT, RMT and other local and international organisations. His journey led to job creation of over 250 direct and indirect employees.

Director, Rescue International

Rescue International was founded by Humberto Hinestrosa in 2018, a Dutch company specialising in providing search and rescue analysis to governments, rescue Organisations and families in complex search cases around the world. In 2023, he made headline news by providing the key analysis to find 4 missing children in the jungle in Colombia.

Humberto started in Search and Rescue since 1992; studied Law in his home country; and is an Intelligence Analyst graduated in 2013 from MA Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University. He combines the learnings and skills of his Brunel’s Master’s Degree with his experience in Search and Rescue. That’s how a unique approach has been created: Search and Rescue Intelligence. This formula has been successful for over 6 years, not only in providing smaller search areas and finds, but also in providing strong arguments and clear understanding to families about their missing loved ones, what to do, what to expect and which strategies will have more probabilities of success.

One of the most known stories was the successful case in 2023, where 4 missing children in the Colombian jungle were found. On May 1st 2023, the Cessna 206 HK2803 disappeared in the Colombian rainforest. On May 8th, the Colombian authorities reached out to Rescue International as they couldn’t find the airplane and were about to expand the search area to 30 km radius. Humberto provided them on May 10th a thorough analysis, including analysis of satellite, radar and human behavioural data. These analytical products were strong enough that the authorities refrained from expanding the search area, and now focused on the small area provided by Humberto and his team, more specifically, in one line drawn in the analytic proposal. 48hrs later, in one of the world’s densest jungles, the aircraft was found at just 14 meters from the mentioned line.

The finding of the aircraft was crucial to know that 4 passengers were missing: all children, aged between 11 months and 13 years old. The other 3 passengers (including their mother) had died at the crash site. The search operation, known as Operation Hope, took place in one of the most inhospitable areas of the Colombian Amazon. Humberto provided more analytical products, including analysis of lost person behaviour and statistics. This analysis, along with strong advice for search strategies, helped the authorities take the right steps. On June 10th they found the children, 40 days after they crashed, all alive!

Rescue International had the same information (and most probably even less) as the Colombian authorities. However, its analysis - a product of all learnt at Brunel MA studies combined with very particular experience in Search and Rescue - made the difference for the lives of these 4 missing children! Currently, this case is being presented in Search and Rescue conferences around the world and in European Agencies: The unique approach of Rescue International in this and other cases provides a valuable contribution to the Search and Rescue field.

Director

Samuel is an award-winning social entrepreneur, commentator, and strategist. He served as Special Advisor to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, where he held the Civil Society and Communities brief. His work included leading on the cross-government vaccine deployment confidence programme. He was the most senior black advisor in government.

His proudest work in Downing Street was leading the UK’s covid-19 vaccine deployment alongside the vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi. When they started this work, only 32% of Black Brits said that they would consider taking the vaccine alongside just over 40% for Pakistani and Bangladeshi groups. These figures were striking when compared to over 90% of White British citizens who were happy to be vaccinated. In less than 4 months, vaccine confidence amongst Black Caribbean’s doubled. He established and chaired a cross-government task force on tackling misinformation and had oversight of the whole deployment operation.

Samuel’s professional work has been predominately focused on acting as a critical friend to organisations and sectors as they seek to become more inclusive. He is the co-founder of Inclusive Boards, a firm specialising in nonexecutive board appointments. Through his work at Inclusive Boards, they have supported the development of culture change plans for various national governing bodies.

Examples include Samuel’s work with the Royal Horticultural Society to help them broaden their audiences and with sport governing bodies to improve the gender and ethnic diversity on their boards. This work was done without compromising on quality and values. IB have worked with over 150 sports governing bodies, including the Rugby Football league, and across sectors. The inclusive Boards network has grown to over 50,000 senior leaders across sectors. In 2023, they were named third and public sector recruiters of the year at the National Recruiter Awards.

He first served his peers as the President of the largest African Caribbean Society at a UK at Brunel University in 2006 and then became the Vice President of the Union of Brunel Students, the first to receive 1000 votes for a contested seat in 2017 aged 19 – in his second year of study. He also served as founding chair of the African Caribbean Alumni Network (A-CAN), representing over 25,000 black professionals across the UK. As part of A-CAN, he chaired the Great Debate Tour reaching 1000s of black students every October.

Samuel has extensive senior leadership and board experience, acting as Non-Executive Director at challenger energy firm Ovo’s Foundation arm and under former Prime Minister Theresa May, he was a member of the Race Disparity Audit Advisory Board. Samuel is a former district councillor in Hertfordshire and brings extensive knowledge of how local and national government works. He set up a student network connecting peers with employers whilst at university that grew to 30,000 members. He went on to set up and run a campaign that supported over 8000 start-up businesses. He has won numerous awards, including:

• Barclays Business Enterprise Award, Spirit of London Awards (SOLA)
• Entrepreneur Champion of the Year, Great British Entrepreneur Awards
• Entereprise Support Champion of the Year, Institute of Enterprise & Entrepreneurship
• Top 3 UK Role Model, Amway International

Campaigner

Jemmar Samuels is an award-winning campaigner. For over a decade, she has been campaigning and advocating for social justice since she was 16 years of age. She exemplifies the essence of dedication, leadership, and impact in both her professional endeavours and community engagement, making them a standout nominee for recognition.

Jemmar’s founding of the Collective Punishment Campaign that truly underscores their commitment to effecting positive change. Through this initiative, Jemmar has not only created a platform to address the profound impact of parental imprisonment, but has also taken tangible steps to provide support and resources for affected families. Her management of campaign finances and coordination of volunteers exhibit exemplary leadership and organisational abilities.

Moreover, as a co-founder of The Halo Collective, Jemmar has been instrumental in spearheading efforts to combat afro-hair discrimination, showcasing a deep-rooted dedication to social justice causes. Her involvement in various community initiatives, such as Chips Peace, an international peace charity, further highlights her unwavering commitment to uplifting marginalised communities and empowering young people.

Throughout her career, Jemmar has demonstrated a multifaceted approach to activism, combining media and communications expertise with grassroots organising and community outreach. Her impactful contributions have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition as a BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker and recipient of the prestigious Diana Award in 2019.

In summary, Jemmar’s remarkable achievements in advocacy, community engagement, and filmmaking underscore their status as a worthy nominee. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, coupled with her exceptional leadership qualities, makes them an outstanding candidate for recognition.

Chief Executive Officer

Chidumaga Unachukwu, embodies values of inspiration, discipline, and dedication, serving as a guiding light for others to follow. With a first degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Nigeria, Master's degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from Brunel University London and a climate pioneer leader in the Climate Reality Project, headed by former U.S A Vice president, Al-Gore, Since founding EXERGIE, a pioneering Clean Energy business in the year 2021, he has spearheaded initiatives that have propelled the company to the forefront of the industry, from the famous National Stadium Squash Courts Lagos Project (N.S.S.C) to health sector medical diagnostic labs etc. His impact transcends Nigeria, as he expanded EXERGIE's registered presence into Sierra Leone last year 2023.

With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Chidu as he is fondly called, has achieved success, boasting exponential growth and garnering accolades as the fastest growing Clean Energy enterprise, as acknowledged by esteemed publications such as Business Day. EXERGIE's impressive track record of impact just over the span of just two years, has facilitated the installation of over 2,500KW of solar electricity, thereby generating approximately 3,832.5MWh of clean energy while significantly reducing carbon emissions by offsetting approximately 2000 metric tonnes of CO2 annually. Interestingly, the majority of these installations are deployed in the rural and underserved communities across Sub-Saharan Africa, where access to reliable electricity has long been a pressing issue.

Chidumaga's dedication to social impact has not gone unnoticed. His receipt of the prestigious Orange Corners Innovation Fund grant from the Kingdom of Netherlands in recognition of his efforts in leveraging renewable energy to power essential facilities, such as hospitals and schools, which play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of communities, particularly women and children. Collaborating with organisations like "Qi Digital London", Chidumaga has further extended his reach, illuminating rural landscapes while concurrently nurturing local talent through skills development and job creation. Chidumaga's unwavering commitment to innovation and societal betterment was epitomised by his receipt of the British Council 2024 Award for "Business & Innovation." This accolade not only acknowledges his commitment to impact, but serves as a testament to his ability to effect positive change on a global scale.

Beyond his professional endeavours, Chidumaga remains rooted in his commitment to community upliftment. Through the EXERGIE Rural Electrification Project Initiative (1-16), he has brought sustainable electricity to previously darkened communities, fostering socio-economic development. Despite these, Chidumaga remains steadfast in his allegiance to his alma mater, actively participating in the Brunel Nigeria Alumni Association and championing its causes.

His longstanding relationship with Brunel University London is a testament to his gratitude for the institution that served as the crucible for his growth.

Deputy Minister of Industrial Services

I am pleased to share my story after visited the UK in June 2006 for the first time as when I returned back to Riyadh, I made four tough decisions which I classify them as a crossroad in my whole life. Firstly, I dropped off the second semester as I was doing masters' degree at one of local Saudi university; secondly, I contacted some UK, US & Australian universities before I preferred to focus on the UK. Then, I obtained three conditional offers to study MSc in Engineering Management. Thirdly, I decided to quit from Saudi Electricity Company even before I was qualified to get my first promotion if I stayed for only six months to complete three years working with them. Finally, I left my wife alone in Riyadh although she was just delivered our first baby and I sold my car with 50% loss after only the usage of two years.

During July & August 2007, I was studying a pre-sessional Academic English course at Brunel, then I obtained 70% in Brunel English Language Test (BrunELT). I am very proud of what I have achieved by obtaining a master’s degree with Merit, and I found this one year & half very rich in terms of gathering knowledge and gaining deep research essays and assignments which shaped my writing & reading skills which led to obtained A grade in the dissertation.

Once I returned to Saudi, I got double of the salary & boosted my professionality as I joined ABB as a Project Manager in November 2008. In another one year & half, I got promoted in March 2010 to handle one of ABB factory although as I was the youngest manager. While serving ABB, I enjoyed five years working with them through multiple roles; project management, production and manufacturing and operational excellency. I represented ABB Saudi factories in the Global CEO Excellence Award after implemented lean manufacturing principles which I learned from the advance manufacturing module at Brunel. The implementation of (5S) at that time was unique including removing wastes and increased the factory productivity during 2011 until 2013. I spent another five years working with Saudi Industrial Property Authority and I got promoted very quickly to handle 35 industrial cities with total workforces of 170 members. I obtained the Director General Excellence Award for the best improving project during 2015. I am very proud also for another three years & half when I was handling all functions as a General Manager of three business units in which one of them, my team & myself succeeded to turn it to the profitability track despite to multiple challenges because of Coronavirus pandemic 2020 with total revenues exceeded SAR 2 billion by 2021-yearend closing.

Currently, I am in the third year as a Deputy Minister, and I obtained the highest evaluation "Exceptional Performer" in 2022. Basically, I shared my story since I made those four decisions at the same time, and I have seen the return of value of that investment. After invested on myself for a one year & half in learning General & pre-sessional English programs in the UK followed by studying masters’ degree in one of the best universities in the UK which combined management in engineering fields. Finally, I am proudly share that I was picked up last month from the local as well as the global British Council as a "Winner for Business & Innovation" path in the Study at the UK Award, and the same has been published by the British Council as well as through my LinkedIn profile.

Director, TBV Productions 

TBV Productions was founded in my university accommodation room on March 12, 2021. From there I expanded internationally within just one year. In two years, we forged impactful collaborations with global superstars, embarked on successful tours, and built a dedicated following. Specialising in curating exclusive content, TBV bridges the gap between fans and artists by capturing offcamera moments for an intimate look into artists' lives.

In our pursuit of being the definitive hub for musically exclusive experiences, we've also highlighted the talents of UK rap artists such as Simz, Aitch, Headie One, and Arrdee. Venturing into the realm of French-speaking giants, we've collaborated with Fally Ipupa, Aya Nakamura, Gims, and Dadju. The diversity of our collaborations knows no bounds, as we've joined forces with party-rockers like Skrillex, Sarz, Ayra Starr, and Rema, as well as trending social media artists such as Blueface, Chip, Russ Millions, Asake, and many more. The list continues to grow, reflecting our commitment to fostering musical diversity and innovation across the global landscape.

Beyond our extensive portfolio, TBV Productions have forged profound connections within the industry, serving as the gateway to collaborations with renowned record labels such as EMPIRE and YBNL. These associations have opened doors to extraordinary opportunities and allowed us to cover prestigious events like the Burberry SS23 fashion show alongside Fireboy DML. Riding the wave of Afrobeats' global ascent, I've had the privilege of connecting with influential figures such as Smade, co-founder and CEO of Afro Nation, and Don Jazzy, the visionary CEO of Mavin Records.

Our impact extends beyond the realm of music, as evidenced by our collaboration with Disney Plus+ for 'Queenie' and coverage of Gymshark's Regent Street opening. We've proudly aligned with event sponsors such as Jack Daniels, Wray & Nephew, Captain Morgan, Morley’s, and McDonald’s. An exceptional highlight includes the opportunity to film the legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather and The Money Team, showcasing TBV our versatility. Our documentation of boxing events at Kingpyn, Misfits, and DAZN, featuring luminaries like KSI, Logan Paul, Bugzy Malone, and many others.

In 2023 alone, we made a substantial impact across 16 countries, expanding internationally after my graduation in 2022. My decade-long journey as an athlete, over 50 recorded hours to teaching and mentoring entrepreneurs, modelling, alongside academic achievements, earned me the Brunel Plus Gold Award, which I am still proud of till this day. Additionally, in November 2023, I was honoured with the Forty Under 40 UK for Video Production and have been considered as a potential candidate for Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe that is coming up in April.

We have been making an impact on social media as we have amassed over 150,000 TikTok followers in the past year now broadening TBV's influence with also our music from TBV Records streaming in 58 countries.

Through TBV, I strive for a diverse and inclusive space in the music industry, celebrating London's diversity. As an entrepreneur, my evolution equipped me with valuable skills and insights, reflected in ongoing initiatives like charity events and multilingual music releases. I share my growth annually in the 'Vision Documentary.'

Group Managing Director

Vimal's story is one of relentless ambition, innovative leadership, and a deep-seated commitment to community upliftment. After completing his studies, Vimal commenced his career at Carphone Warehouse, initially joining as an entry-level sales advisor. With unparalleled dedication and prowess, he quickly rose to become the department's top salesperson within a mere six months. His journey of continuous self-improvement led him to secure a managerial position, following three diligent attempts over nine months. In this role, he orchestrated a staggering 500% increase in team revenue within just 12 weeks, achieved through meticulous data and commercial analysis, alongside substantial improvements in processes and personnel management.

Vimal's extraordinary accomplishments caught the eye of Andrew McArthur, an external consultant, who presented him with a transformative opportunity to co-found an Outsourced Customer Contact business, AT Management Ltd, situated in his hometown of Leicester. This venture not only marked a significant milestone in Vimal's career but also acted as a conduit for positive change within the local community, particularly for those hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds, akin to Vimal's own upbringing.

Under Vimal's stewardship, AT Management Ltd has undergone remarkable growth, evolving from a nascent company with 20 employees and Carphone Warehouse as its initial client, to a formidable entity employing approximately 1000 individuals across the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, and South Africa. The company now boasts an impressive client roster, including leading names such as TalkTalk, Vodafone, Ziggo, and Vue.

Vimal's distinctive leadership is not merely defined by his business success but also by his profound influence on the community. Through proactive engagement and developmental programmes, he has paved the way for numerous individuals, offering not just jobs but a pathway to personal and professional development.

Vimal's journey epitomises the ethos of I K Brunel, illustrating the heights one can reach with perseverance, ingenuity, and a dedication to lifting others. His narrative serves as an inspiration to both current and future alumni, rendering him an exemplary figure and a deserving candidate for the Alumni of the Year award.

Founder & CEO

As Founder and CEO of Aidrivers, the London-based AI-enabled autonomous technology company, Dr Rafiq Swash is pioneering a transformation in the way that ports and terminals work worldwide.

Aidrivers is a global specialist in AI-enabled autonomous solutions and autonomous retrofitting capabilities for industrial automation, and in the creation and application of autonomous simulation, digital twinning and V2X-enabled fleet management systems. These sophisticated solutions reduce industry waste and downtime, increase efficiency and competitiveness, and contribute to decarbonisation, maintaining excellent environment, safety and health (ESH) standards.

Global supply chains are under pressure. Ports must become more productive, efficient, effective, consistent, and resilient. AI-enabled autonomous vehicles and solutions can deliver the optimisation, resiliency and safety that the ports industry needs for a sustainable future.

Led by Dr Swash, Aidrivers has seen a year of extraordinary achievements.

• Aidrivers’ trials of autonomous terminal trucks and automated quay crane at PSA Singapore’s container terminal facilities have progressed with great success and are now being scaled up.
• Abu Dhabi Ports Group took a major step towards the deployment of autonomous transport solutions, through a new project agreement with Aidrivers. The two companies signed an MoU, under which they will consider the implementation of autonomous terminal trucks and other transport equipment.
• Aidrivers’ AI-enabled autonomous truck demonstration during Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s Innovation Week 2023 was hailed as a ‘showstopper’.
• Two high-profile maritime-focused investors came onboard as shareholders in Aidrivers – HICO Investment Group and NEPA Shipping, underlining their confidence in Aidrivers and recognition of the need for innovative autonomous mobility for port terminals.
• Aidrivers was named as an IP-rich company by the IP100, the UK’s intellectual property (IP) league table, in recognition of the company’s contribution to autonomous vehicles AI.
• Aidrivers was awarded Hillingdon Enterprise funding for an autonomous wheelchair project for airport passenger mobility.
• Terberg Tractors Malaysia (TTM) demonstrated a terminal tractor fitted with Aidrivers’ AI-enabled autonomous technology.
• Aidrivers continued to build partnerships with prestigious organisations around the world, including: an MoU with KCL, the Asia-based leading distributor of global industrial brands such as Terberg and Konecranes; a partnership with CVS Ferrari, focusing on innovation in automated container handling; and an MoU with PortxGroup, the international provider of logistics solutions, to work on autonomous mobility solutions in the Australasia region.

Dr Swash has more than a decade of experience in international technology-driven industries, academia and world-class research centres, with a particular focus on autonomous vehicles, connected robotics, AI-enabled algorithms, visual information search and retrieval, advanced 3D imaging and display, financial computing, knowledge representation in behavioural and pattern modelling.

Among many accolades, Dr Swash has been named Visionary Thought Leader in the Maritime Industry by Port Technology, winner of the Dubai Future Accelerator Programme, and one of GFEL’s Top 100 Leaders in Education for Contribution to Innovation.

Chief Executive Officer, Acadian Asset Management

Kelly has served in key leadership roles during her tenure at Acadian Asset Management, first as Managing Director of the U.K. business, and more recently as Chief Marketing Officer. After 15 years at Acadian Asset Management, Kelly was promoted to be the first female CEO of the firm in December 2023. She’s been a leader at the firm and member of the Executive Team for many years, recognised for her deep understanding of Acadian’s investment process for delivering alpha to clients and her expertise in client relations and business development across our global offices.

On the business side, Kelly has been a strong proponent of many key growth initiatives throughout her time at Acadian, namely an expanded product line-up in non-U.S. markets, as an early supporter of a responsible investing framework, and the strategic expansion into investment products to complement our core equity business. As CEO, Kelly is focused on shaping and fostering a strong corporate culture through employee engagement and accessibility. She meets every new joiner at a welcome lunch and hosts regular drop-in hours. Kelly has been clear about the importance of engaging employees with ample opportunity for relationship-building, bringing back some of the activities in this realm that had petered out in the post-COVID era and reigniting a sense of connection among employees.

Importantly, Kelly has long championed the firm’s DEI strategy as a member of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Forum going back more than a decade, and has provided critical senior management buy-in to our dedicated director of DEI in recent years. This includes more established KPIs for representation at senior levels and more focused initiatives around pipeline development and employee experience. Kelly also serves as the executive sponsor to the Women’s Forum – an employee resource group that provides networking, professional development, and practical support. She was also a key supporter behind the rollout of a formal mentoring program between senior leader and more junior employees at the firm last year.

On the community side, Kelly serves on the Board of Boston-based non-profit Women’s Money Matters, whose mission is to empower women and girls living on the economic margins with improved financial wellness. This begins with building financial literacy and confidence through group workshops and tailored one-to-one coaching and can include employment, housing, transportation, childcare, and other logistical support to establish a foundation upon which to build future successes.

Acadian is a long-time supporter of this organisation, but Kelly’s personal support and Board participation have allowed us to deepen our partnership and make a bigger programmatic impact that goes beyond an annual financial donation. Taking some liberties to speak on behalf of my female colleagues at Acadian, I can say that Kelly's advocacy, engagement, and leadership over these past years has strengthened not only our culture, but also our business. Her candour, her clarity, and her compassion coexist in a way that is somewhat unique in a competitive industry like ours, and we are all better for it.

Nominally retired researcher

Apart from my final year Brunel ‘thesis’, which almost became accepted by the Royal Society, my first ‘event’ was the use of a rubber membrane to design a circular electron gun for high-temperature zone refining of niobium at 2,500 degrees at the NPL. For this, I received an invitation through Prof. Hogarth, to give a keynote lecture to the York Energy Beams conference in 1966.

I moved in 1967 to Operational Research and devised a theoretical technique to calculate vibration severity levels in military aircraft. Somewhere is an equation with my name attached to it.

In IBM from 1968-78 I was responsible for testing the flight behaviour of flying heads in the first disc files. I designed a differential Michelson Interferometer to analyse the flight behaviour of the head and disc. For this I was invited to speak at conferences on Optical Techniques at Tokyo and Brighton. I also had responsibilities for acoustic noise measurement and vibration testing. Studies of noise in computer rooms (InterNoise conf. Zurich 1977) From 1975, I was in charge of the IBM Vibration Centre of Competence through which I was supervising 120 centres worldwide. In 1977-78 I was the technical lead of an IBM HQ Task Force investigating a spate of noise problems around Europe. For my work on this, I received an IBM Special Contribution Award.

By 1980 my interests had moved to the medical area and I started a consultancy design a wide variety of curious devices to encourage co-ordinated hand, arm and head movement as therapy ‘aids’ but which also produced data on the degree of controlled movement achieved by the user. My ‘Shadow Switch’ was extremely versatile for children with the most severe cerebral palsy. The ultimate result combined a huge range of therapeutic and analytic facilities in one system, the Queenwood Computer. This work led to the invitation by the BMA to take part in an exhibition in the Houses of Parliament. An eye-control system I designed for a teenage girl enabled her to drive around in her wheelchair, to park at her computer table and switch to controlling the computer with the same eye system, which enabled her to go to university. For these, I was invited to speak at conferences in Cambridge and Cardiff and many local meetings. I was involved in several research programs at Southampton Hospital on Balance Analysis, Limb strength, Eye-damage and the potential of low-pressure pulses for treating leg ulcers.

Finally, my favourite interest; old books. After taking courses on restoration and gold tooling, I began long-term analyses of the design and date gold-decorated covers. Detailed essays of the way specific features varied with date are in the public domain. After a research MA at Huddersfield University in 2010, I was able to extend my researches to Medieval Treasure Bindings. I have since completed research analyses of some 150 medieval bindings and on the relationship between actual bindings and depictions in wall mosaics. Again, my researches are now available in the public domain and I receive regular feedback from universities and libraries around the world. I have been invited to speak at the annual conferences of the Society of Bookbinders and run courses on the history, design and techniques for the simulation of medieval bindings.

EVP Global Client Business Transformation

Simon Gill has been posthumously nominated in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the British creative sector. Sadly, Simon passed away on November 21^st 2023. Simon studied BSc Industrial Design at Brunel University’s Runnymede campus where he thrived, graduating in 1991 with first class honours. Next, he completed a PhD in Multimedia Design. Simon was a pioneer in the digital media world.

Inquisitive about everything, especially if brand new, Simon would immerse himself completely until the new and unknown was transformed into a new skill. Industrious with incredible powers of sustained focus. Comfortable with detail, always looking to simplify. Ready to embrace change. Simon had an infectious enthusiasm to share the latest thing that had caught his attention. Simon left no stone unturned in the pursuit of creative excellence, producing work that would delight the intended audience. A generous teacher and mentor, particularly good at developing talent and building multi-functional teams with a common purpose. I lost count of the times he helped me with words of encouragement or a thought-provoking insight.

Simon achieved great success over the course of his career and worked for some of the world’s best creative agencies. He received many accolades and prestigious awards for work undertaken for the world’s leading brands, while always being the first to point out that it’s a team sport. Simon was also a regular contributor to many Industry events and was proud to serve as President of BIMA (British Interactive Media Association).

Simon Gill is an extraordinary creative leader with broad expertise in technology, innovation, strategy and creative ideation. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Simon at some of the world’s top digital agencies, including Digitas, Isobar and most recently MRM. Simon’s contribution is highly valued, resulting in him being requested by both clients and our agency leaders for countless major business opportunities. As a result, Simon has led and inspired world-class work that have been recognised by industry leaders at the world’s most reputable award shows. Most importantly, Simon’s empathetic and caring personality has had a personal impact on the people around him and for me.

With a degree, a PhD he blazed the path for many at Brunel on what were fledgling degree courses to follow all at the cusp of the internet development and throughout his career - his teams won many accolades and awards for which he humbly received, frustrated at seeing his name at the top of an awards entry, “It was the team that won it,” he would say “not just me.”

Simon was mentally sharp, highly creative, very knowledgeable in all areas of digital media and has excellent management skills. He is the very definition of what an executive creative director should be in digital media, and as the digital industry continues to expand he will become an ever-rarer talent.

MD, FX Hire Ltd

Upon leaving school, Tom Harris was slightly reserved and although confident in himself, was shy in new company. Consequently, selling himself at job interviews was a difficulty. He somehow got a job with The Beldam Packing and Rubber Company! They were willing to employ me and sponsor me to Brunel in order they could enjoy the government subsidies available The big significant moment was Freshers Fayre! I plucked up courage and joined BU Student Television and the Drama Society amongst others. I made good friends with Malcolm Stephens. We were a comical couple We had watched the efforts of BUST over the first year and thought we could do better ourselves BUST used the video lecture facilities once a week and we made comedy programmes. We named ourselves 'Tomal Inspirations’. We were popular. Lecture theatre was full. New shows were anticipated. We wrote disgusting student humour but also some clever sequences. Such as a Benny Hill type sequence running late to a lecture and the New Bar feature.

Most of tapes were wiped apart from one and that sadly has been lost We sent scripts to the BBC, visited Monty Python and succeeded in hearing our one-liners on the radio The last film we made included a sequence about an evil character firing canon from Halls roof and 'blowing up’ various objects and people I needed some pyrotechnics! Amazingly, yellow pages showed a theatrical supplier in Southall ! Here I met Bill King a retired prop master whose sole job then was to create special effects for Morecambe and Wise! I just about graduated with a 3rd! A year later started with Bill Almost my first project for Bill was to be come part of an iconic sequence. The kitchen scene against the music of 'The stripper'. I, Tom Harris, built and operated the toaster!

After two years in this role I moved on the an Engineering Co, who were SFX consultants. Designing such things as a full size flying biplane, James Bond submarines, Catapulting a Lotus Esprit and a robotic crocodile 3 years later, wanting to leave the drawing board and get back 'on set' I started my own company: 'Any Effects'. My USP was 'Using engineering knowledge to achieve success' . Special effects in TV was 'hit and miss' at that time. A 'string and Sellotape' attitude. I brought a 'it works and it works first time' service and was immediately popular. I became the 'go to' guy. Lots of props and gags for comedy sketches etc. Along side this I did many pop videos. Elton John, Diana Ross, Kim Wild etc. First big break was 'Metal Mickey' directed by Mickey Dolenz.

LWT started a Film section and I secured 'Dempsey and Makepeace’. I self taught explosions and bullet hits and flying vehicles. Next was 'London’s Burning': controlled fires and technically advanced stunt and action rigs for 12 years. The late '90's were the peak years. 3-4 vans out every other day servicing most of UK's action TV : Soldier Soldier, Foyles War, Bugs, Poirot, London’s Burning, Hornblower, Taggart and more. Hundreds of projects and thousands of bespoke solutions. At this time I was the winner of 4 RTS awards, plus a BAFTA and Emmy nomination.

In 2005 I provided effects for relaunch of Dr Who. Other notable productions being Poldark, Star Wars and Sex Education to name a few.

Retired

Linda Haye OBE is an Honorary Fellow of Brunel where she also holds an MA in Public and Social Administration. Starting out as a youth officer for the London Borough of Brent, she later moved into the Higher Education sector, working in a variety of roles at Hertfordshire County Council Education Authority, West Hertfordshire College of Further and Higher Educations, and then at Brunel as a tutor and fieldwork supervisor for the Postgraduate Youth and Community Diploma course.

Linda has held a number of public and voluntary sector organisations in her successful career and in 1993, she took up a Home Office appointment and became the first black woman to be appointed full time to the Police Complaints Authority where she made a considerable contribution.

Since her retirement from full-time employment, Linda has not stopped serving the public in a variety of capacities, including being the Deputy Lieutenant of the County. Her outstanding commitment to her community was recognised when she was awarded the Lord Pitt Life Achievement Award and when she was commended by the MOD Military Police and Complaints and Discipline Department for her work with the Force.

Linda has continued to be a true supporter of Brunel, particularly in the area of Social Work where, through the Caribbean Women’s Standing Conference (CWSC) of which she is a patron, a donation was made to set up the ‘Mary Seacole prize’, which is awarded annually to BA Social Work students that go above and beyond. Now in her early 90s and still her connection to Brunel does not dwindle. Linda always has new creative ideas for engagement with students and a passion for supporting underrepresented communities. She is an inspiration to the Brunel community, and as an alumna, honorary fellow, and ex-staff member, is fully deserved of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Retired Headmaster & Director of AMC

Floyd has an unusual story in that his parents were part of the Windrush generation who came from the Caribbean for a better life. His parents separated before his first birthday, and Floyd spent most of his childhood in care. Rugby almost certainly kept me on the right pathway, and I managed to play at a very high level. Whilst playing rugby, I also went to Borough Road College and qualified to become a teacher. After ten years in the maintained sector, I transferred to private schools. I had the wonderful experience of teaching at St. Paul’s School in Barnes for over ten years, followed by a stint at Mill Hill School. Sir Chris Woodhead invited me to join Cognita, a for profit company that runs over 100 schools worldwide, as a Headmaster.

Over time, I was Headmaster at four prep schools in London and Surrey. I was the second head of colour in a London private school. Now retired, I am an Associate Director for AMC, a Governor at HMC and GSA schools, and a Vice President of Saracens FC. I was an ISI Inspector and now I do some consultancy work on diversity, equality & inclusion with schools, companies, charities and professional sports clubs, I share my life story, from being a child of the Windrush generation to playing for and captaining Saracens FC - one of only 14 players to be inducted into their Hall of Fame – and pursuing a career in teaching, during which I taught in both the state and independent sectors and was headhunted to be Headmaster at several prep schools in London and Surrey.

Charity work includes supporting The Drive Forward Foundation, BOXWISE, The African Science Academy and Cancer Research UK. My autobiography, A Week One Summer, was released in October 2021.After finding out that my name was on King Charles III first New Year’s Honours List, and I was to be awarded an OBE, so much has happened. In January 2023 the Lord Mayor of London invited me to a very grand White Tie Banquet in the Mansion House. Then in February I was invited to a Rugby Black List event at the House of Lords. There I was given a Lifetime Achievement in Rugby Award. Also, in February I was invited to be in the Royal Box area at Twickenham for the Calcutta Cup Rugby match. I was sat four places away from Princes Anne. Talking about Princes Anne, I had the most magical day meeting her with my three sons at my investiture. The truly amazing thing is that I was at Buckingham Palace two days running, something that most only dream about. I attended my investiture on Tuesday 13th June, then the very next day I was back at the palace, attending a Windrush reception hosted by the King and Queen.

The week after my investiture I was back in London, and I am now a Freeman of the City of London. A few weeks ago, the RFU invited me to the England v Wales match at Twickenham. There, I was given a trophy for my RFU Rose Award nomination last summer.Over the last 6 months or so a few very prominent people have discussed with me the possibility of trying to become a Cross Bench Member of the House of Lords. After some very interesting and enlightening conversations, in January I submitted a nomination form. I am very much aware that this will rightly be a rigorous process, and that many very capable people do not get selected. With my background in sport, education, and charity work, and I really want to continue giving back and supporting others.

Director, Caseshot Publishing Ltd

Garry David Wills is a retired food scientist and military history author. Following graduation in Applied Chemistry in 1979, after two relatively short-term appointments, Garry joined Pedigree Petfoods Limited, a part of the global Mars Incorporated organisation. His initial role was as an applied research scientist, work which produced some patented and other technologies which were used within the global Mars Petcare community. From this role, Garry was promoted to become the research lead at the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, Mars’s global hub for pet nutrition and behaviour research, covering cats, dogs, aquarium fish and horses. This work involved managing a significant budget and establishing research projects with universities around the world. Garry’s next role was the lead Product Development Manager for the palatability technology of the Whiskas brand across Europe, which achieved some significant results in difficult circumstances. Following this posting, Garry was promoted again to become the Director of the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, where he oversaw a major capital investment programme to establish a world class facility. This role was ultimately expanded, establishing Garry as a Technology Staff officer at Mars Incorporated’s headquarters in Washington DC, responsible for the entirety of Mars Incorporated’s Applied Research programme worldwide, encompassing all food groups, pet-care, chocolate, main meals and vended drinks. Having developed broad expertise in a wide range of food science and technology and senior leadership expertise, Garry retired from Mars in 2008.

While all this was going on, Garry’s greatest contribution to the community were born, James, Jennifer and George. A lifelong endeavour with my wife Susan, our three children have grown into very successful adults in their own right, holding senior roles in their chosen professions. Jennifer has also presented us with our two grandsons, who will undoubtedly grow up to be excellent contributors to society. Garry’s career at Mars has provided financial security for his family.

Garry has been interested in the Napoleonic Wars since he started war-gaming the period in 1971. In 2011, Garry self-published his first book, Wellington’s First Battle, about the battle of Boxtel in 1794. In the process of this endeavour, a new publishing house, Caseshot Publishing, was created. Garry also contributed a series of articles to the Smoothbore Ordnance Journal relating to British artillery in Flanders 1793–5. In 2018, Garry published a small book, The Men behind the Memorial, telling the stories of the 24 men featured on his village’s First World War Memorial, with proceeds going to charity. In 2020, Helion published Garry’s book, Wellington at Bay, the Battle of Villamuriel, 25 October 1812. Subsequently, he provided an acclaimed chapter in Helion’s Glory is Fleeting entitled Maucune’s Division at Salamanca. In 2022, Garry presented a paper to the second RNWGC War and Peace in the age of Napoleon conference entitled Where did Wellington fight his first battle? In 2023, Helion published Garry’s most recent work Throwing Thunderbolts: A war-gamer's guide to the War of the First Coalition, 1792–7.

My graduation was an essential step in establishing myself in commercial R&D and the 3 industrial placements put me in a strong position to develop a highly successful career in science in industry.

Youth Engagement Officer

Aneesa's nomination for the Brunel alumni award is merited, given her contributions to society, particularly through her exemplary youth work initiatives. She currently works as a Youth Engagement Officer and has spearheaded numerous projects that have left a lasting positive impact on the lives of young people across the city.

One of her most notable achievements is the conception and execution of policy round table events, where she orchestrated the gathering of young individuals from diverse backgrounds alongside key policy and decision makers in London. Collaborating with TfL youth panel, young minds charity and London’s Violence Reduction Units, young people action group. These round table discussions served as vital platforms for facilitating constructive dialogues on pressing issues like mental health, the cost of living, and youth violence. Aneesa's leadership fostered an environment conducive to collaborative problem-solving, enabling young Londoners to co-design practical strategies alongside governmental policymakers, thus playing an instrumental role in shaping policies that directly address the needs of the youth population.

Moreover, Aneesa's commitment to collaboration and partnership is further exemplified through her involvement in the Nopicnovote campaign. By leveraging her leadership role, Aneesa not only engaged young people in the campaign but also actively involved them in the creative process, ensuring their voices were heard and represented authentically. Her dedication to empowering youth and promoting civic participation was evident as the campaign disseminated vital information about alternative forms of identification for voting purposes, thereby working to prevent disenfranchisement among young voters. The campaign was promoted across over 100 sites in London.

Furthermore, Aneesa's dedication to amplifying youth voices is exemplified in her work on "The Intersect" podcast. Collaborating closely with young people, she facilitated discussions exploring the intersectional nature of issues affecting London's youth, with a particular focus on mental health. By providing a platform for diverse voices to share their experiences and perspectives, Aneesa empowered young people to advocate for change and address societal challenges head-on.

Aneesa's influence extends beyond project implementation to her participation as a panellist at events such as the London Food and Communities Summit and the London Participation Network meeting. Her discussions focused on bridging the gap between young people and policy makers, as well as the importance of embedding youth voice into organisational strategies.

In summary, Aneesa's dedication to collaboration and unwavering commitment to empowering young people make her a deserving nominee for the Brunel alumni award. Her transformative impact on youth engagement and advocacy serves as a beacon of inspiration and sets a commendable standard for future generations of leaders.

Data Scientist

Sahil Datta completed his MSc in Electronics and Electrical Engineering to pursue his PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering at College of Engineering and Physical Science. I collaborated with Sahil in 2020 when we were both conducting our doctoral research.

During his PhD, Sahil developed innovative machine learning algorithms to solve neuroscientific problems, which were published in prestigious journals. His work significantly focused on developing AI based communication system to help people suffering from motor disability using brain-computer interface technology. As a result, after his graduation, he was recognised as a Global Talent by the UK government via TechNation.

Following the completion of his PhD, Sahil applied his AI expertise in healthcare, where he contributed as a cofounder of PsychoTec. His contributions were instrumental in winning top prize in the Brunel Entrepreneur Hub's Venture Competition 2022 and securing a spot in the prestigious Conception X cohort. His dedication to improve healthcare led him to co-found PsychoTec, where he is actively involved in developing AI-assisted solutions for mental health diagnosis and intervention.

Later in 2022, Sahil transitioned to education technology (EdTec), joining the world's leading education publishing company Pearson as a Data Scientist in a division focused on upskilling the workforce using AI and data science. There, he has contributed towards building novel solutions for personalized learning pathways using Bayesian technology, which adapts to individual learners' needs and preferences, ensuring more effective and efficient upskilling experiences.

During his academic journey, Sahil also demonstrated capabilities to use his knowledge outside his domain of expertise by collaborating in interdisciplinary research. I collaborated with Sahil to investigate application of AI in diagnosis of depression and related symptoms, this work was awarded the Provost Interdisciplinary Award at Brunel University. In addition, this research was further supported by the 2022 Francisco J. Varela Research Award by Mind and Life Europe. This achievement led to Sahil working at Brunel University as a research consultant, collaborating with my team of neuroscientists and psychologists to investigate biomarkers of resilience and emotional regulation in the brain.

Sales and Marketing Director

Policy and Risk Monitoring Analyst

Sarah Yeboah Manu is an exceptional candidate for the Brunel Alumni of the Year Award, exemplifying the qualities of professional excellence, community involvement, and ongoing commitment to Brunel University London.

Professional Success and Achievements: As a Policy and Risk Monitoring Analyst at BNP Paribas Personal Finance, Sarah has demonstrated outstanding expertise in the financial services sector, particularly in the realm of FinTech and cybersecurity. Her notable achievements include presentations at prestigious conferences such as The Future of FINTECH and Cybersecurity Live, where she showcased her insights and contributions to cutting-edge topics in the industry. Sarah's involvement in events like Digital Assets and Knowing Your Customer underscores her role in driving innovation and implementing advanced technologies to enhance business operations in a secure and controlled environment. Sarah's active participation in events organised by industry leaders like IBM reflects her commitment to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and technologies, positioning herself as a thought leader in the field of financial services and digital innovation.

Community Involvement and Contributions: Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah is deeply engaged in community service and volunteer work. Her involvement with organisations like WIBEC Brunel and World Bank Youth Volunteering highlights her dedication to giving back and making a positive impact on society. Through her volunteer efforts, Sarah actively contributes to empowering women in business and supporting youth development initiatives, embodying the values of leadership and social responsibility instilled by Brunel University London.

Commitment to Brunel University London: Sarah's ongoing commitment to Brunel University London is evident through her active involvement in alumni activities and engagement with the university community. By volunteering her time and expertise to support initiatives such as WIBEC Brunel, Sarah continues to foster connections between current students and alumni, offering mentorship and guidance to aspiring professionals. Her dedication to promoting the values and mission of Brunel University London makes her a valuable asset to the alumni network and a deserving nominee for the Brunel Alumni of the Year Award.

In summary, Sarah Yeboah Manu's impressive achievements in her professional career, her significant contributions to her community through volunteering, and her ongoing commitment to Brunel University London make her an exemplary candidate for the Alumni of the Year Award. Her dedication to excellence, leadership, and service embodies the spirit of Brunel's alumni community and serves as an inspiration to future generations of graduates.

Systems and Integrator Engineer

Shyam’s journey through Brunel University London's MSc Aerospace Engineering program has been transformative, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the aerospace industry.

Currently, I am privileged to serve at HQ Aviation in Denham, a distinguished hub for helicopter rebuild and manufacturing. Within this dynamic environment, I am deeply engaged in the meticulous process of reconstructing and maintaining helicopters, with a focus on the renowned Robinson models—R22, R44, and R66. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to apply the theoretical expertise and practical acumen honed during my time at Brunel, contributing to the integrity and efficiency of aviation systems.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I remain steadfast in my commitment to community engagement and service. My involvement with the Brunel Volunteer team stands as a testament to this dedication, where I have invested over 70 hours in initiatives such as the Hillingdon Food Bank and Mayor of Hillingdon Fundraising Events. The recognition with a Silver Award underscores the significance of giving back to society, a value instilled and nurtured through my education at Brunel.

Moreover, my affiliation with the Royal Aeronautical Society continues to fuel my passion for aerospace engineering and advocacy. Through active participation, I strive to contribute to the advancement of the industry while fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Reflecting on my journey thus far, I am profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and guidance provided by Brunel University London. The institution has not only equipped me with the necessary tools for success but also instilled in me a sense of purpose and responsibility to make a meaningful impact in the world.

In conclusion, I humbly accept the opportunity to be considered for the Brunel Alumni of the Year Award. Winning this accolade would not only be a personal honour but also a testament to the enduring legacy of Brunel and its commitment to nurturing future leaders in the aerospace field. Thank you for your consideration.

Tourism Planner

Joleyne's journey to success is characterised by her unwavering determination and commitment to making a positive impact. Despite facing challenges, such as the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017, Joleyne remained resolute in her pursuit of personal and community growth. Her resilience and determination in the face of adversity are truly commendable.

Joleyne's academic accomplishments speak to her dedication to lifelong learning and her passion for social change. Her pursuit of a post-graduate degree in Children, Youth, and International Development demonstrates her commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of young people on a global scale. Her receipt of a scholarship through the prestigious Chevening Programme is a testament to her academic excellence and leadership potential. Despite the hardships faced by her community in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, Joleyne remained focused on her goals and seized the opportunity to further her education.

During her time at Brunel University, Joleyne not only excelled academically but also actively participated in volunteer work through the Brunel Volunteers Programme. Her encounters with individuals, such as the elderly lady who shared fond memories of Anguilla, further fuelled her passion for community engagement and youth development.

Upon returning to Anguilla, Joleyne wasted no time in putting her newfound knowledge and skills into practice. In her role at the Department of Youth and Culture, she spearheaded various youth programs, many of which incorporated a volunteering component to empower young people to become advocates for change in their communities.

Joleyne's dedication to youth development extends beyond her professional role. As a member of the Child Justice Board and an active participant in social development programs at her church, she consistently seeks opportunities to contribute positively to society.

Despite transitioning to a new role as the Tourism Planner, Joleyne remains committed to supporting youth initiatives and fostering social change. Her ability to balance her professional responsibilities with her passion for community service is truly admirable.

In summary, Joleyne Robin-Williams is a shining example of a dedicated and compassionate individual who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. Her exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to youth development make her a deserving candidate for recognition as a rising star in our community.

West End Performer in SIX the Musical

Meesha Turner, originally from Birmingham, was at Brunel between 2009-2012 and was awarded a Music Award from the Brunel Arts Centre allowing her to explore her musical talent while continuing to pursue her academic studies. She has spent the last 10 years working towards her dreams, using the tools that Eileen Pinkarchevski and Sally Goodworth from Brunel equipped her with. She has worked in a variety of musical endeavours including playing Diana Ross and Tina Turner in two touring theatre productions: 'The Magic of Motown' and 'Soul Legends'.

She then successfully gained a full scholarship from the prestigious Disney Theatrical Productions to study a Musical Theatre Masters at the Royal Academy of Music. Due to the pandemic, opportunities were for a short time hard to come by. That didn't stop her resilience by doing online workshops for schools, working on her talents, and doing some smaller acting and modelling jobs while not forgetting about her dream. Meesha's Brunel excellence and resilience shone through with her ability to adapt and conquer despite everything going on.

All of her hard work eventually paid off in October 2021 when she was cast in her dream role of Catherine Parr in the West End's prestigious Six the Musical, which she opened in the Vaudeville Theatre on 16 November 2021 and where you can still find her performing six days a week.

In December 2021 she welcomed a group of Brunel Theatre students to the show with Sally Goodworth and spoke to them afterwards, inspiring them and giving them top tips about the performing industry. More recently, Meesha gifted her time in February 2022 for an alumni Q&A workshop with more Brunel Theatre students in the Antonin Artaud Building, providing students with both practical and theoretical knowledge for a successful career in theatre.

Meesha is proof that with talent, hard work and determination, even a pandemic can't stop you from achieving your dreams. As well as her own successes as an actor, she has been the biggest cheerleader for other Brunel alumni who have gone on to theatre success, including Yeukayi Ushe and Stephenson Ardern-Sodje, and continues to put her friends and family first while being extremely modest in her own achievements.

Meesha deserves to shine and is inspiring a whole new generation of Brunel talent. I couldn't recommend her enough and just wish you could see how hard she has worked and how far she has come from 2009 to 2022.

Engineering Consultant at Saudi Aramco

Dr Soloman Moses Almadi is from the USA and currently lives in Saudi Arabia. He is nominated for key contributions to technology innovation, leadership in the automation and instrumentation engineering society, and contribution to the uplifting communities and workforce.

Technology Innovation: Soloman Almadi has over 12 US granted patents in system engineering automation, cybersecurity, and communications. One of his key innovations is the Intelligent Integrated Node. This innovation was awarded the worldwide recognition, receiving the 2020 Excellence in Innovation Award by the International Society of Automation. Moreover, this innovation won the King’s Prize for the Inventors’ category from 492 innovation submissions in 2018. This innovation introduced a disruptive technology in the digital transformation of automation infrastructure by utilising three approved US patents in developing the Edge computing device that will accelerate the IR 4.0 digital transformation. The Edge Computing Intelligent Integrated Node is an innovative design model for an industrial facility that supported multiple functions including data transfer, data analysis, logic control, system storage, edge intelligence, and IIoT capabilities. Soloman Almadi has taken this innovation into a higher milestone by working with a vendor on the development of the Node and he has successfully completed the Alpha model for manufacturing and integration testing, and identified additional enhancement in support of commercialisation.

The IN node paved the way for seamless and accelerated digital transformation by reducing the number of different automation vendors’ hardware components from at least four down to one. The disruptive innovation simplified deployment and system integration requirements and reduced cost. Moreover, the IN Node reduced spare parts, operational support, inter-system wiring, power, floor or cabinet space, and shelter requirements. The IN Node estimated cost reduction is 40% to 60% of the current deployment methods. The IN Node has great market and commercialisation potentials.

Soloman Almadi has been an active member of the International Society of Automation (Non-profit) Saudi Section since 2009. He has served at different capacities promoting membership and awareness of the science of instrumentation and automation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He has also contributed to engineering standards development and best practices. Soloman Almadi was awarded international recognition by the ISA in 2019 for Excellence in Leadership for Empowering Women Engineers in Saudi Arabia. Soloman Almadi has served as President of the ISA Saudi Section in 2017 and 2018 and is now the Vice President Elect of ISA District 12 covering Europe, the Middle-East and Africa.

Community service and uplifting the workforce: Soloman Almadi has invested in continuous efforts and is a key contributor in promoting communication and leadership skills through the International Toastmasters Organization (non-profit) learning model. He has sponsored over 50 clubs with over 1000 members (females and males) over the past 18 years. He was recognised for his great effort by being awarded the Excellence in Leadership award in 2017 for making a difference in people lives and empowering them to be a workforce of the future.

Computer Vision Engineer at Islacare and Co-founder & Chief Operational Officer (COO) at PsychoTec

Dr Akuha Aondoakaa is from Nigeria and currently lives in the UK. He has completed a hattrick of Brunel qualifications, including a PhD in Electrical Engineering & Electronics Research, 2020; an MSc in Advanced Multimedia Design & 3D Technologies, 2015; and a BSc in Computer Science (Digital Media & Games), 2012.

Nomination 1
After completing his MSc in Advanced Multimedia and 3D Technology, Akuha started his PhD in Electronic and Computer Engineering. I first met Akhua in 2017, when we were pursuing our PhD research. Now I am the co-founder and CTO at PsychoTec; an AI assisted mental healthcare start-up, co-founded by Akuha to provide digital solutions for diagnosis and intervention of depression.

During his PhD, Akuha developed a novel learning-based image up-sampling technique for Holoscopic 3D images that were published in a high impact journal. This method was implemented to prevent and preserve Qatar Cultural Heritage through Advanced Holoscopic 3D Imaging. For his scientific contribution, Akuha was awarded the Excellence in Science award by the Benue State Governor, Nigeria in 2019.

After obtaining his PhD, Akuha used his skills and knowledge for technology as an autonomous scientist at AIdrivers LTD, where his responsibility entailed the development of existing and innovative solutions and framework for the AI-driven services. In addition, Akuha was also recognised as a Global Talent by the UK Government via Tec nation in 2020.

In 2021, Akuha followed his passion for providing solutions to the healthcare industry and joined Islacare, where he is working as the lead Computer Vision Scientist for the Surgical Site Infection Surveillance (SSI) project, using smartphone technology as part of patient engagement and improving quality of care in cardiothoracic surgery. His passion for making a positive impact on the community led him to co-found PsychoTec LTD, where he is working towards the development of AI-assisted mental health care solutions for diagnosis and intervention of depression. His vision to improve the diagnosis procedure of depression in the NHS recently won the Brunel Entrepreneur Hub’s Venture Competition 2022 and secured a position in the Conception X cohort V.

During his time as a doctoral researcher, Akuha mentored MSc students in the Advanced Multimedia course, specifically the interaction design and games module, showing great leadership qualities. Akuha was recognised as a Global Talent by the UK government via Tec nation (2020), and Awarded Excellence in Science by Benue State Governor, Nigeria (2019).

Nomination 2
Dr Akuha Aondoakaa’s work in the healthcare sector is commendable. In a short time, he has managed to design and implement an end-to-end system for identifying signs of early infection and tracking of the healing progress from patient submitted images via smartphone technology. He developed the system for blur detection and image enhancement API for correcting poor quality images, ultimately improving the effectiveness of image report reviewing.

The main reason for him to enter this sector was to improve the health and wellbeing of the community on a larger scale. This commitment is also evident in his work as co-founder and COO of PsychoTec, where he intends to implement digital solutions for fighting depression and promoting wellbeing, specifically in African countries.

MSc Sustainability, Entrepreneurship & Design, 2016

CEO at WASE Limited

Nomination 1:
I met Thomas Fudge (Tom) for the first time in December 2016 during Brunel's winter graduation ceremony. We graduated with the same master's degree, MSc in Sustainability, Entrepreneurship and Design (SusED), which we did with a one-year difference. Now I work as a Project Manager for WASE, an environmental engineering company that Tom founded in 2017 during his PhD at Brunel University.

After completing my MSc, I was in touch with my academic supervisor, Dr Abdul Chaudhary. That time he also happened to be Tom's dissertation supervisor. Every time I visited him, he spoke highly of Tom. He would passionately explain how novel Tom's idea was to transform human waste into energy - a perfect solution for energy scarce countries like Kenya. I could sense the level of excitement and achievement that Dr Chaudhary was experiencing at that time.

Dr Chaudhary also explained to me the reason for setting up the SusED course. He said the idea was to offer an interdisciplinary programme that can address the complex development challenges by producing entrepreneurs and leaders equipped with the right tools and knowledge.well in his circular economy class but made the best out of the SusED

 course - as it combines designing innovative sustainable solutions with an opportunity to make them a reality!

As an intellectually curious person, Tom continued with his MSc dissertation idea and enrolled in a PhD at Brunel University. During his PhD, Tom developed Electro-Methanogenic Reactors (EMR) for decentralised wastewater treatment. Evolved from his PhD, EMR laid the foundation for WASE. EMR is the core technology at WASE that we currently test in real-world scenarios. Our portfolio comprises pilots in the UK and Kenya, where we are validating our technology in various set-ups and on different waste streams.

Both Tom and I are equipped with the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD) that we learned during the SusED course, which forms the basis for everything we do at WASE. Our work demonstrates the implementation of ecological and social sustainability principles that we learned at Brunel. Despite doing the same course, I believe we both have different strengths. Tom demonstrates exceptional entrepreneurial mindset and leadership qualities!

Tom has created an incredible team of 15 passionate people comprising of 40% Brunel graduates. I am excited to be part of WASE as it is a platform where I follow my passion and continuously demonstrate my capabilities. Tom envisioned an inclusive and fair world, and I am fortunate to be part of his team and contributing to that vision. Tom has created opportunities for so many youngsters, including myself, to follow their passion and make a significant contribution to the world!

Tom has touched upon so many lives as WASE continues to expand its outreach in the global south. Through his intellect, hard work, dedication, and humble personality, he has influenced youngsters to pursue academic excellence and opt for higher studies in the United Kingdom. As Dr AJ explained to me the reason of establishing the SusED course, I strongly believe that it has been justified and witnessed through the amazing work that Tom has undertaken. I see Tom as an excellent representation of Brunel University not only in the United Kingdom but globally. I would, therefore, nominate Thomas Fudge for the Brunel Alumni of the Year Award.

Nomination 2:
The work Tom has been undertaking with WASE is outstanding. Through the research of EMR technology, he has found WASE to apply sustainable waste management in many different industry sectors. The main purpose he is approaching these sectors is to fund the development of the new technology to improve sanitation in developing countries. The decentralised systems currently under development have the potential to impact lives all over the world and will have the ability to do so without harming the planet. Tom has also provided vast opportunities for Brunel students and supports personal development as a primary goal of working for WASE

PhD without residence - Management Studies, 2017

Executive Director Quality Assurance and Accreditation, and Assistant Professor at Ahlia University

Nomination:
Dr Esra AlDhaen is from Bahrain. I graduated from my postgraduate degree in 2007 and started working in a Higher Education Institute - Ahlia University - located in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The University is affiliated with Brunel University London to offer a PhD (without residence) in the field of Management Studies. I was always eager to conduct research and peruse my PhD. After graduation, I become an Assistant Professor in the area of strategic decision making and quality as well as handling quality assurance and accreditation at university level.

My passion for research and loyalty to Brunel enabled me to seek approval for establishing the PhD (W.R) alumni club that was formed in 2017 - the main aim of the club is to maintain a relationship with our graduates and support collaborative research across graduates, PhD researchers and supervisors. The club was formed officially in 2017 in the Gulf Hotel in the Kingdom of Bahrain by the attendance of Prof. Jane Hendy, the Dean of the Business School and other faculty members from Brunel including Prof. Wafi Al-Karaghouli, Prof. Stephen Mullins and other PhD Supervisors.

After obtaining my PhD, the qualification supported my career progression. I am an external quality and accreditation reviewer for various countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Kingdom of Bahrain which is supporting my progression at my professional level. In addition, I have obtained Principle Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) as a reflection of obtaining and understanding the UK Teaching and Learning Framework. My role enables the university to obtain the highest judgement in all its quality assurance reviews conducted by various external authorities. The research skills obtained throughout my PhD allowed me to excel in my career and publish various papers in the area of strategic decision making and quality.

I maintain and contribute to knowledge, community and policy making. During 2020, I was awarded two research awards by Emerald Publishing and ICAI. I am active in terms of providing seminars to the community and also a coordinator with United Nations to support commitment to sustainable goals. I am a member in different policy making committees at national levels to set and revise standards. I am Brunel-recognised supervisor and am supervising three PhD researchers currently. As an academic I am supporting the applicants to draft a high-quality proposals to join the PhD W.R, and am currently supporting more than three who have joined successfully.

I do believe branding the PhD (W.R) through academic quality is vital and highly important. I am a member of the Joint Partnership Board between Brunel/Ahlia, I oversee regulatory compliance and QA. As an expert in Quality Assurance and Qualification Framework, I was able to map the PhD (W.R) to Bahrain NQF and place it successfully to be the first qualification in Bahrain placed at PhD Level. I have also been the organiser for an annual conference conducted by Brunel University and Ahlia related to "equal and gender equality" in coordination with Prof. Mary Richard. 

PhD Psychology, 2018

Lecturer at Brunel University London and Principal at Otermans Institute (OI)

Nomination 1:
Dr Pauldy Otermans has been an inspiration to the Brunel community. Since graduating in 2018, she first joined the University as an Ambitious Futures Graduate and then joined the College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences as a Lecturer - currently rising to the rank of Deputy Divisional Lead in Psychology. During this period, she also set up an international organisation, Otermans Institute, that is upskilling underserved and unserved learners across refugee camps in Iraq, with governments in Afghanistan and India, with foundations from Palestine and Lebanon to recently supporting children of war victims in Sri Lanka.

Her work with Otermans Institute, which supported 30,000 learners during the pandemic, was recognised by the UK Prime Minister in January 2021, received a grant from Innovate UK in April 2021, and has won many other international awards, including one from the Governor in West Bengal, India. Otermans Institute is also well known for launching an AI-driven Virtual Teacher to support the learning of refugee and internally displaced learners in an UNHCR camp in Iraq.

Finally, she produced a 444-page bestseller that recorded contemporary history from the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic; donating all proceeds to NHS charities and frontline services.

Pauldy became a lecturer at Brunel and passed her probation 6 months early. She then rose to the rank of Deputy Divisional Lead in Psychology. She is driving the enhancement of employability in the curriculum and beyond to improve the transferable skill sets graduates have when they leave Brunel to make them employable for jobs in industrial revolution 4.0. After graduating, she founded an international education organisation that upskills students in 10 countries and is funded by a UK government’s funding arm - Innovate UK. She developed the entire curriculum on transferable skills and is presenting the findings of its impact and her other research on enhancing employability at national and international conferences. She is a Trustee of Cambridge Student Union and a School Governor in West London.

During the pandemic, Pauldy launched ‘Lessons for Humanity’ - a free learning series designed to support people to learn essential life skills when they were forced to remain indoors due to the pandemic, which also supported their mental wellbeing by incorporating group learning activities, and benefited 20,000 people. Her book ‘Together: An anthology from the COVID-19 pandemic’ recorded global contemporary history and is donating to the NHS and health charities. She contributes to communities by being a governor at a local school in London, and student-centred charity in Cambridge with over 24,000 beneficiaries.

Championing the spirit of Brunel internationally as her work as an alumna has been covered by 20+ media outlets in 2020. Through Otermans Institute, she has provided over 13 placements to Brunel students during the pandemic, when many other companies removed such opportunities due to the period’s uncertainty. She also provided volunteering opportunities to students across the UK, including six from Brunel. She regularly speaks at Brunel, outside her role as lecturer, and continues to inspire students and staff. Finally, Pauldy is an active mentor to Brunel students as part of the Brunel Mentoring Scheme where she supports students with mock interviews and other events alongside from her mentoring role.

Nomination 2:
I have known Dr Pauldy Otermans since my first year at Brunel, when she was our Students’ Union President. She has been an inspiration to me since then, having launched and run massive campaigns like Brunel Bikes and TEDx Brunel. After graduating, she launched her own institute called Otermans Institute, which is teaching less advantaged students across three continents and she also received an award from the UK Prime Minister for her work this year. She is also a Lecturer at Brunel University London and Deputy Divisional Lead in Psychology. Even as an academic she continues to support former and current students, like greatly assisting me recently with a PhD application outside her field, which I successfully secured with CERN Switzerland.

I also know that Otermans Institute's current project is an AI-driven Virtual Teacher to support the learning of refugee and internally displaced learners in UN camps In Iraq. I know this because I supported the project as I am a Full Stack Developer. This project again shows her innovative spirit, willingness to support the less advantaged in society, and her ability to lead an organisation to deliver complex projects. Finally, she also produced a global anthology on COVID-19 pandemic and that book continues to donate all proceeds to NHS charities and frontline services.

All in all, she remains an inspiration for me and I am sure she is the same for many others in the Brunel community. I also have seen from her LinkedIn that she is also a Mentor for Brunel students and is also a Governor of a local school. If nothing else, her selfless work towards the community, both Brunel and global, requires recognition and I nominate her for this award.