2020s

Sofia Polychronidou was delighted when her concept for PhD research was received enthusiastically by the University of Edinburgh, allowing her to delve into researching European Theatre and leading to her current role in a major cultural centre in her native Greece.

New graduate Jamie Craze has decided to continue his studies by completing a masters in Climate Change Finance and Investment. He tells us why, as well as recalling some of the highlights from his time as an undergraduate.

Originally from Iraqi Kurdistan, Barav Barzani came to Edinburgh to study International Relations. Immediately enamoured with the city, he credits his time as a student with revealing a better, more ambitious version of himself. He has now taken this positivity back home as he embarks on a career in local government.

To help realise her dream of becoming an educational psychologist, Nicole Calleja came to Edinburgh to complete an MSc in Inclusive Education. Now back in her native Malta, she reflects on her time at the University and returning to full-time work during a pandemic.

Following his Edinburgh degree in Economics, Michael Iveson has been studying for his Masters in London. He tells us about being the first in his family to attend university, and how the Edinburgh community has supported him in the past year.

Edinburgh-native Richard Brash returned to his hometown with his family in 2017. He had decided to complete a PhD in Systematic Theology - a decision that has now taken him to Japan as an assistant professor.

Deb Baker was working in a New Hampshire library when she noticed that most senior positions in the field were held by men. This inspired her to get back to learning and she combined working with an online degree in Science Communication and Public Engagement. Graduating in 2020, the masters has already opened up new and varied opportunities for her.

After completing her online masters in Digital Education and graduating into the uncertain world of 2020, Chioma Ezegwu established DevSpring in Nigeria, a research, training and development company. She tells us about it and how studying from home helped her look after and expand her family.

In 2020 Zia Barnard joined over 600 Edinburgh alumni who hail from the Caribbean. The Saint Lucian resident tell us about her time studying Biotechnology, the challenges of graduating during a global pandemic, and her hopes to inspire future academics from her home island.

Mastercard Foundation Scholar and 2020 graduate Prince Chakanyuka reflects on unexpected dinners, social enterprises, and starting work remotely as a business planner.