The KESS 2 Alumni Network
The Alumni network was originally launched in 2014 as a means of retaining the valuable links and relationships established by KESS participants during the lifetime of their individual projects. KESS 2 seeks to expand on this Alumni network which will run via a LinkedIn* group page.
The network is not only for students who have been a part of the programme but also for the academics and company partners involved. It allows those who have been part of KESS 2 the opportunity to network, which has the potential to stimulate further collaborative working.
To join our Alumni Network, click here to visit the LinkedIn* group page.
*Please note you will need a LinkedIn account in order to view and join the group. KESS 2 holds no responsibility for the content of external sites.
What do our Alumni say?
Mirain Llwyd Roberts |
Mirain Llwyd Roberts, who did her KESS 2 funded postgraduate research at Bangor University and now works with Gwynedd Council, says:
“During my year as a KESS 2 postgraduate researcher and since working for Gwynedd Council I have had the opportunity to work on several real-world intergenerational projects. I had many experiences during my research period with KESS 2 that I will cherish for a long time.” |
Dr Manon Pritchard |
Dr Manon Pritchard of Cardiff University, who worked with AlgiPharma AS on her KESS funded PhD project and is now a Sêr Cymru II Fellow, says:
“I personally have a lot to thank KESS for, with regards to my academic achievements over the last 9 years, and I continue to this day to collaborate closely with the same industrial partner established all those years ago. A PGR funding support programme in Wales, working with industrial collaborators, is vital to keep home-grown research talent within the country. I am one of many students over the last decade who have undoubtedly benefited from this excellent programme.” |
Dr Christian Dunn |
Dr Christian Dunn of Bangor University who worked with Energy & Environment Business Services Ltd. has been employed by the University as a lecturer and is now supervising his own KESS students. He says:
“You get the best of both worlds: academia and industry. Bangor University offers plenty of support and training for its KESS scholars so you probably come away with more transferable skills and are therefore more employable than through other PhD routes”. |
Dr Diane Jones |
Dr Diane Jones of Bangor University, who worked with Cae’r Gors Heritage Centre during her KESS PhD project, has moved on from the University and is now working within the local authority:
“I am currently working as a Strategic Manager for the Gwynedd and Anglesey Post- 16 Education Consortium and also hold a part time post as a Language Tutor at The School of Welsh at Bangor University. I was returning to work after being at home with my children for a few years. The structure of the KESS scholarship was ideal for me as it blended work experience with learning and research.” |
Dr James Evans |
Dr James Evans from Cardiff University has continued to work with his company partner, Cultech Ltd, since completing his PhD:
“KESS allowed me to complete a PhD, take extra courses to further my employability and also made a connection with a local employer who have subsequently given me an opportunity to work with them. With the current employability difficulties faced by graduates, this chance was invaluable”. |
