In Conversation - The Magazine For Alumni And Friends Of Heriot-Watt University

summer | 2013

United Kingdom | Dubai | Malaysia

Conversation THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDs of HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY

Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year – Two Years Running Three key influencers share their thoughts P10

Animal Testing – A thing of the past?

Ground breaking research suggests how biofabrication could change how we live our lives P18

Design for Life Fashion graduate showcases at London and New York fashion weeks P16

Distinctly Global

www.hw.ac.uk

Welcome

Welcome Welcome to the 2013 edition of the Heriot-Watt Annual Alumni Magazine I’m sure you will have noticed the change of name from HWU to In Conversation, which reflects not only the beginnings of Heriot-Watt University but also the aims of today’s Watt Club, one of the world’s oldest alumni associations.

As Patrick O’Farrell explains in his 2004 book, Heriot-Watt University – An Illustrated History, Leonard Horner, a Scottish linen merchant and geologist, had a conversation one day with Edinburgh watchmaker Robert Bryson about skills shortages. As the discussion continued, Bryson revealed that young men in the watchmaking trade did not receive any mathematical training, nor were they able to attend existing classes due to their expense and timing. Professor O’Farrell explains, “As a result, Horner, although he probably did not realise it at the time, conceived the idea for the world’s first mechanics institute”. This institute laid the foundations upon which Heriot-Watt would be established.

Keith Wallace President of The Watt Club

As the world continues to move towards being a more sociable and interconnected community, so Heriot-Watt is reaching out to our Alumni to encourage a conversation with you. We want to know what you are doing and what we can do to continue to help in your career. On the back cover of this magazine, you will find all the ways we can engage in a conversation, so do get in touch and perhaps we can feature you in an upcoming blog post or magazine article.

We hope you enjoy the first edition of In Conversation!

Keith Wallace President of The Watt Club

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

watt.club@hw.ac.uk Editor: Publisher: Design: Print:

Rebecca Giblin: r.giblin@hw.ac.uk External Affairs: pr@hw.ac.uk Morton Ward: www.mortonward.co.uk Sterling: www.sterlingsolutions.co.uk

Contents

4 6 8 10

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Cows on Hover Boards by Quentin Cooper It’s a Gift Sustainable Fashion for the 21st Century

Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year – Two Years Running

12 14 15

Countdown to Glasgow 2014 Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Watt Club Malaysia

Contents 18

16 18 20

Design for Life

22 24 27 28 30

Engineering Girl Power

Consigning Animal Testing to History?

5 minutes with…

Shane Wasik Events Highlights New Chancellor Watt Club Family Album Connections

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22 www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Cows on Hover Boards Quentin Cooper

Cows on Hover Boards ows on hover boards.

I hadn’t seen that before. I was giving a talk in a school in Balivanich as part of the Hebridean Science Festival. I spoke to school pupils during the day and all-comers in the evenings in Lewis and Harris, the Uists and Benbecula. Lots of great discussion and differing views on what science is, does and needs to do more of.

A highlight was the school, where I saw models and drawings by 11 year olds about crofting’s future. Their ideas – some down-to-earth, others like cows on hover boards (needed to get them to and from skyscraper cattle sheds) – reminded me not only of the continued need for good science communication, but also why we have to continually rethink about what’s communicated to make it relevant to different ages and communities.

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I’d done some research before I arrived about fishing and fish farming, the design and materials for the new ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway next year and on Heriot-Watt’s research on cold water corals around Mingulay.

What I hadn’t thought about, though, was that crofting might benefit from an injection of technology, and that youngsters on the islands were already stretching their imaginations to the task. It’s easy to view crofting and modern farming in a rigged competition, with the latest advances pushing traditional approaches aside.

Much better is to view science as supplementing rather than supplanting the old ways: offering options and adapting them to local needs to help crofters survive and even thrive.

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

In Conversation guest writer Quentin Cooper (Hon DSc, 2010).

A broadcaster and science journalist, Quentin is passionate about science communication, and works with Heriot-Watt’s Crucible programme to develop research leaders of the future.

Here he tells us about his experience of being invited to the Hebridean Science Festival.

Whether any of the pupils’ ideas are actually practical remains to be seen, but that isn’t really the point. It’s the thinking and linking between the old and new. It was an insight into why communicating science is almost as important as the science itself. And I learned it from 11 year olds.

Professor Steve Chapman, Principal and Vice-Chancellor; Quentin Cooper; and Professor Alan Miller, Deputy Principal (Research and Knowledge Transfer) www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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It’s a Gift

It’s a Gift Challenge Events Taking on Africa’s highest peak is not something many would consider. Alumnus Andrew Hebson (BSc Hons Sport & Exercise Science, 2011) and statistics lecturer Professor Gavin Gibson, however, scaled Kilimanjaro in 2012 in aid of the University’s Annual Fund.

Andrew knew it would be the experience of a lifetime, and the opportunity to raise funds for the University made for an easy decision. Gavin agrees: “I told everyone I would be climbing Kilimanjaro for Heriot-Watt and kept it in mind during the challenge.”

In 2014 teams will head to Machu Pichu, Mount Everest Basecamp and to build a school in Ghana.

For more information: contact Steve Watson on steve.watson@hw.ac.uk

2013 Telephone Calling Campaign Thank you to the 1,500 new donors who pledged £355,000 in our 2012 and 2013 Telethons.

Current students spoke to our alumni about their experiences at Heriot-Watt and asked them to contribute to the Annual Fund. The money raised really does change lives, with 100% disbursed for a range of student-led initiatives.

There has been 600% growth over the last two campaigns, well above average compared with other universities. Highlights include: • £36,000 to support 18 Access Bursaries • £7,000 to purchase a Ladies’ Coxed Eightboat for the Rowing Club • £6,000 to support students attending the New Designers Exhibition For more information: contact Steve Watson on steve.watson@hw.ac.uk

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Wills and Trusts Seminars

Leadership Lecture Series

We have been privileged to receive a number of legacies in recent years that have each made a lasting difference to today’s students, with the award of scholarships and bursaries, as well as the purchase of books and equipment.

In 2009, Heriot-Watt University established the Leadership Lecture Series to help develop the next generation of global leaders. We have a long-standing reputation for delivering industry-ready graduates directly into the workplace with relevant qualifications and experience, demonstrated with 92% graduate employment.

We are often asked about leaving a legacy to the University. We have held Wills and Trusts Seminars for alumni in association with the firm Pagan Osborne to provide a straightforward, high quality and comprehensive introduction by Keith McLaren (Economics and Finance, 2002), solicitor and graduate of Heriot-Watt .

For more information on the next Wills and Trusts workshops or leaving a legacy: contact Cara McCoy on c.mccoy@hw.ac.uk

The American Friends of Heriot-Watt University The American Friends of Heriot-Watt University provides a tax-efficient mechanism for USA-based donors and supports a number of activities, particularly widening access.

The Leadership Lecture Series, sponsored by Diageo, has enabled over 1,000 students to hear from our alumni including Sir Bill Gammell , Cairn Energy (Hon DEng, 2007), Dr Mel Young, Homeless World Cup (Hon DLitt, 2008), and Lawrie Haynes, Rolls-Royce (BA Business Law, 1983).

The series continues to go from strength to strength, with the most recent lecture delivered by Honorary Graduate Professor George Davies to over 200 students.

BP BP will be investing an additional £125,000 over the next three years to chemistry and petroleum engineering, including undergraduate scholarships and placements, guest lectures and real life materials and data for students.

One recent supporter Dr Roger Entner (BA Business Organisation, 1993 and Hon DSc, 2012), said, “I wanted to give back to the University that transformed my life.

Without Heriot-Watt my life would have gone down a different, less interesting, less successful path.”

Professor Steve McLaughlin, Head of the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences said: “Scholarships are an excellent way for industry to support education in a direct and impactful way while also enabling access to the most talented and brightest students.”

The fund’s Board led by President, John Brydson (BA Economics, 1974), and Treasurer, Helen Sayles (BA Commerce, 1972) is currently looking for new members to support the fund’s growth and management.

BP’s Regional President for the North Sea, Trevor Garlick (MEng Petroleum Engineering, 1982) added, “HeriotWatt University is a crucial source of graduates and talent for the whole of the oil and gas industry and they play an important role in the society and economy of Scotland.”

For more information: contact Liz Dean-Stevens on l.dean-stevens@hw.ac.uk

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Sustainable Fashion for the 21st Century Dawn Ellams

Sustainable Fashion for the 21st Century Dawn Ellams

ith sustainability high on the agenda, processes that are less harmful to the environment are undergoing intense study.

In Conversation meets a PhD student who has developed jeans using Tencel®, a fibre made from sustainable wood.

She cites her grandmother as her biggest influence, combining creative disciplines in everyday life, from crocheting and knitting to designing wallpaper. As for her future, Dawn is working towards completion of her collection in September before focusing on her career.

“My research explores the environmental impact of colour and print design on fashion garments and how design can contribute to sustainable fashion,” says Dawn, whose research could cut emissions across the jeans industry.

“I want to work in industry while still linking with academia” she explains, “This sharing of knowledge and experience is needed to explore and design garments customers will actually wear. There used to be an idea that the key to sustainable fashion was to produce unbleached, undyed, uncoloured t-shirts but that’s not acceptable in terms of ‘fashion’.

As a result, sustainable design has become much more innovative”, she continues, “If it’s not desirable no-one buys your garment and it ends up in landfill anyway.”

As well as minimising the process which uses on average 42 litres of water for one pair of jeans, Dawn also investigated digital printing to bypass the dyeing process. In fact, it was access to such facilities which first attracted Dawn to Heriot-Watt.

Dawn has always been creative and grew up surrounded by Lancashire’s textile heritage.

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For more information: www.hw.ac.uk/denim

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

“Nowhere else, other than heriot-watt, had the combination of equipment, knowledge and expertise and I was really attracted by the cross-disciplinary research going on. It’s a great way of sharing ideas and there was a culture here that made it a natural way to work.”

Dawn Ellams, PhD Researcher, Sustainable Textiles

Cutting emissions across the jeans industry, Dawn’s sustainable fashion collection

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year – Two Years Running

Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year – Two Years Running

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Heriot-Watt University is the Sunday Times Scottish University of the Year for an unprecedented second year running and the UK University of the Year for Student Experience 2012-13.

In Conversation spoke to three Presidents to understand why.

Brittany Brown (MA Economics & Business Law, 2013) is the President of Heriot-Watt’s Student Union: “The experience here has a lot to do with the good relationships that exist between the Student Union, Sports Union and the University. Additionally, the responsive, open approach of the current Principal means students are genuinely listened to and consulted on changes.”

President of the National Union of Student (NUS) and Heriot-Watt alumnus, Liam Burns (BSc Physics, 2006) concurs with Brittany’s view: “The Student Union at Heriot-Watt has been countryleading for a decade which is a key aspect in making the University a leader for student experience. I think the Student Union and the Sports Union are the jewels in the crown of Heriot-Watt University.”

Alumnus Keith Wallace (BSc Civil Engineering, 1985) and President of The Watt Club, highlights the contribution the University’s international approach makes to the student experience: “Since I was at Heriot-Watt, the big difference is the internationalisation that has occurred. To have more than 60 countries represented in one day’s graduation of 300 graduates, as was the case last year, is pretty special. I feel that’s part of Heriot-Watt’s distinctiveness and an aspect that our students really value, not just while they are studying at the University but throughout their lives.”

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Countdown to Glasgow 2014

he countdown has begun to the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow - the largest, multisport event ever held in Scotland.

Ross Campbell (BSc Maths, 2005), Sports Programme Manager, is helping athletes studying at Heriot-Watt prepare for the Games: “Academic flexibility is key; we’ll help everyone tailor their study, as well as aligning funding support.”

Competing at this level takes exceptional commitment. Without this support, students hoping to compete would find it hard to juggle the demands of study and training.

Swimmer Kathryn Johnstone, studying a Sports Science degree, agrees: “It is difficult! I’ll be splitting my final year over two years; I don’t think that’s offered by many universities.”

Psychology student and judo athlete Lisa Kearney, who represented Ireland in the 2012 Olympics, has already qualified for the Games but still has a tough schedule. “I’ll be training full-time at the Scottish judo institute.

Being able to study flexibly is brilliant - my mentor helps me work out what to study when so I can progress my degree and remain committed to judo.”

Being part of the Sports Scholarship Programme funded by the Annual Fund has been important for them both.

“It offers a range of support but it’s the academic flexibility which makes the biggest difference and draws athletes to Heriot-Watt,” explains Ross.

Countdown to Glasgow 2014 12

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Alumnus Freya Ross née Murray (BEng Structural Engineering, 2005), aiming to run the marathon, commented: “The flexibility helped me a lot – I changed exam dates and got an extension on my dissertation.

But I also really benefited from the financial support and having access to a physio and nutritionist.”

Rugby player, Lee Jones (BEng Mechanical Engineering, 2011), also hopes to take part next summer.

“Being on the Scholarship Programme provided access to guidance, coaching and training using the great facilities.

I left university a professional player.”

We’ll be celebrating the Commonwealth Games on campus with a programme of events at the Centre for Sport & Exercise in the run-up to activities in Glasgow. A range of sporting challenges is being planned taking inspiration from the Games.

Visit: www.hw.ac.uk/sports.htm for more information nearer the time

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

eriot-Watt’s new campus in Putrajaya, Malaysia is the University’s 5th campus. Along with Edinburgh, the Scottish Borders, Orkney and Dubai, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) continues the University’s ambitious international strategy.

Our MBA programme began in January 2013 and additional programmes will be established, including MSc Petroleum Engineering, MSc Construction Management, and MSc Energy in September 2013 and MSc Actuarial Science in 2014.

The new £35 million purpose-built campus will open in 2014 and cater for 4,000 students studying a range of courses in science, engineering, business, mathematics and design.

Until then, HWUM is based in Putrajaya Holdings’ prestigious headquarters in Menara PjH. These premises were opened in November 2012 by Simon Featherstone, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.

He said, “Heriot-Watt’s campus in Putrajaya, the only foreign university awarded this honour following a competitive bidding process, will give students in Malaysia an opportunity to experience British education at its best.”

The University was chosen as winner of an international tender in recognition of its strong reputation for creating diverse research and development opportunities and a solid track record of success linking with industry, commerce and wider society.

We have strong historic links with Malaysia. Our first Malaysian student graduated from the Edinburgh Campus in 1967 and today we have over 3,500 alumni in the country. In fact, this is one of the things which impressed the judges of the tender, along with our track record in Dubai (which now has 3,300 students) and our reputation as a provider of international education.

Heriot-Watt University Malaysia 14

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Artist’s impression of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia opening in 2014

Watt Club Malaysia

Watt Club Malaysia att Club Malaysia was established in 1990 and since then it has gone from strength to strength. For the last two years, it has welcomed visitors from other Watt Clubs to explore local culture and food, and to visit Putrajaya, the location of Heriot-Watt’s newest campus.

June 2012 saw Watt Club Singapore travel to Kuala Lumpur for a whistlestop visit which included a durian feast. Durian is native to Southeast Asia and considered by many to be the King of Fruits. However, its ‘distinctive’ aroma divides opinion so much so that it is banned from many hotels and public transport.

In April 2013, it was the turn of Watt Club Hong Kong to make the journey to Malaysia. Their visit included meeting the team at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) and viewing the site of the new premises opening in 2014.

The Watt Club, one of the world’s oldest alumni associations, is a global network of over 90,000 members, allowing you to stay connected with the University and classmates and hear about nearby events.

No Watt Club near you?

Why not consider being an ambassador?

Contact watt.club@hw.ac.uk if you would like to act as a point of contact for alumni, potential students and others.

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Design for life Euphemia Sydney-Davies

Design for life 16

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

uphemia Sydney-Davies (BA Fashion Design for Industry, 2012) is a young fashion designer who, as a girl, was forced to flee the Sierra Leone civil war with her mother. “It was a very traumatic experience, I’m not sure I’ve dealt with it all yet, but I haven’t let it hold me back from what I want to do.”

Having already shown her designs at London Fashion Week, she is currently creating a second collection for New York. Her drive and commitment stems, she says, from a real love of her work.

In an industry that can be difficult and demanding, and where criticism can be tough and demoralising, Euphemia believes that love is key to success. “I’m a young mother juggling a part-time job with my design work. I think talent is important and hard work is a must, but it’s love that will keep you going. If you love what you do, you get through the disappointments and are fortified for the challenges.”

Her degree collection showcased her talents but also provided a creative outlet for the traumatic experiences of her early life. “I didn’t realise it at first but the collection, initially inspired by a course project, was heavily influenced by my experiences of war.” Text and drawings in her journals and her frequent nightmares became sources of pattern for her fabrics and inspiration for garment designs. She describes it as a very ‘autobiographical collection’ and it is a remarkable transposing of a difficult experience into bold and beautiful designs of striking originality.

“I didn’t realise it at first but the collection, initially inspired by a course project, was heavily influenced by my experiences of war.”

Her new collection is again characterised by printed fabric, using illustrations created by her design partner, Gabor Zolyomi, who is based in Hungary. “It will be more tailored, colourful and inspired by Africa but not be typically African.

I’m very excited about it.”

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Consigning animal testing to history?

Alan Faulkner-Jones

Consigning animal testing to history? iofabrication is such a new field, there’s very few people in the world involved in it, and even fewer universities. Heriot-Watt is a leading research institution in this area,” says Alan Faulkner-Jones (MEng Robotics and Cybertronics, 2010) who has remained on campus for his PhD in Mechanical Engineering (Biofabrication).

Under the supervision of Dr Will Shu, and in association with the Roslin Cellab, Alan is part of a project which will enable surgeons of the future to “print out” replacement organs for patients, removing the need for cadaveric and living-donor transplants.

It is a story which has caught the imagination of millions, being reported by world-leading journals and media including Time Magazine, Nature, the BBC and the Institute of Physics, as well as hundreds more websites.

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Intriguingly, it wasn’t the prospect of organ transplants that first interested Alan in the project – but the idea that it could eradicate the need for animal testing.

“The EU has already banned the use of animal testing for cosmetic purposes, and UK law regulates experiments on animals. What we can hopefully do soon is create technology which mimics the operation and response of the organs in our bodies, but on a much smaller scale, that a new medicine may interact with. We will be able to see the results any new drug would have on a person, without the need to resort to animal testing.”

For more information: www.hw.ac.uk/organ

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

“Our research could, in every respect, change how we live our lives, how we heal the sick, and how we further our research into the human condition�.

Alan Faulkner-Jones, MEng Robotics and Cybertronics, 2010 www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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5 minutes with...Shane Wasik

5 minutes with....

Shane Wasik (BSc Applied Marine Biology, 2003), Founder of Basking Shark Scotland

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Why did you choose to do your degree at Heriot-Watt?

I was specifically interested in Marine Biology, having grown up by the sea and learning to dive as a teenager. The reputation of the staff, field courses and diving facilities at Heriot-Watt made me choose the Applied Marine Biology course.

How did your time at Heriot-Watt help you on your career path?

The course was really great and very practically orientated. Field courses to the likes of the Dunstaffnage marine lab in Oban, including the sampling and boat work gave us a really good feel for practical survey skills. The option for attending the commercial and scientific diving course at the Orkney campus was also a great opportunity to gain these industry qualifications.

Tell us about Basking Shark Scotland This is our new venture based from Oban. Following my experience overseas there are a lot of industries built around marine animal encounters like White Sharks and Manta Rays. The research conducted on the Basking Sharks shows that Scotland is a hotspot with up to 94 individuals being seen on one day alone! As there is no-one who offers these trips we have set up tours around the Argyll area to take people out to swim with these gentle giants. It’s a really exciting project and is potentially a world class experience.

Any advice for recent graduates wanting to follow in your footsteps?

From my own viewpoint I believe overseas experience is really important, it certainly puts a perspective on Scotland and our assets here. I would also encourage you to volunteer and gain experience in some of the operations and facilities. This will give you good contacts and some great experience for your CV. It’s a tough market and those who put the effort in and get out there make the difference. www.baskingsharkscotland.co.uk

Shane Wasik

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Engineering Girl Power

Engineering Girl Power

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

“I’ve been involved for eight months and I’m amazed how much I’ve learnt. It’s great this is a real, live project. What we design in the team will go into action.”

Katie Guttridge, Mechanical Engineering student

ngineering is a high value career option, but the sector continues to experience a significant gender gap in its workforce.

Heriot-Watt alumnus, Jock Clear (BEng Mechanical Engineering, 1987; Hon DEng, 2007), is a Senior Performance Race Engineer with MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team and a strong proponent of encouraging women to take up an engineering career. “I was keen to understand what attracted women to engineering courses, and how we could support more.”

In Conversation found that the gender imbalance was not as significant to female students as one might expect. Sara Trevisan commented: “It doesn’t feel male dominated to me. I know that out of 140 students there are only 20 girls but they come from a range of backgrounds which is really interesting. I don’t feel in the minority; I feel respected and the same as everyone else.”

Katie Guttridge and Lisa Ubberjans are both part of Formula Student, supported by Heriot-Watt’s Annual Fund, a competition involving the design and construction of a racing car to compete at Silverstone. Katie says, “I’ve been involved for eight months and I’m amazed how much I’ve learnt. It’s great this is a real, live project. What we design in the team will go into action.” Lisa is equally enthusiastic: “I was initially working on a seat positioning jig but later joined the chassis team, using CAD to play around with the frame. It’s been a really exciting experience.”

Jock Clear is passionate about the impact of the School’s supportive environment.

“The students’ enthusiasm and abilities are challenging the outdated image of who can be a successful engineer and demonstrating that the underlying gender bias is not important. When there is more balance in the sector, I am confident we will recognise the creativity and flair we have being missing.”

For more information: www.hwracing.co.uk

Left to right: Katie Guttridge, Sara Trevisan and Lisa Ubberjans

Heriot-Watt alumnus Jock Clear

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Events Highlights

The Watt Club holds events around the world that are open to all alumni and guests. Be the first to know about events in your area by updating your contact details at www.hw.ac.uk/alumni We also share details on Facebook (The Watt Club) and Twitter (@watt_club) so make sure you’re signed up and receiving updates.

March 2012

September 2012

Leadership Lecture by Derek Mathieson, Baker Hughes (PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1996), Edinburgh Campus.

The End of Festival Fireworks again proves to be a popular night with over 130 alumni and guests joining us at the Mercure Hotel, Princes Street for a fabulous view over Edinburgh Castle.

Upwards of 100,000 pyrotechnics which take 15 pyrotechnicians a week to set up are accompanied by music inspired by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Shakespeare played by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. The evening is generously sponsored by Pagan Osborne (www.paganosborne.com) and an address made by Heriot-Watt alumnus Keith McLaren (BA Economics & Finance, 2002), one of the firm’s solicitors.

April 2012 Watt Club Glasgow organises a tour of the BBC Scotland studios.

May 2012 Heriot-Watt University choir and orchestra perform a programme of Dvorák, Borodin and Smetana, Edinburgh Campus.

June 2012 Over 5,000 new graduates become members of The Watt Club, Edinburgh Campus.

August 2012 The Watt Club attends a concert by Nicola Benedetti (Hon DUniv, 2010), Edinburgh.

Join us for this year’s fireworks at the Mercure Hotel on Sunday 1st September 2013

Events Highlights 24

Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Photo courtesy of Graeme Ross

Events Highlights

October 2012

November 2012

February 2013

Over 60 alumni and guests attend Puccini’s Madame Butterfly at Oslo’s iconic Opera House. CEO of Oslo Opera, Tom Remlov, addresses the guests over wine and tapas sharing his experiences and background to the performance.

Heriot-Watt Oil & Gas Alumni Association holds its annual dinner in Aberdeen.

Heriot-Watt Former Brewing Students’ Association holds its annual reunion weekend, Edinburgh.

Heriot-Watt Principal, Professor Steve Chapman, attends graduation ceremonies in Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Over 2,500 new graduates join The Watt Club and celebratory dinners are held in each location.

Dr Joanne Yeoh (PhD Applied Psychology, 2009) entertains the audience at the Watt Club Malaysia Annual Dinner, Kuala Lumpur

March 2013 The Watt Club Annual Meeting, convened by Watt Club President Keith Wallace (BSc Civil Engineering, 1985) is held at the Edinburgh Campus in conjunction with the inaugural James Watt Debate which asks whether the Industrial Revolution went too far, too fast. The opposition, led by Prof David Hopkins, is victorious over Prof Steve McLaughlin’s team after a lively debate and audience vote.

Madame Butterfly at the Oslo Opera House Photo courtesy of Erik Berg

Dr Ross Brawn and Dr Jock Clear in conversation at the London Watt Club Dinner

December 2012

A Watt steam engine

The 41st London Annual Dinner takes place at the Institute of Physics in central London and is attended by over 50 alumni and guests. They are joined by Ross Brawn (HonDEng, 2011) and Jock Clear (MechEng, 1987 and HonDEng, 2007) from MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, who give a vivid and humorous account of their years in the business, before opening the floor to questions. www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Events Highlights Don’t be the last to know

Don’t be the last to know Future events in the UK include: Edinburgh 1 September 2013 End of Festival Fireworks, Mercure Hotel, Princes Street, Edinburgh

Do you want to know about upcoming events in your area?

You can find out about them in a number of ways.

Photo courtesy of Graeme Ross

Web: (to register your email) www.alumni.hw.ac.uk/login

Search for ‘The Watt Club’

@Watt_Club

Heriot-Watt Alumni (Official)

thewattclub.hw.ac.uk/magazine

Email: watt.club@hw.ac.uk

London 5 December 2013 Adam Crozier, CEO of ITV plc (BA Business Organisation, 1984) in conversation with the Principal, London Watt Club Dinner, House of Commons.

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

New Chancellor

r Robert M Buchan (Mining, 1969 and Hon DEng, 2011) was appointed Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University in October 2012 and took up post in December following Baroness Susan Greenfield’s seven years in the role.

Originally from Fife, Scotland, and now based in Toronto, Canada, he is a mining entrepreneur and philanthropist with a strong interest in supporting higher education. He has recently supported the establishment of the Robert M Buchan Chair in Sustainable Energy Engineering at the University.

“I look forward to spending time with students and staff and hope that in some way I can add to the experience of being at Heriot-Watt.”

New Chancellor

Dr Robert M Buchan, Mining, 1969 and Hon DEng, 2011

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Watt Club Family Album

Watt Club Family Album

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

1. Miss Annie Gibson-Craig sits at the top of the lawn by the Old Riccarton House, circa 1900. Riccarton House can be seen in the background, now the site of Heriot-Watt’s library. Can you spot the other person in this photograph?

?

2. Heriot-Watt College’s campus on Chambers Street in the early 20th century. The statue of James Watt, now outside the entrance to our Edinburgh Campus, can be seen in the background. Photograph courtesy of Professor David Manners.

Alumni Image Appeal

3. N ot many people know that there is a time capsule buried under the statue of James Watt. This photo from 1990 shows, amongst others, Principal Alistair MacFarlane and Donald MacDonald filling the base with items including a VHS copy of Scotland’s rugby triumph over England at Murrayfield that year.

Do you have an image of the War Memorial from Chambers Street?

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Next year marks the centenary of the start of World War I. To allow us to mark a fitting tribute to this conflict we would welcome any images of the war memorial and images and stories of Heriot-Watt staff and students who fought or lost their lives.

We are asking all our alumni from that era to rummage through their old photographs and slide drawers in search of a picture.

If you have an image or story, or think you know who might, our Archives Team would love to hear from you – please get in touch! You can email them at archive@hw.ac.uk or call +44 (0)131 451 3218.

Alumni Reunions & Giving Back 3

If these images are stirring your memories, why not arrange a reunion with your old classmates? The Alumni Relations Team is here to help. Email watt.club@hw.ac.uk to find out more!

As well as catching up with old friends and remembering their time at Heriot-Watt, some of our alumni use the opportunity to give back to the University through a class gift to the Annual Fund.

For a number of our alumni, a degree at Heriot-Watt was an opportunity to study without many of the financial pressures faced by present day students, so this is seen as a perfect way for groups of graduates to show their support for Heriot-Watt by helping to improve the Student Experience for today’s young talent.

To find out more please visit www.alumni.hw.ac.uk/annualfund2013

If you have any images you’d like to share, please email us at watt.club@hw.ac.uk www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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Connections

Connections Thank you to everyone who contributed their update to Connections. We didn’t have room to print them all but they are all on our website here: www.alumni.hw.ac.uk/ AlumniConnections

Rob Morton BEng Civil Engineering, 2000 UK I left my role as Alumni Relations Officer at Heriot-Watt in November 2012, after four memorable years, to take up a job at Glasgow Caledonian University as their Alumni Relations Manager. Hi to all the great Watt Club members I met and hi to everyone from my time as a student - especially Midlothian C 1996! Viva la Watt Club!

Michelle Stephens MBA, 2006 Barbados Since graduating in 2006 with an MBA I entered the financial services sector specialising in shaping corporate strategy. That experience was incredible training for my new role in business development within the education sector in Barbados. I am able to apply my MBA knowledge to sharpen the strategic and operational processes. DBA here I come!

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Heriot-Watt University In Conversation Summer 2013

Kirsten Bergen (nĂŠe Wiginton) LINT (French & Spanish), 1993 Germany My first novel should be hitting the book shops soon and my second one is not far behind. Other than that, I still enjoy working as a part-time translator, proofreader and teacher.

Michael Hearn MSc Quantity Surveying, 2010 Qatar I am still working in Qatar where work is picking up significantly in the run-up to the country hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2022. I am involved in a number of high profile projects including the Qatar Foundation Headquarters, the Qatar National Library and the Al Meera Consumer Goods Company Expansion which includes the construction of 25 shopping malls across the city. I am also involved in financial monitoring of the construction of a new city in the West Bank called Rawabi.

Connections

Bill Tripp

Justine Bagyenda

HNC Mechanical Engineering, 1949 UK

MBA, 2004 South Africa

I do not think there will be many fellow graduates of 1949 still around but for all you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed youngsters, value your stay at the Watt; you will never regret it!

My daughter Caroline Agaba has now completed her MBA from Edinburgh Business School and will be a 2013 Graduate. Join me in celebrating her achievement and a good addition to the Watt Club family!

Jenny Adams (née Murray) BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering, 1992 UK In January 2013 I was ordained as a Church of Scotland minister, having completed a divinity degree at Aberdeen (I had to write essays!) and further training. I’m now minister of Duffus, Spynie & Hopeman, in Moray, in the north of Scotland. Very different from engineering, but really enjoying it.

Ian Shinnie BSc Mechanical Engineering, 1973 UK The 1973 Mechanical Engineers are holding a 40th Reunion in Edinburgh on Saturday 17 August 2013. Any of our classmates are welcome to come.

Please contact me at ianshinnie@hotmail.com

Christopher Donough BSc Computer Systems, 2012 South Africa My life has recently taken a positive turn with an internship at Telesure, one of South Africa’s biggest insurance companies. I will always be grateful to Heriot-Watt for the qualification which has given me this opportunity. It just goes to show that with determination and a positive attitude, you can accomplish anything!

Information for Connections has been submitted by alumni. The Development and Alumni Office makes every effort to reconfirm accuracy prior to publication, but this is not possible in every case. We apologise for any out-of-date information and ask that alumni please provide an update when their circumstances change.

To pass on updates, please email: watt.club@hw.ac.uk with the subject heading ‘Connections’.

To view updates from the last year please view: www.alumni.hw.ac.uk/ AlumniConnections

Ahmed El-Geneidy MSc Geotechnical Engineering, 1995 Egypt The MSc class from 1995 is trying to get connected again. We have started and so far have found classmates from Egypt, Switzerland, UK and Greece.

Please contact me at ahmed.elgeneidy@ecgsa.com if you would like to reconnect.

www.hw.ac.uk/alumni

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A HD IN FIRE

W LE ND KI

Do we have your email address?

18:21

Register with us online or confirm your email address with us at www.alumni.hw.ac.uk/login between 1 June and 31 December 2013 to be in with a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD.

Keep in touch with us between annual editions of In Conversation and hear about:

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Web: (to register your email) www.alumni.hw.ac.uk/login

Search for ‘The Watt Club’

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