Stories from the Class of 2022
University College Dublin’s newest alumni told us about their time at UCD and what they’re looking forward to after graduation.
Dariya Bazhenova - BComm International
With war ongoing in her home country, Ukraine, Dariya Bazhenova took on a new role and spent her summer welcoming refugees to the UCD campus.
Chen Chen - BAgrSc Horticulture
After coming from China to study horticulture at UCD through the Guangzhou-Dublin International College of Life Sciences and Technology (GDIC), Chen Chen is looking forward to graduating and pursuing his next steps.
Lara Gillespie - BSc Health & Performance Science
Elite cyclist, Lara Gillespie, has successfully combined a competitive career on the world stage with her studies. Now she is focused on the 2024 Olympics.
Ahmed Ashfaq - BEng Chemical Engineering
Ahmed Ashfaq is graduating from his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and will be continuing on at UCD to study for his masters degree. As an Access Leader, Ahmed has been a role model to students entering UCD from diverse backgrounds.
Owen Johnson - BSc Astrophysics
While studying astrophysics, Owen Johnson has kept busy at UCD, finding time to lead the Science Society, work a variety of jobs, travel abroad, and be an Access Leader amongst other achievements. Now he looks forward to his next steps after graduation.
Luke Murphy - MRUP Master of Regional & Urban Planning
It was his second choice on the CAO form, but Luke Murphy has thrived studying planning at UCD where his hard work led to a scholarship and being named Student Planner of the Year.
Djamel White - BA English with Creative Writing
Despite leaving school early, Djamel White never gave up on his dream of becoming a writer. Now, the College of Arts and Humanities has awarded him the Annie Fanning Memorial Scholarship.
Anu Bode Favours - BSc Computer Science
Look out London! Anu Bode Favours is graduating from Computer Science at UCD and is on her way to London to study for an MSc in Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning at Imperial College.
Dipa Rai - BSc Geography, Politics and International Relations
While working as a sherpa on the slopes of Mt. Everest, Dipa Rai encountered Irish academics who saw her potential and encouraged her to pursue her studies.
Samson Lubega - MEng Chemical Engineering
Ten years ago Samson Lubega came to Ireland seeking asylum. Now, he graduates from UCD having been a Réalta Scholar and an Access Leader, inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to consider higher education.
Cormac Gilnagh - BCL/Maîtrise
Cormac Gilnagh has worked hard to make his dreams of studying at university a reality. He has now achieved three degrees in law in the time that most students achieve one.
Niamh Scully - BA Classics, English and History
Off to Oxford! A former auditor of Dramsoc and the driving force behind impactful UCDSU campaigns, Niamh Scully has been at the heart of student life in UCD the last few years.
Valetha Fladrich - MSc in Human Resource Management
Valetha Fladrich is ready to take the next steps in her career after completing a master’s degree in Human Resource Management at the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.
Orlaith Wolohan - BSc Mental Health Nursing
Studying Mental Health Nursing at UCD allowed Orlaith Wolohan to combine an interest in healthcare and psychology, while developing her research skills and gaining hands-on experience.
Niamh Hegarty - MLIS Master of Library and Information Studies
As she heads for Australia’s shores post-graduation, Niamh Hegarty reflects on her experience of studying for the MLIS at UCD and looks forward to staying connected with fellow alumni.
Bernadette Brady - MSc Biotechnology
Having been a carer for more than 20 years, Bernadette Brady made a brave decision to return to third level education where she rediscovered her confidence and passion for science.
Jet Klokgieters - MSc Digital Policy
Studying an MSc in Digital Policy at UCD helped Jet Klokgieters decide to pursue a career abroad.
