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.
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 - BSocSc 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. After graduation, she is heading to Oxford University to study a master’s degree in Women’s, Gender and Queer History.
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.
