Classes of the 20s
Updates from alumni who graduated during the 2020s
Eunjung [Olivia] Yoo, Global MBA '23
Olivia is a digital strategist and IT consultant based in South Korea, whose career has recently expanded into the world of writing. With a deep passion for storytelling and reflection, Olivia published her debut book, 구름공장: Cloud Factory, in February 2024.
The book is in Korean and not yet translated, but its themes are universal, and its message resonates far beyond language.
"I wrote this book in the hope that readers would take a moment to reflect on what it means to live with true diligence," Olivia shares. "As you read, I hope someone special comes to mind and brings a smile to your face - or perhaps you’ll find your own ‘cloud’. I believe imagination can spark happiness, and through this book, I hope to encourage readers to think more deeply and to renew their efforts in life."
Sascia Pellegrini, Art and Design PhD '23

Originally from Dundee and now based in Singapore, Sascia - a PhD alum of the University of Dundee - has announced the publication of a new book, The Amplification of Sense. Now available on Amazon, this work is the culmination of an in-depth journey through media theory, artistic practice, and embodied perception.
Shreyansh Kayastha, Public Health '21

Shreyansh often says he will be forever grateful to the University, as his master’s degree played a key role in helping him achieve nearly all of his goals. It laid the foundation for a fulfilling career, and he is now proud to be working as a Band 7 professional within NHS Scotland, where he continues to serve the community with dedication and purpose.
Yu Lin Ma, Sustainability and Renewables '22
Yu Lin works at Jinan Energy Investment Holding Group Limited Company, a major enterprise in China’s growing energy sector.
The transition from university life in Scotland to a corporate role in China has been a rewarding one. Yu Lin credits the time at Dundee as key to developing the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a professional environment.
As part of Jinan Energy Investment Holding Group, Yu Lin is contributing to projects that support regional development and energy innovation - a meaningful start to what promises to be a dynamic career.
Dieudonne Rurangirwa, Energy Law and Policy LLM '21
Dieudonne Rurangirwa, from Kigali, Rwanda, completed his course through distance learning. Already holding an LLM in Commercial Law from the University of Cape Town (2010), Dieudonne had been serving as Senior Legal Advisor to the CEO of Rwanda’s national electricity utility when he decided to deepen his expertise in the energy sector.
Supported by his employer and motivated by his passion for energy law, Dieudonne successfully balanced work, study, and family life. Today, he is married and a father of three - and he credits his Dundee degree with transforming both his professional trajectory and his family’s future.
He says, “The University and the city of Dundee have and will always be part of my best memories. I will never forget the warm welcome, the care, the learning materials, and the encouragement from everyone at CEPMLP.”
Alexis Bowden, Illustration '24

Alexis Bowden has already made a significant mark in the world of visual storytelling. She contributed her artistic talents to the magical historical comic Seachad an Eòrna (Gaelic for Beyond the Barley), which reimagines the origins of whisky through the lens of myth, nature, and cultural legacy.
Through her rich, heartfelt artwork, Alexis brings emotional resonance to the journey, her illustrations breathing life into the characters and landscapes, and illuminating the spirit of giving and togetherness that ultimately births the first whisky on Islay.
Glory Adiele, Finance and Investment '22

Glory realised she was pregnant in July 2022, whilst she was rounding up studying for her master's degree in Finance and Investment.
The news was a dream come true for Glory, and she was so excited to welcome her first child into the world. She had a baby girl in early 2023, and her birth changed Glory’s life for the better.
Glory said; “She made me a mum, and we became a family of three, my husband and I. We stayed in Dundee, and we are enjoying it here with no regrets.”
Madhavi Dubey, Leading Learning and Teaching '23

"Soon after graduating, I began working as an Associate Tutor on the MEd course - a role that brought me immense joy and purpose. Supporting bright, ambitious students from around the world, guiding them through academic challenges, especially during their dissertation journeys, and offering encouragement on future career paths was deeply rewarding.
"In parallel, I began contributing as a Research Assistant on two major collaborative projects involving the University of Dundee. Becoming actively involved in research - a long-held dream - has been transformative. These projects, centred on enhancing teaching, learning, and wellbeing, have allowed me to apply and expand my research skills, work with brilliant academics, and contribute meaningfully to the global education community.
"The past three years have been nothing short of transformational. As a mid-career educator from India, choosing to step away from a secure life and career to pursue global education at Dundee wasn’t easy. But this leap of faith - motivated by a desire to grow, contribute, and make a difference - has opened more doors than I ever imagined. And honestly, I feel like this journey has only just begun - a lifelong learner and an educator at heart."
Benedict Jackson, English and Film Studies '21
Since graduating, Benedict has been busy self-publishing books with Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing, both in paperback and as e-books.
Benedict writes episode guides to one of Britain's most beloved TV shows of all time, Doctor Who. Watching the show since a young age and developed a fascination with all things Doctor Who, he was always on the lookout for reference guides and episode guides which could help further his understanding of the show he grew to love so much. Then, he decided to write one himself, and he now has four best-selling episode guidebooks on Amazon.
The books he has published so far are:
Doctor Who Episode Guide - The William Hartnell Years (2022)
Doctor Who Episode Guide - The Jon Pertwee Years (2023)
Doctor Who Episode Guide - The Sylvester McCoy Years (2024)
Doctor Who Episode Guide - The David Tennant Years (2025)
Benedict said, “I really enjoy what I do, as self-publishing and writing allows me creative freedom to express my voice and opinions on a show that means a lot to myself and my life.”
Balach Malik, Finance and Investment '21

Balach was honoured to receive the award for Best Student in the MSc Finance cohort of 2020-21.
After graduating, Balach returned to his home country, Pakistan, and began working as a Lecturer in Finance and Accounting at the University of Turbat in Kech, Balochistan. However, his desire for further knowledge and international academic exposure continued to grow. The solid academic foundation laid during his time at the University of Dundee gave him the confidence and preparation he needed to pursue a PhD.
In 2024, Balach was awarded the prestigious College of Social Sciences PhD Scholarship by the University of Glasgow, where he is currently undertaking doctoral research in Finance and Accounting. Balach said, “My journey from Dundee to Glasgow is not just academic, it's deeply personal. It was my experience at the University of Dundee that first sparked my love for Scotland and set me on this path of lifelong learning.”
Zahirul Jewel, Accountancy and Finance '22

Zahirul has recently been promoted to Senior Finance Assistant - Finance Advice and Support at the University of St Andrews. He oversees the financial and administrative responsibilities associated with the University's Doctoral Training Grant. In addition, he has been appointed as a Marker of Exams for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.
Last year, he successfully completed his accountancy examinations and was admitted as a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Zahirul said, “I wish to dedicate this achievement to Professor William Nixon, Senior Fellow in Accounting and Finance at the School of Business, whom I regard as one of my esteemed mentors. His guidance has been instrumental in shaping my professional development.”
Shailesh Kamble, Human Anatomy '24

"The first day of university is still fresh in my mind, seeing the cadavers, prosections, and bones. I utilised my time and resources and did full-body dissections.
"I am grateful to my professors, Dr Clare Lamb, Dr Katherine Carr, Dr Manah Changmai, and Dr Luke Reid for all the knowledge they provided me which helped me to get a merit.
"Although wishing to stay in the department in my role as an anatomy tutor, destiny had different plans. I was offered the role of anatomy tutor at UCL, where I pursued my passion for teaching, and now I am working as a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buckingham.
"Now, writing this article, I am grateful to the University of Dundee, which helped me to carry on with such a beautiful journey."
Beatrice Preti, Medical Education '23

"I recently started a PhD in Health Professions Education through Maastricht University, where I am building on my master's work on moral distress to study impression management and moral distress in medical education."
Nicole Montgomery, English and German '20, International Marketing and Finance '24
"Earlier this year, I published my debut novel under the pen name Nicole Czarnojan. The book, titled Gen Z Girl is set in Dundee and was heavily inspired by my time at the University as an English with German undergraduate.
"While I've only published the eBook, I'm awaiting the hardcover/paperback cover for the paper versions being completed by the book cover designer."
Do you have an update you'd like to share with our alumni community? A new job, a life update, or something else? It could be the chance to reconnect with long-lost friends - or find others on a similar path since leaving Dundee.