/filters:quality(70)/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/alumni-/page-header-banners/Community-Banner.png)
Class Notes
We continue to be inspired by our alumni. Each month, we highlight a selection of your achievements to share with our community.
Explore 2026 by month:
June 2026
Sophia Smith-Galer (Modern Languages, St Mary’s College, 2016) has published a new book, How to Kill a Language, named a Sunday Times Book of the Week, and recently appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme.
At the recent Chancellor’s Circle dinner, Sophia reflected on her Durham experience, highlighting how writing for Palatinate and performing in operas helped launch her career as a multi-award-winning reporter, author and content creator.
How To Kill A Language | A book on linguicide — Sophia Smith Galer.png)
Andrew Graystone (Theology and Education, St John’s College, 1981-1985) has received a BAFTA for his work on the documentary See No Evil (Passion Pictures for Channel 4).
Liz Laidler (Zoology, St Mary’s College, 1970-1978) has published a new book, Darwin’s Invisible Friend from Barbados: Benjamin Bynoe, Surgeon-Naturalist, HMS Beagle, to mark the 200th anniversary of the Beagle’s maiden voyage. The book explores Liz’s ancestor Benjamin Bynoe, the Barbados born surgeon to the Beagle for its entire 18 years at sea. The book is available to preview and purchase here: Darwin's Invisible Friend From Barbados : Liz Laidler - Book2look
Alan Limb (Economics, Hatfield College, 1986-1989) has been awarded Volunteer of the Year by the King's Trust in recognition of his 25 years' service as a Business Mentor. You can read more here: Alan | Volunteer of the Year | Success stories
David McErlain (Management Studies, Graduate Society, 1969-1970) has released his memoir Street Fighter, charting his career from coal mining to global oil and gas production, UK retail motor sales businesses, F1 motor racing and even rally driving himself internationally. The book is available here: Street Fighter | Troubador Publishing
John Miller (Arts Combined, Grey College, 1976-1979) has released his memoir After Our Parents Won the War: Boarding School, Betrayal, and What Became of 1960s Britain. The memoir, written with Andrew Powell, revisits key figures from their childhood through a series of tales, ranging from comic to tragic - capturing a time when baby boomers and the fading Empire collided. The book is available here: After Our Parents Won the War: Boarding School, Betrayal, and What Became of 1960s Britain: Amazon.co.uk: Powell, Andrew, Miller, John: 9798995605812: Books
Anna Rita Maciel Simiao (Psychology, Stephenson College, 2017) completed a Visiting PhD at Durham and is now based in Brazil, where she works in public service as a psychologist. Across small municipalities, she leads community-based projects supporting underserved groups within education and social assistance, focusing on helping children access high-quality learning and addressing vulnerabilities affecting older and disadvantaged women.
Robert Simpson (Anthropology, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1977-1985) based his doctoral research on fieldwork in Sri Lanka (1978–80), during which he collected around 80 children’s paintings depicting a village festival. In retirement, he revisited this material, producing a book exploring the paintings’ collection and their religious, historical, and aesthetic significance. In 2024, he returned to the school where the works were created and reunited with several of the original child artists. The Sinhala book is available here: Ape Perahara – අපේ පෙරහැර – Social Scientists' Association
Martin Taylor (Geology, University College, 2010-2013) will be competing in the World Finals of the Static Monsters Strongman competition later this year, having qualified 7th in the World and 1st in the UK in his category.
Anthony Wells (Modern European History, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1962-1965) has published Monuments Man & Woman in the 21st Century: A New Pursuit of Stolen Nazi Art, inspired by the late Benjamin Ferencz. The book features several references to Durham, including a central character who is a Durham graduate. Available here: Monuments Man & Woman in the 21st Century: A New Pursuit of Stolen Nazi Art: Wells, Anthony R: 9798369455524: Amazon.com: Books
Clare Willis (English Language & Linguistics, Collingwood College, 2000-2003) has recently published her debut novel, The Singapore Secret. An historical dual‑timeline story set between present-day Cornwall and wartime Singapore, the novel centres on a family mystery and has been well received. A second Cornwall‑set novel is currently in editing and due for release in the autumn. The book is available here: The Singapore Secret: An absolutely gripping and heart-breaking WWII historical novel of love in the face of war eBook : Willis, Clare: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
May 2026
Claudia Moloney-MacDonald (Economics, Josephine Butler College, 2015-2018) is representing England in the Women’s Six Nations in 2026. She discovered rugby while studying at Durham, having previously played netball competitively as a teenager. Claudia played both at a College level, representing Josephine Butler College and at a University level, balancing her academic studies with a growing commitment to the sport.
Following her graduation in 2018, her rugby career progressed rapidly. She made her England debut the same year and has since become a regular member of the Red Roses squad, playing at both scrum‑half and wing. She was also part of the England squad that secured victory in the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2025. Viewers in the UK can watch the Women’s Six Nations on BBC television and iPlayer.
Women’s Six Nations 2026 - How to watch and follow all the action across the BBC
Chris Atkin (Combined Social Sciences, College of St Hild & St Bede, 2008–2011) has written a historical fiction novel titled The Cardboard King. The book is set in Spain during the 1970s and 1980s, a period of major social and political change.
Dr Yachi Chiang (Sociology and Social Policy, Ustinov College, 2010–2012) has been appointed by the Taiwan Presidential Office as Deputy Head of the Taipei Representative Office in the United Kingdom. She holds a PhD from Durham University and is currently a professor at National Taiwan Ocean University.
Jack Edwards (English Literature, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2017–2020) was recently named in The Times Young Power List for his influence on literary culture online. His career began at Durham, where he created videos about student life, before expanding into books, publishing, and media. He now reaches an international audience across YouTube and TikTok and runs a podcast, an online book club, and a newsletter.
Helen Gibson MBE (Sociology, St Aidan’s College, 1997–2000) has recently launched her debut book, Go for Goosebumps. The book explores leadership and resilience in a changing geopolitical environment and is supported by an active book tour. Helen has spoken at events with corporates, professional bodies, and international organisations. The book is available here: Go for Goosebumps by Helen Gibson | Waterstones
John Jeffreys (Geography, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1999 - 2002) is a Durham alumnus based in Totnes, Devon. Since graduating, he has pursued a varied career and now maintains a strong interest in writing and personal reflection. John has recently reconnected with Durham and is keen to stay in touch with the alumni community as he explores future opportunities linked to his time at the University.
Dr Yang Li (Geological Sciences, University College, 2013-2016) has had his research into the far side of the Moon was featured in a special episode of The Sky at Night titled Destination: Moon. The programme aired following the Artemis II mission and highlighted renewed scientific interest in lunar exploration. It is available to watch on BBC television and iPlayer.
Ambika Mod (English Literature, St Mary’s College, 2014–2017) appeared on The Great Celebrity Bake Off in support of Stand Up To Cancer. An actor, comedian, and writer, she performed with the Durham Revue while at university. She is best known for her role as Emma Morley in Netflix’s 2024 adaptation of One Day.
Michael Pearson (Business Administration, University College, 1998–1999) will take part in the World’s Toughest Row – Atlantic in December 2026 with rowing partner Chris Ogden. The pair will row 3,000 nautical miles from La Gomera, Spain, to Antigua, as part of a fundraising campaign supporting marine conservation.
Charlotte Riley (English Language and Linguistics, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2000–2003) recently appeared in the BBC drama Babies. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters in 2022. While at Durham, she developed her interests through playwriting and acting with the Durham Revue.
Rosie Schellenberg (Geography, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1992–1995) recently directed the BBC documentary Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century. The programme reflects on the Queen’s life alongside a century of change in Britain and features contributions from figures across public life.
Edward Stringer (Geography, Hatfield College, 1957–1960) remains actively involved in Durham‑linked Christian networks. He recently established a Postgraduate Christian Fellowship inspired by the Durham Inter‑Collegiate Christian Union, with international connections and involvement from a current Durham PhD student.
April 2026
Professor Derek Ward-Thompson (Astronomy PhD, Collingwood, 1984-1987) has co‑authored Islands in Infinity: Galaxies 3‑D with Sir Brian May. A leading astrophysicist involved in producing the first image of a black hole, Derek has directed the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute at the University of Central Lancashire since 2012. He also featured as the reserve for the University Challenge alumni superteam that triumphed in 2025.
David Brayshaw (Theoretical Physics, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1997-2001) will take on a major charity challenge this summer, cycling the entire Tour de France route, around 3,500km over three weeks. In support of Cure Leukaemia, the charity whose work helped him during his own treatment in 2016/17.
Andrew Fattorini (Natural Sciences, Van Mildert College, 1986-1989) has won second prize in the Italian National Final 2025 for the FISAR best Sommelier wine-tasting team competition. His interest in wine-tasting started at the Van Mildert College wine cellar and has since flourished.
Nicole Ireland (English Literature, Van Mildert College, 2021-2024) has undertaken a marketing apprenticeship within the charity sector at The Key, a charity that supports young people across the North East to build confidence, develop skills and discover their potential through youth-led programmes.
Dr. James F. McGrath (Theology, Ustinov College, 1995-1998) has published Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith. Available here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467468817/beyond-deconstruction/
Anthony R Wells (Modern European History, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1962-1965) has published Monuments Man & Woman in the 21st Century: A New Pursuit of Stolen Nazi Art, inspired by the late Benjamin Ferencz. The book features several references to Durham, including a central character who is a Durham graduate. Available here: Monuments Man & Woman in the 21st Century: A New Pursuit of Stolen Nazi Art: Wells, Anthony R: 9798369455524: Amazon.com: Books
Dr Richard Warren (Classics, St Chad’s College, 2010-2014) has published Heresy Alpha, a novel set in Rome and is inspired by his PhD studies in Classics at Durham University. Durham Alumni can access a free advance copy: Heresy Alpha (An Alternative History of Empire and Belief) by Richard Warren - Review Copy | BookSirens
March 2026
Professor Peter Cook (Geology, University College, 1958-1961) has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, recognising his eminent service as an innovator, pioneer and international expert in the development of carbon capture and storage, in policy development, and in climate‑change mitigation.
Jacquetta Gomes (Economic History & Sociology, St Aidan’s College, 1972-1975) has recently contributed a chapter to a book published by the Women’s Interfaith Network. Keeping Faith: 20 years of women's interfaith network was launched at the Speaker’s House in Parliament in October 2025. Her chapter highlights her time at Durham through the Buddhist Society and her studies in Mahayana Buddhism.
Sophia Russell (Law, South College, 2021-2024) has just completed her training with Vocalise, teaching debate skills in prisons, and is now undertaking vocational training at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy. She will begin pupillage at Queen Elizabeth Building Chambers in September 2026, specialising in matrimonial finance law.
February 2026
Sue Flood (Zoology, St Mary’s College, 1983-1986) 
has been recognised with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours list? After studying at Durham, Sue went on to work with her childhood hero Sir David Attenborough in the BBC’s Natural History Unit before becoming a full-time photographer, adventure travel tour leader, motivational speaker and author.
Jonah Agus (Human Geography, Grey College, 2015-2022) has had his novel Danger in Jerusalem published. The novel is a thriller and is based on his own research.
Ron Barnett (Combined Arts, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1967-1970) has just been elected as this year's (annual) Fellow of the Society for Educational Studies.
Dr Kris Lockyear (Archaeology, St Aidan’s College, 1984-1987) has been shortlisted for the award of "Archaeologist of the Year" by Current Archaeology magazine. He has just celebrated 50 years in archaeology having joined the Welwyn Archaeological Society in December 1975 at the age of 11.
Stewart (Mac) Maclaren (Computer Science, Van Mildert College, 1978-1981) has built a career by creating the Lemonrock web and mobile app subscription platform. Lemonrock is a guide to music gigs and venues, and has grown over 20 years from a guide to music in Mac’s local area to listing over 34,000 gigs a year in over 50 counties, with an audience of over 2 million people.
Paul Morgan (Geology and Geophysics, Van Mildert College, 1966-1969) has recently retired after a long and successful career. His research projects in geophysics, tectonics and geothermal energy included two missions to the surface of Mars, Deep Space II in 1999, and InSight (2018-2022), a geophysical lander, and the first mission dedicated to study the internal structure of Mars.
Rachel Rivers Porter (Education, The Graduate Society, 1981-1982) has had two children’s novels published: Bandit’s Great Escape and Kiss of the Tsunami. Rachel retired from teaching to follow her dream of becoming an author. She led a children’s writing group whilst she was writer-in-residence at Belmont Library.
Georgie Rudd (Grey College, English Literature, 1997-2001) is due to have her first business book first business book published by Practical Inspiration Publishing in April 2026. Georgie, an accredited executive coach, has coached hundreds of brilliant leaders who have the equally demanding job of parenting. In The Working Parent Equation: Balancing small humans and big careers, she brings the power of executive coaching to print.