1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd
Aston University Alumni Magazine
Issue 13
Spring 2004
Learning
new
moves
Juicy developments p6
Branching out p10
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2
Regular
You must
remember this...
This picture was taken as the Biological Sciences team were
about to set off on an expedition.
Is this you? Did you drive the jeep? We want to hear from
anyone who went on the expedition and from anyone who
remembers the transport! Note the former name of the
University before it was changed to Aston University.
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Contents
3
You must
4
16
23
remember this... 14
10
Contents
Special thanks go to everyone who contributed to this
issue of Apex. Apex is published twice a year for alumni
Features
of Aston University. Letters, photographs and news
Juicy developments
6
are very welcome but we reserve the right to edit any
Welcome to my city
8
contributions. Please address all correspondence to
Branching out
10
the Alumni Relations Officer. The opinions expressed
in Apex are those of the contributors and do not
Learning new moves
14
necessarily reflect those of the Alumni Relations Office
or Aston University.
Regulars
You must remember this
2
Apex is also available via our website in html or pdf
Profile on…
13
formats, but please contact us if you experience any
difficulties accessing our publication.
Where are they now?
24
Reunions
29
How to contact the Alumni
AGA
30
Relations Office:
In-Touch
31
Gifts
32
www.aston.ac.uk/alumni
alumniinfo@aston.ac.uk
News
Engineering & Applied Science
16
T +44 (0)121 359 3611
Painting cars green
F +44 (0)121 359 4664
Aston University and MoD partnership
Alumni Relations Office
Aston Business School
17
Aston University, Aston Triangle
Tailored programmes prove a perfect fit
Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK
Life & Health Sciences
18
Designed by Linney Design
New TB vaccine to be developed
Printed by Linney Print
Lone dieters have slim chance of success
Languages & European Studies
19
Photo credits: Ed Moss portraits of people
Meet the new Head of School
on pages 7, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 21, Simon Derry
Language Studies Unit
20
pages 7 and 29
A quality review
Summer party
News and plea from Jane Willis
Combined Honours
21
Marketing a combination
Development of the Aston e-PDP
Plus
All the latest news from the Alumni Relations Office, the Students’
Guild and the Societies and Sports clubs.
Sarah Pymm
Caroline Hidson
Alumni Relations Officer
Alumni Relations Assistant
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4
News
For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to come back to Aston University for some time,
we hope this taster of the exciting new developments will give you some idea of how your University
is moving forward. Regular Apex readers will already know about the new Academy of Life Sciences.
In addition to this, building works on campus include an extension to the Nelson Building and new
accommodation for Matthew Boulton College.
Al change on campus
extended and completely refurbished and
The cost of the new College is being
will include up-to-date kitchen and dining
funded by the multi-million pound sale
facilities as well as flexible meeting rooms
of Matthew Boulton’s present site to
and syndicate spaces.
Advantage West Midlands, plus a grant
from the Learning and Skills Council.
The new West Block provides teaching,
Birmingham City Council has also
meeting and syndicate areas for the
been instrumental in facilitating and
University’s MBA programme as well as
significantly contributing to the move.
office space. The design for this block also
features separate 150 and 120-seat
Alongside Millennium Point and the
state-of-the-art lecture theatres. The
proposed Central Library, the new College
building is scheduled to open in 2005.
will form a key component of the planned
Learning Quarter in Eastside which, with
the Bullring development, will completely
Extension to the Nelson Building
transform the city centre into a place in
In 2003 Aston University commissioned
which to live and learn.
Architects Design Partnership to develop
The relocation of Matthew Boulton College
a scheme for the refurbishment and
to the Aston campus recreates a link
extension of the existing Aston Business
that extends back to the two institutions’
School. The project forms an integral
common origin in the Birmingham
component of the master plan for
Technical Institute founded in 1895.
the revitalisation of the Aston
Triangle Precinct.
Aston University is already working closely
with Matthew Boulton College through
The scheme is designed over five storeys
Matthew Boulton College
the institutions’ strategic partnership which
and is divided into two interconnected
is providing opportunities for learners to
blocks. The new South elevation expands
Construction of Matthew Boulton College’s
progress into higher education programmes
the services currently provided by the
state-of-the-art £37.9 million premises just
and courses. The strategic partnership
Management Development Centre.
off Jennens Road has now started and is due
will also have a huge impact in terms of
Facilities provided will include a large
for completion in September 2005.
significantly increasing student numbers
welcoming reception area, a new lounge-
The new College, which will have shared
into the University’s foundation degrees
bar, administrative offices and 80 stylish
facilities with the University, represents a
and providing a seamless progression into
new hotel-style bedrooms, adding to the
UK first. It will also provide a gateway to all
higher education.
83 bedrooms already available. The ground
the other institutions and facilities available
floor of the existing building is to be
in the Eastside Learning Quarter.
Other changes on campus include the
demolition of the Sumpner Building, the
withdrawal of buses from Aston Street to
the perimeter of the campus, the medical
centre has moved to the Main Building with
Student Services, refurbishment of lecture
theatres and laboratory facilities and an
above-ground crossing to link the campus
with Corporation Street following the filling
in of the Ryder Street subway.
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News
5
Birmingham is the UK’s second most popular destination for overseas visitors who enjoy rich heritage, world class venues,
modern shopping and facilities and a fusion of cultures. Undoubtedly Birmingham has a past to be proud of but massive
investment has transformed it into one of Europe’s most exciting and energetic cities. We’ve had several requests from
alumni to feature developments in the city. So, if you’re an armchair traveller, or simply interested in the renaissance
of the city in which you lived and studied, relax and let Apex take you on a guided tour of some of the most prestigious
developments in Birmingham. It might even whet your appetite to revisit and experience more of what Britain’s second city
has to offer!
City life
Eastside
From Waterside to Brindleyplace
Currently under construction, the Eastside
The regeneration of Birmingham’s western
master plan extends the city eastwards. At over
canal quarter began back in the late 1980s and
seven mil ion square feet, this development
has gone from strength to strength winning
is estimated to be five times bigger than the
the first UK International Excel ence on the
The Bullring
Brindleyplace and Gas Street sites. The city’s
Waterfront Award in 1995 and the B.A. Tourism
From its early beginnings as a market place
industrial past wil meet the future with the
for Tomorrow Award for sustainable visitor
in the 1800s, the Bul ring developed into an
creation of a new ‘media vil age’ centred on
attractions in 1997. Ranked alongside the
innovative shopping attraction in the 1960s
the point where the Grand Union Canal meets
waterfronts of New York, Sydney, Amsterdam
and in 2003 underwent a transformation which
the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal’s Digbeth
and Boston, Birmingham’s waterside backs
has turned it into the largest city centre retail
Branch. Aston’s campus backs to the Eastside
up to Brindleyplace’s 17 acres of stylish bars
regeneration scheme in Europe. The entrance
development area where the Central Library
and restaurants surrounded by spacious and
to the complex is guarded by a 4.5m long
is planning to relocate and where Matthew
modern architecture.
bronze animal sculpture which at twice life-size
Boulton Col ege wil build its new home.
weighs in at 6.5 tonnes. “The Bul ” was created
by sculptor Laurence Broderick and is sited at
the junction of New Street and High Street. One
of the largest animal sculptures in the country,
The Bul is a focal point and symbol of the
area representing courage, strength, potency,
dynamism, movement, determination, nobility,
pride and the market place.
Selfridges
The original vision of ‘creating excitement in
customers, delighting them with an unrival ed
The Mailbox
shopping experience’ holds true in Selfridges’
latest addition to its portfolio of stores. In an
A few minutes’ walk from New Street Station or
attempt to encapsulate the spirit of modern
a short trip on a waterbus from Brindleyplace
society, architects Future Systems have
and the avid shopper wil arrive at The Mailbox
created a store at the forefront of shopping
Experience al this and more in Birmingham.
– a landmark development of lifestyle and
entertainment completely covered in a ‘skin’ of
If you plan to visit, don’t forget to pop into the
fashion shops, luxury apartments, two hotels,
15,000 spun aluminium discs.
Alumni Relations Office and say hi!
cafés and restaurants.
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6
Juicy developments
If asked to describe fast food, the word ‘healthy’ probably wouldn’t be at the top of your list in terms
of suitable adjectives. Fast food outlets have served their purpose thousands of times over for many
of us looking for a quick snack. But where can you go if you want something slightly healthier than a
cheeseburger and large fries? Bhupendra Bagla (2002 MSc International Business) thinks he may have
found the answer – in the juice and smoothie industry. His company, Cogent Group, was recently appointed
master franchisee in India and the Middle East for Juice Zone Inc., a healthy fast food chain popular in
Canada. Having just opened his first outlet in New Delhi, India, we asked Bhupendra to tell us more about
the brand and his plans to develop it in the future.
Juicy
developments
Firstly, how did Bhupendra come across
we have such things as baked samosas,
Juice Zone? “I discovered Juice Zone
potato masala pitta and chicken falafel
during my travels to Canada, just one
pitta. With regards to the smoothies and
of the countries I travelled to soon after
juices, the processes and standards of the
my graduation in search of new business
ingredients are the same as in Canada, but
ideas. My father’s company, Cogent Group,
sugarcane, watermelon and pineapple lassis
was very much focused on structural and
are some of our most popular items and are
commercial developments and whilst the
products that we have developed just for the
businesses of the Group were all being
Indian market. As in Canada, all our drinks
managed well by experts in their respective
can be mixed with fortifier blends, such as
fields, I felt that it would be an idea to
‘energy blend’ or ‘protein blend’ and wheat
expand into more retail-based businesses.
grass is a very popular drink amongst our
The fast food industry is a growth market
customers, world renowned for its amazing
in India and I wanted a slice of the action.
healing properties!”
Noticing that there was a gap in the market
Initial press reports about Bhupendra’s first
for an outlet offering quick, healthy
Juice Zone Bar indicate that the idea of
and tasty snacks, I decided to search for a
offering ‘healthy, tastier and faster foods’
company that I could bring back to India
has well and truly been adopted by Indians
that would offer a fast food alternative to
New Delhi Juice Zone
of all ages and income levels. Juice Zone
the rising upper-middle classes of India
India is enjoying tremendous success. So
– something innovative and fun.”
the world in terms of fruit production with
what does the future hold for the brand?
Bhupendra quickly identified Juice Zone
an annual output of 32 million MT, major
“Juice Zone’s mission internationally is to
as a brand encapsulating all of his ideals:
Indian fruits consisting of mango, banana,
be the largest and most recognised juice
it was young, bold and exciting and the
citrus fruits, apple, guava, papaya, pineapple
and smoothie bar brand. Our aim in India
founders of the brand were equally as
and grapes.
is to have a further 24 Juice Zones open by
ambitious and keen to develop it. He
the end of 2004 – we call it ‘Mission 24’
also knew that Juice Zone’s offerings of
So how did Bhupendra adapt the brand
– and I am currently looking to appoint
a juice or a smoothie (a mixture of fruit,
to suit the Indian market – surely the
sub-franchisees across India to achieve
juice, ice and a thickener such as yoghurt)
product range differs from its Canadian
this goal.” And does Bhupendra enjoy
accompanied by a light low-fat snack would
counterpart? “It took me a year’s hard work
Juice Zone’s products? “Of course! I like
be a safe and successful business option for
to give the brand’s components an Indian
wheat grass and fresh orange juice, and my
the Indian market. “There was definitely
flavour and one of my tasks was to adapt
preferred smoothies include ‘Body Builder’
a demand in India for somebody to offer
the entire menu to suit the Indian palate.
and ‘Smoothie Supreme’ with a scoop of
hygienic and fresh juices,” says Bhupendra,
In Canada you would be offered a range
energy blend.”
“but nobody had appeared to want to take
of snacks with your choice of juice or
If you would like further information about
on such a venture before.” Quite ironic
smoothie including paninis, wraps, soups,
Juice Zone, visit www.juicezone.com
when you consider that India ranks first in
and freshly baked goods, whereas in India
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News from Alumni Relations Office
7
Welcome to the class of 2004
Welcome to all our new alumni! That’s
a welcome to all of you who graduated
this year either in March or July and now
belong to the Class of 2004 and also to
those of you who we’ve recently caught
up with and are reading Apex for the
first time.
If you’re new to Apex, you might not
yet know the extent of the work of the
Alumni Relations Office. You will have
seen us around campus and you might
have been to one of the Network Lectures
which we organise. You might even have
come to us to be put in touch with a
graduate for an insight into a particular
profession. Now you have graduated,
there’s so much more open to you.
As an Aston graduate you are
automatically a member of a global
network of Aston alumni which is
becoming increasingly more active.
Membership of this network is free and
Capture Aston – the great digital picture campaign
new members are joining at a remarkable
rate – we’re always finding ‘lost’ alumni
In the last edition of Apex we ran a campaign inviting you to send in your photographic
with whom we’ve lost touch, maybe you
memories of your time at Aston.
know someone who also graduated from
“Capture Aston: the great digital picture campaign” aimed to get you all rummaging
Aston. Please ask them to get in touch
around in the loft and leafing through your albums to find pictures that captured your
with us.
best moments and treasured memories of life at University. Pictures which summed up an
Now you’re part of an ever-growing
event, the campus, a special occasion, a landmark in history, or simply your student life at
alumni network, what else is in it
Aston with all its fun and frolics, tears and dreams.
for you?
We had a good response – thank you to everyone who took part. We had photos from all
• social networking events for like-
decades which captured a range of events on campus. Jessop’s, Europe’s leading specialist
minded alumni – get your year
photographic retailer, gave £50 in gift vouchers which the lucky winner put towards a
group back together again
new digital camera.
• reunions back on campus (or
Here we’ve printed just a taster of the photos you sent in.
nearer home) to celebrate landmark
anniversaries of your graduation
from Aston
• an In-Touch Service and on-line
directory to help you find faces from
the past – whatever happened to
what’s-his-name?
• membership of international alumni
groups – wherever in the world you
find yourself, there’s bound to be
more like you nearby
• opportunities to put something
back into the life of Aston today by
supporting your former School, the
Careers Service or current students
• a range of discounts and promotions
for Aston graduates
For more information visit
www.aston.ac.uk/alumni
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8
Welcome to my city
Very few of us have the privilege of welcoming visitors to our city, showing them the sights and explaining
how we were personally involved in the realisation of the buildings before their eyes. Meet Goh Chong Chia
(1972 BSc Architecture), Partner with TSP, one of Singapore’s most prestigious architects and planners,
whose portfolio encompasses some of the city’s most internationally recognisable buildings which shape
the heart and character of Singapore.
Welcome
to my city
Architecture was in his blood from an early
At that time the country was still trying to
“We treat each project as a unique
age. As a student, Goh was interested in
find its footing as an independent nation
combination of opportunities,” explains
painting and sketching; shapes, volumes
although it was enjoying a period of
Goh when asked how TSP approaches a
and spaces fascinated him. The decision to
increasing affluence. This created demand
new build. Apparently it’s not all simply
study architecture should have come as no
for new types of ‘upmarket’ housing.
material construction. “A successful
surprise. So the search was on to find study
“Slums had to be cleared and housing
design must fulfil the social, historical
opportunities in a major English City. “I
had to be built,” explains Goh. “We were
and environmental context of the place
felt that it would be more contextually
looking for high density, high-rise solutions
it is to be located,” enthuses Goh. The
relevant to the urban situation of
to house an increasing population. We
client’s values, aspirations and policies are
Singapore,” explained Goh. “I thought that
had great difficulty trying to convince
springboards for architectural ideas.”
Birmingham, being the second city with
developers to move in that direction. They
Goh believes that Singapore’s architecture
the beautiful surrounding Midlands, would
were concerned that the lifts may break
has been influenced by the way architects
be an exciting place to be but also a place
down and the building would turn into
have been trained. The modern movement
which, with its social and environmental
slums like we saw happening overseas.”
has influenced the design language
problems of the era, would serve as an eye
TSP became one of the pioneers of
of architects. Smaller buildings tend
opener to me.”
high-rise residential condominiums –
to follow the vernacular style as these
Three successful years later, Goh returned
‘bungalows in the air’ with one
buildings are usually naturally ventilated.
to his native Singapore. Then in 1974 he
apartment on each floor and highly
Corporate buildings tend to take on the
joined TSP Architects and Planners, a
sculpted exteriors. Out of this successful
international design style as their function
long-established regional practice with
start sprang a variety of commercial work,
and requirements are universal. Singapore’s
successful building, urban design and
laying the foundations for a broad portfolio
architecture is slowly evolving from the
planning projects in Singapore, Malaysia,
to flourish: high-rise, medium and low
climate and social needs.
Indonesia, Brunei, Thailand and Hong
density housing, buildings accommodating
On such a limited land mass, Singapore has
Kong. In 1979 he was elevated to Partner
high technology and educational, consular
no choice but to build skywards.
and has been involved in the design and
and institutional buildings.
“We are already trying out housing of
supervision of a range of residential,
50 storeys,” points out Goh. “As these
commercial and recreational projects.
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Welcome to my city
9
buildings become larger and taller,
they will become communities instead of
single use structures. We will have
to test out whether we can achieve a
living environment that recognises our
social, cultural and historical needs
whilst offering privacy and security
within pleasant surroundings and lush
tropical landscaping.”
Designs and lifestyles change over time.
Goh and his colleagues keep abreast
of new ideas through their work in
architectural education. “We don’t work in
ideological straitjackets,” stresses Goh. One
of TSP’s priorities is to understand that
every problem is unique and every client
is different. Their values have a profound
effect on what is built.
With such a personal involvement from
both Goh and his clients, Singapore’s
skyline is more than a collection of
buildings. Rather it is a personal signature
to over forty years of professional,
industrial and economic development
– a strong base from which to launch the
future face of Singapore.
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10 Branching out
Branching out
“Tree houses have ”come a long
way since the supermarket
pallet in the cedar tree
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Branching out
11
We’ve got the water feature in the garden, converted the loft and reinvented the barn from outhouse to
cosy bolt hole. In the world of lifestyle makeovers, is the tree house the ‘must have’ accessory for today?
Jonathan Dolding (1997 BSc International Business and German) of BlueForest Ltd invites us into his
world of luxury tree houses.
Part of Jonathan’s work in BlueForest’s
sales and marketing team is to raise
people’s awareness of the traditional tree
house as an alternative to a conservatory
or orangerie. The sky really is the limit
with the company’s flexible approach
to tailor-made tree houses which turn
clients’ dreams into reality. BlueForest, a
small company with a core management
of three people, undertakes a complete
bespoke service from design and site
survey through planning, construction
and ongoing maintenance.
“The idea that tree houses are just play
dens for children or simply supermarket
pallets crudely nailed together is a myth,”
Jonathan claims. “They have a whole host
of uses: an outdoor area for the family to
share, a ‘commuter-free’ home office, a
sophisticated area to entertain guests, a
quiet relaxation space, an eco-lodge – we
encourage our clients to dream.” And with
a range of accessories from swings, slides
and commando nets to spiral staircases,
solar power and stove burners, those
dreams are easily made reality. But is the
tree house a viable option in the British
climate? “Wood is a fantastic insulator and
the house remains cosy and snug all year
round,” reassures Jonathan.
The company is devoted to ecologically
and ethically sound practices in the
construction of its tree houses. “It’s very
the tree is necessary. Larger tree houses
So is this type of construction taking off?
easy for any company to jump on the
are supported on stilts which take the
BlueForest have recently received a torrent
environmental bandwagon but we practise
majority of the weight so the tree is not
of quality enquiries from homeowners
what we preach and we’re keen to set up
under any unnecessary stress. Jonathan
looking to build an alternative space
fair-trade links with projects that operate
convinces his clients that the health of the
which will also add value to their homes
in Africa and South America.”
tree is also important. “Trees are extremely
and opportunity lies in the commercial
versatile and adapt to all types of weather
market with hotels and community
Fully opposed to the destruction of old-
conditions and changes such as pruning
education projects.
growth forests, the company aims to use
and trimming. With our construction
timber from sustainable sources only –
Tree houses have come a long way since
techniques, the effects of building a tree
properly managed forests where active
the supermarket pallet in the cedar tree.
house are negligible. When we build,
replanting takes place. Wherever possible
Friction burns from abseiling down a rope
sufficient room is always left for the tree
home-grown timber is used to support
to the ground below and thick jumpers
to grow and move naturally. We then
the local industry, otherwise wood is
to keep out the cold have given way to
run a maintenance programme whereby
imported under FSC (Forest Stewardship
under floor heating, electricity, plumbing
we visit our tree houses every 18 months
Council) regulations.
and all the mod cons we’d expect in our
to two years to ensure the tree still has
homes. An alternative to the conservatory,
Great care is also taken to protect the tree.
sufficient room and we make adjustments
a fun Swiss Family Robinson play area, a
Smaller tree houses are often supported
as necessary.”
sophisticated dining room, home office
on braces fixed around a collar near to
or even a honeymoon suite in the air. Tree
the base of the tree so that no fixing into
houses are in and branching out.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 11
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12 International news
If we were to list our FAQs, the highest one on the list would be,
“Where do Aston alumni live?” The answer is easy. “All over the
world!” We try to meet as many of you as we can over the year, and
here you are – a dedication to those alumni who were brave enough to
appear in print.
Our alumni in Taipei were delighted to be able
to meet up and welcome Sal y Mansel from
Aston staff often find themselves overseas
Aston’s International Office. It gave them the
on business and real y enjoy it when local
chance to hear about Aston which to them
alumni can meet them and make their trip more
13 November, Ankara Hilton and Meral of
now seemed like “a thousand miles away”.
enjoyable. Wendy Yip of the International Office
Sabanci University captures our alumni on film.
If you’re in Taiwan and want to meet up with
recently visited Chiang Mai where she met
other Aston-ites, get in touch with Kevin
staff from Chiang Mai University who were al
who gave us this website address: http://
at Aston some 20 or 30 years ago to complete
International networks
groups.msn.com/AstonTaiwaneseWebsite/
their PhDs. An alumni event is being planned in
astontaiwanesewebsite.msnw
If you are living or working abroad, it doesn’t
Chiang Mai at the request of the alumni there.
mean that you can’t keep in touch with Aston
Anyone interested should
and each other. Join an international e-group
contact the Alumni Relations
or network where you wil find a link to fel ow
Office. Adam Head (1993 BSc
alumni in your country.
French) dropped in at the
exhibition in Thailand. A great
way to help your University or
International e-groups
keep in touch.
We have fifteen international e-groups for
Aston alumni living abroad to join: Australia,
Canada, China, Cyprus, France, Germany,
Greece, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia,
Fourteen alumni and guests met in Delhi. This
New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Turkey and
group is official y number one for the widest
the USA. Once you are a member of one
spread of graduation years. Alumni spanned
of these groups you will receive an email
49 years of Aston with alumni from the Class
each month from the Alumni Relations
of 1954 and the Class of 2003! Alumni in the
Office. Most importantly, as a member, you
area are considering setting up a local chapter.
can post messages yourself to be read by
Anyone interested should contact the Alumni
everybody in the group. Go on, ask them
Relations Office.
what you’ve always wanted to know. For
more information and for instructions on
how to join, visit www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/
During the eve of Chinese Dumpling Festival
emailgroups.htm
2004, the Returnees Service Center in Shanghai
Pudong District held the annual party for
returnees who work in the area. Aston Shanghai
International networks
alumni Tony Jiang (Xiaodong) and Alex Wu
We currently have six thriving international
(Dongjiong) MBA 2001 attended the party. Tony
networks whose members meet up
The Hilton Hotel, Istanbul, saw one of the largest
(right) is the marketing manager of Executive
for events and dinners. The networks
gatherings of our alumni overseas. We were
MBA in China Europe International Business
established so far are: Hong Kong, Cyprus,
the guests of the British Council who welcomed
School, the leading business school in China.
Kuala Lumpur and Southern Peninsula,
Jo Hamilton-Jones, Assistant Director of
Alex is a Senior Consultant of Golden Brains
Penang and Northern Peninsula, Shanghai
Combined Honours, and Rosey Thomas of the
Consulting Co. Ltd.
and Beijing. If you would like to become
International Office. The story is reliably told
a member of one of these groups, please
that Jo took centre stage to announce that
contact the Alumni Relations Office for a
Aston was there and was greeted with an
members’ directory of names and addresses.
overwhelmingly loud response from the majority
of alumni present in the room who were Aston
graduates. Thank you Istanbul!
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 12
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News from the Alumni Relations Office
13
Profile on…
New
Dr Roy Smith
He began his
Pro-Chancellor life in academia
at Cambridge
University, where
The University is delighted to announce that Geoffrey John CBE
he read Zoology.
has been appointed as Aston’s next Pro-Chancellor, succeeding
After receiving
Sir Michael Bett who has served the University in this capacity
his undergraduate
for ten years and who became nationally known in the HE sector
degree, Roy moved to
Newcastle University
through his chairing of the Bett Committee.
to research for
Roy Smith
his PhD in cel ular
The role is a key senior appointment in the
experience of the public sector is the
signal ing systems. Roy later crossed the border
University. At a day-to-day level, a major
perfect preparation for his new role
to Edinburgh University where he worked as a
responsibility of the Pro-Chancel or involves
as Pro-Chancel or.
post-doc at the Wil iam Dick School of Veterinary
chairing Council meetings and strategy
Studies – affectionately known as the “Dick Vet”.
committees which wil steer the University
An engaging speaker and a good
(This work had to do with cockroaches, of al
through the chal enges and opportunities
listener, he is able to distil the key issues
things, not sheep or dogs!).
in the HE sector. In addition he fulfils an
from a discussion and focus on the
ambassadorial role, projecting the University
major considerations which impact on
Roy moved South and his academic focus onto
whenever and wherever possible.
the development of the University.
teaching in 1980 when he got his first permanent
Geoffrey John’s vision reflects Aston’s
job teaching Human Physiology to Health Care
His links with the region are strong. His
success in producing graduates of
students at Birmingham Polytechnic, now
early education was at Bromsgrove School
the highest quality. “Our market is our
the University of Central England. When UCE
before moving to Cardiff University, where
students,” he acknowledges. “Our success
modularised, Roy took on the role of Life and
he gained a first in economics,
is based on high quality. We must
Health Sciences Faculty Degrees Scheme Director,
later returning to the Midlands,
continue to be market driven,
where he ran a modular scheme for 5000 part-time
to Cadbury’s, to begin his
offering excel ence to al
and ful -time students. It was this experience that
professional career. A
our students.”
made him the obvious choice to take on the role
successful background
of Assistant Director with Combined Honours at
in sales and marketing,
The Alumni Relations Office
Aston University when they too became modular
general management
welcomes Geoffrey John
in 1999. Within two years Roy became Director of
with major companies
as Pro-Chancel or and looks
Combined Honours.
and additional
forward to working closely with
him in his new role.
In addition to his managerial role, Roy teaches in
the School of Life & Health Sciences, which he
says keeps him in touch with the reality of student
life, keeps his academic subject interest alive and
makes a welcome break from administration. He
also continues to carry out research into teaching
and learning, funded by Widening Participation.
Outside Aston University, Roy enjoys a
close-knit family life with his wife and two
children. He is a keen chess player, competing for
Lichfield with his son, Richard. For physical and
mental therapy Roy spends time on his al otment
and seeks solitude in bird watching. A long-term
interest in astronomy has been on hold for some
time, with a half-made telescope languishing in
the garage.
With continuing course developments, research
projects, and innovative marketing ideas, Roy’s
future with Combined Honours is set to be a busy
one! The telescope wil have to wait.
Profile on. . will be a regular column in Apex.
Let us know if you’d like to catch up with one of
your former lecturers.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 13
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14 Learning new moves
Learning
new moves
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 14
23/4/04 4:30:35 pm
Learning new moves
15
What happens to a dancer when it’s time to stop dancing? Life has to go on, bills still have to be paid,
the dancer has to retrain. But ending a dancing career can be devastating for the person involved. They’ve
been immersed in the world of dance from an early age. Working days have been long. The commitment
to succeed has been intense. Richard Whistler (2001 MSc Business Studies) knows only too well the
stresses involved in changing career, but reveals that there really isn’t anything too scary about learning
new moves.
Currently Marketing Officer at
factors that prompted my change of career.
good reputation surrounding its business
the prestigious Northern School of
I had been dancing professionally for
course and also because he wanted to take
Contemporary Dance in Leeds, Richard
nearly a decade; my thirtieth birthday
a straight business course rather than one
Whistler has been an active member of the
was rapidly approaching (everyone in
that had an arts dimension to it. “I had a
British dance scene all his life. Following
my changing room was looking younger
feeling marketing would appeal to me as
completion of full-time professional
than me); and I had become a little
I felt it had a more creative aspect to it,
dance training at the Royal Ballet Lower
disillusioned about the company I was
but I chose the MSc in Business Studies
and Upper Schools in London between
dancing for at the time. Feeling ready
simply to keep my options open. It quickly
the ages of 11-19, he then went on to dance
for a new challenge, I decided to quit
became apparent though that it was on
professionally with the Scottish Ballet
while I was ahead, though the outlook
the marketing modules that I was having
and the Birmingham Royal Ballet. A
did seem quite daunting. I realised that
greater success, generally because I found
decade of performing, touring, and
this was going to be a longer road for
it more interesting and it allowed me to
latterly choreographing, enabled
me to travel than simply switching
think creatively.”
him to see the world and work
Richard has now been at
closely with Jiri Kylian,
the Northern School of
Robert Cohan, Galina Samsova,
Contemporary Dance for
Sir Peter Wright and
three years. He is in charge
David Bintley, amongst others.
of the marketing and press
“I started dancing at the age of
responsibilities associated with
eight at a local dancing school
the college’s courses. He also
in Essex. I began with tap and
programmes and publicises
modern styles but was encouraged
the Riley Theatre, its
to try ballet by my teacher who
280-seater venue which has
felt that I had a natural physical
hosted performances from
aptitude for it. I had ‘good feet’
established contemporary dance
which could point hard and my
companies such as Random
natural hip rotation allowed
Dance Company, Jasmin
me to achieve the turned-out
Vardimon and Henri Oguike
positions required in ballet. So,
Dance Company and has
I concentrated on gaining my
welcomed new talent such as
classical ballet grades under the
Protein Dance and Maresa von
tutelage of Pat Prime who further
Stockert. “It is very satisfying
encouraged me to audition for
to work on the various aspects
The Royal Ballet School when I
of the business that make
was ten years old.
courses and programmes of
Hanson
performances run successfully –
“From memory, I didn’t have any
I do not think I was fully aware
great ambitions to become a ballet
of the amount of effort that
dancer, but I passed the audition
goes into these things when I was dancing!
and at age eleven went to board at White
companies or becoming a dance teacher.
I find it particularly rewarding to be in
Lodge at the Royal Ballet Lower School
Luckily a number of other dancers were
a position where I can watch individual
in Richmond Park, Surrey. I moved to the
also preparing to depart, so there was a
artists and dance companies develop and
Upper School at sixteen where it quickly
comforting sense of ‘safety in numbers’.”
it is fun being part of the vibrant dance
became apparent how serious the training
It was to the Dancers’ Career Development
culture in Leeds. I realise I am lucky to still
had become. That transition from Lower
that Richard turned for support. Most
work in a dance-orientated environment.”
to Upper School made me realise that I
professional dance companies subscribe
could really make a career out of this.
So, are there any regrets? Does Richard
to them and they assist by offering career
Dancing rapidly became my way of life
ever miss his dancing career? “I have no
guidance, financial assistance and support
and as long as I could perform, tour, and
regrets. I moved on at the right time when
services to dancers looking to retrain. With
be part of a big company, I was content.”
I was young and capable. As for dancing, I
their encouragement, Richard re-entered
only tend to dance at wedding receptions
So, at what point did Richard realise his
the education market and within a year
or parties, so I guess you could say I’ve well
career was drawing to a close, and what
he had applied to Aston to study a one-
and truly moved on.”
support was out there to help him make
year intensive Master’s course in Business
that change? “There were a number of
Studies. He chose Aston because of the
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 15
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16 School of Engineering & Applied Science
In the last edition of Apex, the Polymer Processing Performance Unit
was featured. Here we report how an award of €300,000 will further
research into a water-based paint that aims to replace the
solvent-based paints currently used in cars.
Painting cars green
Tailored programmes prove
a perfect fit
Dr Sahar Al-Malaika has
“Its uses wil be universal,” said Aston’s polymer
are being run in tandem to gain a ful er
teamed up with luxury
expert, Dr Al-Malaika. “Once developed and
understanding of how materials react in different
car makers Daimler-Benz and
mass-produced it wil surely see the end of
weather conditions. “Whilst the weatherometer
environmental y-unfriendly paints, not just for
produces simulated data we can work with
Volvo in a bid to evaluate an
cars but for everything for which we’re now
today, it’s crucial to study the effects of real
environmentally-friendly paint
using solvents.”
weather on material performance over 20 or 25
that could eventually be used
years,” explains Dr Al-Malaika.
by all car makers.
To help with her research, a weatherometer
has been instal ed in Dr Al-Malaika’s lab.
With concern growing general y over the
One of the ‘unfriendly’ aspects currently
The weatherometer simulates real weather
potential y detrimental impact our cars and
dogging the green drive is the level of harmful
conditions in a control ed environment and
car-related issues may have on the environment,
gases which can be emitted in manufacturing
monitors the performance of paint in a fraction
the future is beginning to look green.
processes, and it is here where the current
of the time it takes under normal, real-time
research is focused. The advantage of the new
conditions. This complements rather than
paint over those currently used is that it wil not
replaces real weather testing but the two
produce any of these harmful gases.
approaches (simulated and actual)
Aston University and MoD partnership
Aston University has been chosen as one of only five UK universities to enter into a partnership with the
Ministry of Defence as part of the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme.
Through bursaries, the scheme aims to attract potential engineers
into the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and Ministry of Defence
Civil Service. Having chosen their preferred service, students wil
become members of a mentoring and pastoral support unit and, under
the supervision of ful -time military personnel, gain an understanding
of their chosen service whilst benefiting from a number of
opportunities for personal development.
The support unit wil be commanded by a serving senior officer from
the Army who wil be a Visiting Lecturer in the School of Engineering
& Applied Science. This unique interface between the University and
the support unit wil enable the two organisations to work together
to actively monitor student performance and achievement. The
hands-on practical training, together with the academic learning
and teaching excel ence that Aston provides, wil enable students to
develop and use their skil s whilst encouraging a commitment to a
long term career in the services.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 16
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Aston Business School
17
Focusing on people and developing training needs in line with career
aspirations is an important factor for success in today’s business
climate. Marketing Manager, Christine Chateur, updates alumni on
the ABS Management Development Programme.
Tailored programmes prove
a perfect fit
In the ever-changing world of business it has
we have a highly skil ed team of staff, who
step higher with the added opportunity of going
become increasingly important for companies
can advise on the best way forward for an
on to complete the ful MBA. The Aston MBA
to focus on their most valuable asset – people.
organisation to achieve both its long and short
is available ful -time, part-time and distance
One way of doing this is to look at the training
term objectives.
learning (by video or DVD). The Economist’s
provided for key staff in middle and senior
influential Which MBA? ranking puts
management positions. After al , these are
Research indicates that employers and
the Aston MBA among the Top 10 in Europe and
the people to which an organisation looks to
employees alike are keen to have an award for
identifies it as the No. 1 MBA offered by a ful -
lead their workforce and take them forward
training carried out within their organisation
range business school in England and Wales.
as a team.
and to this end we have developed the
customised Certificate in Management and the
Retention is high on the agenda for the majority
Training can take on various guises. For
Accredited Diploma in Management.
of employers, and the Certificate and Diploma
example, open courses, available on an
in Management are an excel ent method of
individual basis, al ow key people to brush
The customised Certificate in Management
developing key personnel and at the same time
up on their finance, people and marketing
comprises 15 days’ contact teaching time with
retaining their skil s within the organisation.
skil s etc.
a work-based project of 5,000-8,000 words and
as the name suggests is tailor-made to your
In addition to this we are able to offer a wide
The most effective training for an organisation
organisation’s requirements. The Certificate
range of customised training from individual
is that which is customised to their specific
in Management develops key management
modules through to leadership programmes, al
needs and to which they have an input. In
disciplines including finance, marketing,
delivered by a team of experienced lecturers
order to retain key staff, they must be given
people and strategy. The work-based project
and consultants. We would welcome the
the opportunity to develop their training
has proven to be invaluable to existing
opportunity to discuss your organisation’s
needs in line with their career aspirations.
clients in terms of identifying areas within the
development needs and at the same time show
Tailor-made training is also an invaluable
organisation where improvements can be made
you our excel ent conference facilities on the
networking opportunity for managers within
i.e. cost savings, enhanced profits, etc.
Aston campus in the centre of Birmingham.
an organisation to meet and exchange ideas
and working practices.
The Accredited Diploma in Management
To discuss any of the aforementioned in more
consists of four MBA modules studied over a
detail, contact Christine Chateur, Marketing
Aston Business School has taken a flexible
sixteen-day period with assessments for each
Manager on T: 0121 359 3011
approach to providing training for large
module. This gives an employer the opportunity
M: 07867907527 or E: C.E.Chateur@aston.ac.uk
organisations to satisfy these needs. Within
to select employees with, for instance,
our Management Development Programme
leadership potential, to take their training a
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 17
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18 School of Life & Health Sciences
A research team at Aston University has been awarded EU
funding of almost half a million euros to investigate one of the
most pressing problems in medicine today – the need to develop
new vaccinations against Tuberculosis (TB). The funding will
allow Aston researchers to identify, design and test possible
new vaccines for the illness working alongside teams from
throughout Europe.
New TB vaccine
Meet the new
to be developed
Head of School
TB is one of the biggest kil ers in the world,
For these countries, vaccination remains the
The funding has been received under the
particularly in developing countries or
most cost-effective intervention.
EU Sixth Framework Programme, which has
poor areas, and antibiotic resistance to the
as its priority, life sciences, genomics and
disease is increasing. With a global incidence
Dr Yvonne Perrie, who leads the Aston team,
biotechnology for health. The TB vaccination
increasing at 2% and two mil ion deaths each
explained: “My work is primarily about
consortium involves European and major
year, TB demands the highest priority among
discovering and developing new delivery
national or regional centres of research with
communicable diseases linked to poverty.
methods for drugs and adjuvants (a substance
expertise in immunology, molecular biology,
In developing countries, the vast majority of
added to a vaccine to improve the immune
genetics, biochemistry, vaccinology, and drug
TB cases affect the young adult population,
response in the body so less vaccine is needed).
delivery. Thirty institutions, including two
increasing its economic impact. Though the bulk
In this research the vaccine might stil be
vaccine producers, wil participate at the start of
of deaths occur in developing countries, TB is
delivered via an injection but we plan to develop
the project, which wil run for five years. Further
an increasing global public health menace. No
a synthetic carrier system for the vaccine to
institutions and companies wil join during the
country is free from the disease, with incidences
improve its efficiency. We wil work with our
clinical trials.
varying from 7 in 100,000 in Scandinavia to 300 in
project partners in Copenhagen to produce new
100,000 in parts of Africa. In Eastern Europe the
and improved vaccines active against TB, by
Aston University’s main partner is the Statens
incidence has risen above 100 in 100,000 with a
combining the best delivery system/adjuvant
Serum Institut, Copenhagen. Other teams
high incidence of multi-drug resistant strains.
available with the best antigen or antigens
involved in the project include Oxford University,
While chemotherapy has dramatical y lowered
known. The best new vaccines wil enter
University of Birmingham, Manchester University
the incidence of TB in countries with robust
Phase I trials, a stage we hope to reach
Medical School and The London School of
public health systems, other countries have
within 18 months. We can then produce
Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
witnessed no decrease in incidence, but instead,
optimised vaccine candidates for Phase I
an increase of antibiotic resistance.
clinical trials amongst the public in European
and TB-endemic countries.”
Lone dieters have slim chance of success
Aston University psychology researchers Dr Mike Green and Nicola Elliman have discovered that the
most effective way to lose weight is in an organised weight loss group.
Their research measured stress levels and mental performance of control subjects, women dieting
in groups and those dieting alone. The results of the study revealed that subjects who were fol owing
unsupported diets had significantly increased stress levels linked strongly to severely impaired mental
function. The control participants and the women attending organised weight loss groups gave
identical results, displaying lowering stress levels, and better performance at the mental task.
“The kinds of deficits found in mental function from some diets are similar to clinical depression
and anxiety disorders. Therefore it is inevitable that these weight loss plans are more likely to fail.
Organised dieting groups are less stressful due to the group support, regulation and nutritional
information that they provide, and thus are more effective,” explains Dr Green.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 18
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School of Languages & European Studies
19
Having led the School of Languages &
European Studies with considerable energy and
commitment for the last five years, Professor
Anne Stevens is now moving on to concentrate
on teaching and research. Dr Pam Moores
became Head of School on 1 August 2003. Here
she explains how she will continue to lead the
School in its success.
Meet the new
Head of School
Pam took her undergraduate degree in French and German (Modern and
Mediaeval Languages) at Cambridge and then gained a PhD in French.
She began her teaching career at Coventry Col ege of Education as
a lecturer in French, fol owed by a stint at Warwick University when
the two institutions merged. She also worked over the same period for
the Open University. Pam moved from Warwick to Aston to take up an
appointment in what was then the Department of Modern Languages, led
by Professor Dennis Ager.
So, what does she hope to achieve in her new role? “Firstly, we want
to build upon the fact that we are a languages school with a strong
national reputation, and we want to maintain that reputation at a time
when modern foreign language learning in the UK is under threat. We’re
in a very good position to do so, thanks to the contemporary relevance
of our programmes and our strong RAE and TQA scores. In Britain, the
perception is that languages are difficult, so we need to do what we
can to balance the drive for high standards with a sense of fun and an
awareness of the cultural enrichment and good employment prospects
that language study can bring. The chal enge for me is to bring the School
through what may wel be a few difficult years whilst retaining and
consolidating our reputation for excel ence.
”We have ambitions for the research side of our activity too. This is
”One way we can do this is to capitalise on the importance of global
important, and academic col eagues are working hard to further enhance
English through the work of the Language Studies Unit, recently renamed
our research profile.”
the English Subject Group in order to make our expertise in English
more visible. Our activity on the humanities and social sciences side is
Pam demonstrates passion and commitment to language learning:
being developed too through programmes in Politics and International
“Studying languages is very enjoyable, opening up new areas of
Relations. We already have a good range of language programmes,
interest. Students can travel, work or study abroad and there are a lot
including Translation Studies and International Business and Modern
of chal enging and rewarding job opportunities for language graduates.
Languages (IBML), which we hope wil continue to attract top-quality
Learning a language at Aston is al about using your skil s because we
students. We are introducing Spanish this year, so we are now offering
teach our classes in the target language rather than teaching French
the three most popular foreign languages in HE in the UK today. Our
literature in English. Also, the year abroad is a great opportunity for
widening participation work is expanding successful y with highly
students to grow personal y as wel as linguistical y.”
regarded initiatives to attract and support non-traditional applicants
to language courses. We want to convey the message that learning
LES is keen to welcome students from abroad. Last year it had its first
languages can be enjoyable. For example, when teachers and pupils
intake of students from Shanxi University, China, and this year
come into LES on school visits, we engage pupils in text messaging in
a group from Tianjin as wel . The School is looking forward to playing
French and German, or exercises based on programmes such as Loft
an increasingly important role in enhancing the University’s
Story, the French version of Big Brother. Al of this helps young people to
international reputation.
relate to what it can mean to master a foreign language.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 19
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20 Language Studies Unit
From party invitations to quality reviews, this report from
Jane Willis in the LSU will fill you with pride and have you
calling to mind the memories of your student days.
A quality review
Marketing a combination
The LSU was recently the subject of the
the philosophy of the programme offers
News and plea
University’s Quality and Standards Committee
a unique approach;
and we’d like to share the outcome of a recent
from Jane Willis
Review Report with al our alumni.
a careful y designed curriculum with each
module informed by scholarship, professional
Programme reviews take place every five years
Jane is retiring this September (having reached
activity and research;
and, although hard work for al concerned, are
60) and is settling down in the Lake District in the
extremely important as they highlight our areas
quality support from the academic staff;
North West of England with her husband Dave.
of excel ence and acknowledge our efforts
On fine days they plan to go mountain walking,
in moving forward, as wel as recommending
the commitment of staff who present a strong cycling, sailing etc and on rainy days they wil
ways of developing further. The reviews involve
cohesive team with good practice shared
write books. The next book is on designing task-
the preparation of a huge Self-Assessment
across the group;
Document supported by detailed statistics and
based language teaching materials and courses.
a bank of documents detailing procedures,
the Professional Environment Profile;
Jane has a plea. If you have ever designed a
processes, quality mechanisms, etc. Al this is
successful task-based course or course strand,
passed to a panel made up of representatives
the responsiveness of the group to external
and would be wil ing to contribute a brief
from across the University and two external
guidance such as QAA guidelines on
overview of it to a chapter on task-based course
assessors, who then subject the team to a ful
distance-learning programmes.
and syl abus design, please get in touch with her
day of questioning and probing.
There were, of course, a number of
as soon as you can on janewil is@daveandjane.
The tone of the report was overwhelmingly
recommendations designed to help us further
demon.co.uk Likewise, if you have ever set
positive and the reviewers highlighted the
improve our provision and, not wanting to rest
up the same task in two different ways, and
fol owing features of the MSc:
on our laurels, we are currently implementing a
recorded and transcribed the subsequent
new marketing plan, developing a new suite of
an overal learning experience tailored to
programmes and restructuring our administrative
interaction, she would like to consider your
the individual needs of students and their
support. We’ve also changed our name from
data for publication. You would of course be
work environment;
‘Language Studies Unit’ to ‘English Studies’ to
acknowledged by name.
better reflect a widening of our interests. Watch
this space for more news.
Summer party
If you’re in the UK or better stil if you’re in
Birmingham, why not drop by and see us? The
fifth LSU summer school wil take place 12-16
July and we’d real y like to catch up with any of
our alumni who can find time to pay us a visit
during this week. Do let us know beforehand if
you’re planning to be in the area and, if there’s
enough of you, we’l organise a dinner or event
so we can al meet up again. Don’t forget the
LSU online network at www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/
professional.htm Join the message board here,
post a note to your fel ow LSU graduates and
see who else can make it.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 20
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Combined Honours
21
Laura-Kate Mapp, Marketing Assistant for Combined Honours,
reports on the success of an academic paper which looks at
the problems and solutions of marketing combinational study
and follows the developments of implementing a Personal
Development Profile here at Aston University.
Marketing a combination
In September 2003, Combined Honours appointed Laura-Kate Mapp, an
concept of multi-subject degrees, after it became apparent that many
Aston Business School student studying BSc Marketing, as a placement
prospective students found this method of study confusing or simply did
student to help to raise the profile of interdisciplinary study at Aston
not know it existed. This more aggressive approach to marketing has
University. As part of their placement programme, students are required
included the introduction of a new Combined Honours prospectus and
to complete a placement essay, critical y analysing a problem from the
course brochures, the improvement of Open Day events, the
organisation in which they are placed. An academic paper, Marketing
development of a virtual Open Day and holding presentations in schools
a Combination has been successful y submitted in a national annual
for prospective students.
conference in Edinburgh jointly organised by the Learning and Teaching
Support Network and the Business Education Support Team. The paper
Combined Honours is also focusing on building relationships with
wil be presented by Laura and Dr Jo Hamilton-Jones, Assistant Director
graduates. The continuing development of alumni case studies is being
of Combined Honours.
used to promote the career opportunities open to Combined Honours
students. The case studies are displayed in the department and used in
The paper looks at the problems faced by Combined Honours in the
marketing presentations and Open Days. A graduate reunion wil be held
promotion of their courses and how they are being solved, highlighting
in September to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Combined Honours.
the relation of theory to practice. The activities now being undertaken by
Combined Honours are intended to educate internal y and external y the
Development of the Aston e-PDP
The development and implementation of PDPs (Personal Development Profiles)
is expected to be operational across the whole HE system by 2005. A successful
bid was made to the Teaching Quality Enhancement Fund in order to support the
development of the Aston PDP, a cross-University project which wil be based in
Combined Honours.
The PDP scheme involves universities and students keeping a record of learning,
achievements and developments throughout their academic career. It includes the
provision of a transcript as wel as a recording of individual students’ learning and
achievement, at each stage of the degree programme. These records wil be used to
produce personal statements and to set and evaluate goals for the student. The funding
wil support the development of this scheme and wil al ow the introduction of a pilot
scheme for online PDP.
David Thompson was successful in his application for the post of Progress File
Development Officer and wil be responsible for the implementation and development
of this project at Aston. David wil pilot the scheme with the help of a sample of Aston
University students. Initial y the scheme wil target three sets of students: al Aston
University students who are on their placement year, Combined Honours students in
their first year of study and postgraduate research students from across Aston’s four
Schools. The placement group wil monitor the work-related skil s that they gain while
on placement, reflecting on their personal progress. The first year Combined Honours
students wil monitor their transition into Higher Education. Postgraduate student learning
has long been an area that has required further support and the inclusion of this group is
seen as an opportunity to enhance awareness here.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 21
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22 Students’ Guild
Arriving at the Guild
We asked several international students to take some snapshots of their first experiences of the Guild.
Here’s what went on…
In memory of ‘Shaggy’
Tom Coniffe (1995 BSc Society and
Government and Urban Planning) pays
tribute to Paul Wal is (aka ‘Shaggy’, 1996
BSc International Business and French) who
tragical y died in an accident on holiday on
17 October 2003.
”Paul was known to so many as ’Shaggy’
during his time at Aston. His tragic death in
October was a terrible shock to everyone
who knew him.
”Since 2001, Paul had lived and worked in
Nakhom Pathon, Thailand, teaching English
to primary school children. He came to love
his job and Thailand, and there are many
from his student days who have benefited
from his skil s as a Thai tourist guide. He was
a superb host and he excel ed in showing off
his new home.
”In his days at Aston, Shaggy seemed to
know everyone, whether through IBML,
OddSoc, as VP Communications or from just
down the pub. His was one of the first faces
Leaving the Guild
people came to recognise around the place
– a man with an instant opinion, enthusiasm
for life and driven to have a good time.
“Hi, I’m Andrew Busby, President of the
“We have just had our elections which
Students’ Guild this year. As any past
has brought home to me that I only have a
”As the funeral took place in Bangkok,
Presidents reading this wil know, my
few months left before I hand over to my
a memorial service was held for him in
main duty is to co-ordinate the Executive
successor, Anthony Tuite. I am proud that I
Birmingham on 15 November 2003. This
Committee and act as the main point of
have had an amazing opportunity to run such
was the day after his 30th birthday. About
contact for the outside world. As President,
a large prestigious organisation at the age
130 people attended, many of whom stayed
I am the face of the Guild and represent
of 22!
afterwards for a meal and party in his
students’ views to everyone you can think
honour. He’d have been delighted at bringing
of. Since I became President I have never
“When I finish my term of office in July, I
together so many old friends again.
looked back. I have enjoyed every minute of
wil miss having the opportunity to make
my Presidency taking the highs with the lows.
decisions which wil have a real impact on
”Shaggy was a man who in his time at Aston
the University and student life. It wil be sad
helped to define the student experience for
“We have had a very hard year, financial y
to move on after five years at Aston as it
lots of people, and it is in keeping with the
and operational y. We have worked tirelessly
real y feels like home!”
man that, once he found his métier in life, he
this year to raise the profile of the Guild and
continued to shine for so many.”
to set it on a path to a more secure future.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 22
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Societies & Sports Clubs
23
Canoe Society
Aston Afro-
The Aston Canoe Society has been running for over 20 years and is as successful now as it
was then. We got in touch with former society chairman, Andrew Smith (1986 BSc Mechanical
Engineering) to tel us about the Society in the 1980s, and also current chairman of the society,
Caribbean
Martyn Read, to find out about the group’s activities today.
Society
Andrew Smith on his days with
“You can also fol ow the race through
Ever wondered what the Afro-
the Canoe Society:
a link in the fol owing website
Caribbean Society does? We asked one
“I was a member of the Canoe Society from
www.chal engebusiness.com”
of its members to tell us about what
1982 to 1986 and was chairman from 1985
they are up to.
to 1986. This was during a time when we
were lucky enough to have some 50 or more
“The Aston Caribbean Society is an
members, though I’m not sure whether the
organisation that endeavours to bring
popularity of the club was down to the
people of African and Caribbean
standard of canoeing or the great social life
backgrounds together. Our motto
and infamous weekends we spent canoe
summarises what the society stands
surfing in Devon!
for, which is ‘Movement of Ideas,
Celebrating Cultures’.
“To be honest, I don’t recal any of us being
“Within the society we organise a
that good at canoeing. I remember paddling/
number of social events, last year’s
swimming down the river Tryweryn in North
outings including trips to the cinema,
Wales. On one occasion, our ‘A’ team even
bowling, and to various restaurants.
managed to capsize just getting to the
Larger events included the ‘Divas and
start of the University White Water Racing
Martyn Read and the Canoe
Playaz’ and the very popular Food Bash.
Championships on the river Dee at Llangol en.
Society today:
We held our most recent Food Bash on
“As much as I love Birmingham, getting out
“I suppose we never seemed to take ourselves
15 November 2003 and it was a great
of the city is one of the best things about the
too seriously. I remember going to a university
success, with Aston ACS members
Canoe Society. So far this year we’ve been
polo championship at Loughborough University
meeting up with students from other
on weekend trips to Devon, the Northeast
and we couldn’t believe it when we saw the
universities including Birmingham,
and Wales, as wel as on numerous day trips
Loughborough team drinking orange juice
UCE, Southampton and Bristol.
to places such as the National Water Sports
in the bar – they were just too committed to
Centre, the Nene White Water Centre and also
“Obviously enjoying ourselves and
their sport as far as we were concerned!
Ross-on-Wye and Llangol en.
holding social gatherings is a large
But perhaps our somewhat laid-back attitude
part of the society’s appeal, but we
was why the only compliment I remember us
“The club meets weekly on a Tuesday for a
also have meetings where we will
receiving in the club had nothing to do with
pool session at the Woodcock Sports Centre
talk about current issues. Last year
canoeing at al when someone accused us
between 8-10pm, fol owed of course by a pint
we had the nurses from the Health
of being a ‘clique’. I’d never been in a ‘clique’
or two in Einsteins! We have a wide range
Centre come and talk to us about sex
before and was both amazed and proud that
of abilities in the club so we try to include
and contraception. We’ve also had
someone had described our group in that way.
something for everyone on our trips and have
a representative from the Windsor
kayaked a range of difficulties catering for both
Fellowship come and talk to us about
“I have some great memories from my time
beginners and the more experienced of the
the organisation, whose aim is to help
with the club, one lasting one being of an
group. Term one provided our beginners with
students from ethnic minorities find
un-named member of the club who managed
their first taste of white water and they loved
employment and to train them in
to col ect the town sign for Woolacombe as a
it! The river gods weren’t kind to us last term
the skills necessary to today’s
souvenir during one of our weekends away.
with the water levels being quite low, so we’re
working environment.
He was last seen walking along the Hagley
hoping for a bit more rain in the coming months.
Road with it under his arm! We should have
“By now I hope that you will see how
visited Bude as the sign would have been
“In contrast to the cold wet paddling in the
diverse the society is, not only in terms
shorter and a lot less obvious! Other memories
UK, the club are planning a two week kayaking
of culture, but also in the things we
include chil ing out on a hot day in Bala (doing
extravaganza to the French Alps later in the
do as a society. We like to think of
a division 3 slalom competition) during the Live
year – the land of cheap booze and warm(ish)
ourselves as a society that cares about
Aid concert, and also the amount of time we
summers! This has been organised for the last
the opinions of all our members.
seemed to spend in minibuses, often having
two years with incredible success and is set to
We hope that ACS will expand and
to repair or bump start them as we could only
be as popular again this year.
be known as an established society
afford the cheapest and the worst!
within the Aston Students’ Guild,
“We stil have a number of graduates who
Birmingham and beyond!”
“You may be interested in my latest adventure.
help us out on trips, so if you’re interested in
It’s similar to canoeing in that it involves being
reliving some of your student days then visit
wet and tired! I’ve signed up to take part in a
www.weloveitmoist.co.uk to find out more.”
round the world yacht race starting on
3 October this year. Look out for me on the TV.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 23
23/4/04 4:30:50 pm
24 Where are they now?
Itching to find out what your friends from Aston are up to? Looking to see who’s up
to what and with whom? Well look no further because ‘Where are they now?’ is the
place to find out the latest news from Aston’s thriving alumni network. You never
know, you might just spot someone you want to get in touch with. If you want your
face noticed in November’s edition, contact us at the usual address with your news
– and go on, send a photograph!
Where are they now?
Philip Terry
(1968 BSc Metal urgy and 1972 PhD Metal urgy)
“I started working for British Steel in Scotland
1960s
1970s
after completing my PhD, continuing to work
Ahmad Majdpour
on fracture mechanics which had been the
Khalil Hussain
(1966 BSc Electrical Engineering)
topic of my PhD research. I moved from British
(aka Kel y, 1972 MSc Mechanical Engineering
“I studied Electrical Engineering from 1959 to
Steel to the UKAEA at Risley after six years to
and 1975 PhD Mechanical Engineering)
1963 at the Birmingham Col ege of Technology,
work on the Fast Reactor and PWR programs.
has spent most of his life post-Aston in industry.
the forerunner of Aston University. I obtained
After seven years with UKAEA I joined the US
He worked for GEC Gas Turbines in Leicester
my degree in 1966 when the University of Aston
company Cameron Iron Works in Leeds and
for a number of years, rising to the position
in Birmingham gained its charter. We were
worked for them for twelve years on welding
of Chief Systems Engineer. He also held the
the first group of students to learn about the
and metal urgy issues involved with oil field
position of Technical Manager with Altair
transistor and I was amongst the first to get a
equipment. In 1996 I moved to Texas to work
Filters International in Surrey. For the last 15
room in the newly built Gracie Hal residences.
for Lufkin Industries as Chief Metal urgist.
years, Kel y has been living and working in
After graduation, I went back to Iran and started
Here I have been able to indulge my (probably
Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. He currently owns
working for the National Iranian Oil Company.
psychological y questionable) passion for
and operates a smal consulting engineering
They had original y given me my scholarship to
handgun shooting. I married Sue Terry (née
company that supplies engineering services to
study in Birmingham and my work was mostly in
Vowles) in 1968, having both met at Aston where
the petrochemical industry.
the field of oil pipelines and stations. I left Iran
Sue was studying library science at the Col ege
after the revolution and headed for Germany
of Commerce. We have two sons, one working
where I have lived since 1984. I settled in
in the computer industry in Dal as and whose
Dortmund but unfortunately couldn’t find a job
wife’s expecting our first grandchild in May
relevant to my study or experience, so I learned
this year, and the other who just recently
the German language, opened a smal business
graduated from ‘Ole Miss’ (the University of
and settled quite happily. I have now acquired
Mississippi) with a degree in Political Science
German citizenship. I have been married for
in December 2003.”
39 years and we have three children – two
daughters aged 36 and 25, and a son aged 34.”
Left to right: Kel y Hussain, Glenys Hussain
and Cris Mota Soares
Cristovao Mota Soares (aka Cris,
1972 MSc Mechanical Engineering and 1977 PhD
Mechanical Engineering)
Cris’ career post-Aston has been mostly spent in
Philip at the 2002 United States
the academic field. He is currently an Associate
Practical Shooting Association
Professor at IST – Technical University of Lisbon,
National Championship
Ahmad Majdpour
Portugal. In addition to classroom lectures to
undergraduate and postgraduate students, Cris
also supervises a number of PhD students.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 24
23/4/04 4:30:51 pm
Where are they now?
25
Cris attends international technical
for Colchester Borough Council. We have two
graduate medical school in St Georges, Tooting.
conferences regularly where he presents
super children who are both currently studying
I’m currently working at Treloar Col ege in
papers and chairs sessions on the subject
hard at col eges in Cambridge – an expensive
Alton, Hants, which specialises in education for
of ‘Optimisation of Composite and Adaptive
business but Kate needs an excuse to work
disabled students, where I am working
Structures’. Cris and Kel y Hussain were friends
so hard! I am a member of Rotary and a keen,
with communication aids for students with
throughout the Aston years and remained so
but far too occasional, golfer. The scenery
little or no speech, similar to the Dynavox used
in later years. In December 2003, Kel y and his
down here is beautiful and, although we enjoy
by the son in Jaspar Carrot’s sitcom Al About
Where are they now?
wife Glenys travel ed to Portugal and enjoyed
occasional trips back to Birmingham, the traffic
Me on BBC1. Nick is now a freelance furniture
a reunion with Cris and Marilu Mota Soares in
does seem slightly worse than we remember!”
designer and has produced some interesting
the Algarve and Cascais, near Lisbon.
commissions – see
Serdar Ceylan
www.unicornwooddesigns.co.uk”
(1979 MSc Chemistry and Technology
of Polymers)
Annette Kratz
“After graduating from Aston I real y wanted
(1983 BSc French and German and 1991 PhD
to prove myself in the commercial world and
Modern Languages)
applied for jobs with several companies,
lives in Stafford and works at Keele University.
despite not being a citizen of a commonwealth
She is Head of the Centre for International
country. After several attempts, I got a job as
Exchange & Languages, where she encourages
Project Engineer with a company cal ed Clifford
students of al disciplines to spend a period of
Covering Co Ltd (now Shel ar Globe Clifford
their degree abroad and persuades the others
Co Ltd). I worked there for three years on a
that being able to communicate in another
number of exciting projects, but unfortunately
language is a key skil in today’s world! She is
in 1982 I lost my father in a tragic accident and
stil a keen squash and tennis player and would
had to resign from my job and return to Turkey
love to hear from al those who went on the
to take care of my family. I am now President
tennis tour to Germany in 1984. She is a loyal
of my own company, Flora Aromatic, which
supporter of the Birmingham Bul ets basketbal
Left to right: Kel y, Glenys, Marilu and Cris
exports herbs and spices al over the world.
team and the rest of her spare time is spent
in front of a 1,300 year old Mesopotamian
Aside from work I enjoy playing tennis, the
travel ing, and she and Colin (yes, stil the same
olive tree in the Algarve
violin, and painting. I also have two daughters.”
one) have just come back from Singapore and
Western Australia.
Colin and his wife, Kate
Serdar Ceylan
Annette Kratz
Colin Daines
(1975 BSc Environmental Health)
Simon Harrop
“I worked for Kettering Borough Council during
(1987 BSc Managerial and
1980s
my time at Aston and went back there for two
Administrative Studies)
years after graduating. I then returned to work
“I am now Managing Director of a smal
in Solihul where I married Kate, who I met
Sue Tupper (née Wareing,
but growing marketing consultancy which
whilst she trained as a teacher in Walsal . I
1981 BSc Biological Sciences)
specialises in promoting products through
remember playing badminton in one of the first
“I’m married to Nick Tupper (1980 BSc
sense of smel . We export through 17
new buildings built at Aston when terraced
Architecture and Computer Studies). Having
distributors to over 25 countries worldwide.
houses and scruffy factory units were stil
lived in Norway for 15 months, we have since
We are the only company in the world doing
scattered around the campus. I am now living
settled back in the UK and had a family of three
what we do and have received awards for
on the Essex/Suffolk border where I work as
sons, now aged 16, 14 and 11. I am currently
innovation and doubled our turnover in the last
Environmental Protection Service Manager
studying for my GAMSAT exam to get into
3 years. I have fond memories of Aston
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 25
23/4/04 4:30:53 pm
26 Where are they now?
because it mixed an academic approach with a
Nick Winter
studies of selected newly licensed drugs
real-world approach to business with a melting
(1987 BSc Chemical Engineering)
(www.dsru.org), designing and undertaking
pot of backgrounds.”
“After leaving Aston I fol owed a fairly
pharmacoepidemiological studies including
traditional route doing projects and operations
examining the pharmacogenetics of adverse
management within fine chemicals,
drug reactions. She is currently enrol ed at the
petrochemicals, flavours and fragrances, before
University of Utrecht in the Netherlands for her
starting consultancy for pharmaceutical and
PhD in Pharmacoepidemiology. Deborah has
biopharmaceutical companies. During this
nearly 20 publications in peer review journals
time I met and married Nicky who is pictured
and has presented at a number of national and
celebrating 2004 with our children Hol y and
international scientific conferences.
Rowan. Just over two years ago we started
our own consultancy www.2020MS.com We do
team facilitation, project management, strategic
planning and project disaster recovery. There’s
never a dul moment. Chemical engineering at
Aston gave me a great start!”
Simon with his wife, Sarah
SPOTLIGHT ON…
Sandy Scott
Deborah Layton
(1986 BSc Business
Nicky, Hol y, Rowan and Nick
Administration and
German)
“I moved to Paris straight
Charles Harry
1990s
after my degree and fel
(1988 BSc French and German)
in love with France. I was
is the Assistant Principal at Mander Portman
lucky enough to stumble
Woodward Col ege, Birmingham, where he
upon a position at an
teaches English, French and German. He is also
international record company and spent
a member of a local amateur theatre company
the next 9 years marketing American labels
cal ed MDCC. Last year, Charles directed a
(A&M, Geffen) in Europe and France, working
production of The Taming of the Shrew which
with artists like Sonic Youth, Nirvana, Beck
toured around Midlands’ venues and to Wales.
and Barry White. In 1996 I travel ed around
The company has a long-standing cultural
the world before moving to Amsterdam for
exchange with a group in Frankfurt, Germany,
31/2 years, where I worked as a freelance
and has the longest running link of its kind
graphics/web designer, with a little interior
between the two cities.
decoration and sailing thrown in. Homesick
for France I moved back in time for the new
Deborah Layton
mil ennium and passed my boating licence for
(1989 BSc Pharmacy and 1998 MPhil Pharmacy)
the Seine. I got a cal to work at Canal Plus
registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical
TV as a music programmer/journalist on long
Society of Great Britain in 1990. She worked
running live talk show Nul e Part Ail eurs.
for four years as a retail manager for an
Preferring to work from home, I edged myself
independent chemist chain in the Midlands,
Teresa Col ins
into translating, lyric adaptation, and some
whilst undertaking a postgraduate programme
music journalism, while doing up a garret flat
of research into pharmacokinetics of platinum
from A to Z – I am now a top electrician and
analogues based at Aston University and
Teresa Collins
al -round handywoman! Later in the year I
City Hospital, Birmingham. Deborah moved to
(1990 BSc Business Administration and French)
am moving to Nagoya, Japan, for three years
Southampton in 1994, working in both retail
“My degree set me wel on my way for an
to join my man who works as an engineer
and hospital pharmacy sectors, and was
exciting career in France. I spent my year out
out there. I wil teach English initial y, as my
awarded her MPhil in 1998. Deborah joined
in 1998 teaching English in a vil age in France,
Japanese is stil rudimentary. After Japan we
the Drug Safety Research Unit, a registered
which is where I met my partner. I returned to
hope to build an off-grid house somewhere on
independent charity operating in association
France after my finals and took the first job to
the planet.”
with the University of Portsmouth, as a
come my way as a bilingual receptionist. I later
Research Pharmacist in February 1999. She is
became a Marketing Assistant for the same
actively involved in post-marketing surveil ance
international company and then a Translator
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 26
23/4/04 4:30:55 pm
Where are they now?
27
for a smal Parisian firm. I then moved on to
reader, but I also enjoy gardening, cycling with
become the Executive Assistant to the Senior
SPOTLIGHT ON…
my husband Paul (we married in Canada, in
Paris Partner of Price Waterhouse Tax and
September 2001) and being Sam Fisher (if
Legal and in 1995, joined Hertz Lease France
James Robertson
you have to ask, you haven’t got an X-box in
as Assistant to the General Manager. At that
the house).”
time there were only 60 people on the payrol
(1991 BSc Transport
and one of my key roles was to develop the
Management and 1993
Karen Antoinette Pierre
Human Resources Department. I then became
MSc Information
(1995 MBA)
HR Manager of the company which merged
Technology)
was recruited soon after graduating as the first
with ALD Automotive, a branch of the French
“I have just launched my
CEO of the Tobago Regional Health Authority,
banking group, Société Générale. After the
own company, Arkwright
one of the newly developed RHAs in the reform
merge, which took place in October 2003, I
Consulting, delivering
of the Trinidad and Tobago Health Sector.
was appointed Vice HR Director of the French
online and offline marketing solutions.
During this period she had her only child, a boy,
company which today has 650 members of staff
We’ve just completed the West Midlands
cal ed Lloyd. At the end of 1998, she relocated
on the payrol . Unfortunately I do not use my
Graduate Fair website where we helped
to Trinidad where she worked for a short period
English very much today at work but, after al , I
Birmingham Forward try to keep West
reviewing the operations of the only tertiary
did choose to settle in France!”
Midlands graduates in the West Midlands
level health facility in the public sector (the
region – being an Aston graduate who has
Eric Wil iams Medical Sciences Complex), to
stayed in the West Midlands obviously
facilitate the optimisation of the facility within
helped to secure one of our most prestigious
severe budgetary constraints. After a one
contracts to date! Business is booming and
year career break and part-time lecturing (in
we seem to be one of the few web agencies
nutrition, dietetics and management) at the
guaranteeing that the sites we produce for
University of the West Indies, she has assumed
customers wil bring in more in the way of
ful -time responsibility for the coordination
revenue than the site cost to create. My wife
of the Dietetics Internship Programme and a
Vanessa and I are expecting our first baby
Teaching Load. Her present responsibilities
in August and we recently moved house
utilise her clinical and management training
to a gorgeous three-floored, five-bedroom
and experience in new and chal enging ways.
Victorian terrace in Edgbaston. It has a huge
Miltiades Michaelas
garden which seems custom designed for
Dexter Lee
kids to roam around in! Life’s going great.
(1997 BSc French and German)
If you’d like further information on my
graduated with an MA in Playwriting from
Miltiades Michaelas
company, visit
Goldsmiths Col ege, University of London,
(1990 BSc Management and Computer Science)
www.arkwrightconsulting.co.uk”
on 3 September 2003. Everything came and
“After graduating, I studied for an MBA at
went without a hitch. Among the guests at the
Nottingham University in Financial Studies,
ceremony were two alumni and their wives
during which time I got engaged to my wife,
from St Andrews University, Dexter’s other
Despo. I returned to Cyprus in 1992 and joined
Alma Mater.
Cyprus Popular Bank, an associate of HSBC.
Very early on I became involved in launching
the first factoring company in Cyprus for the
Laiki Group, and fol owing a successful three
years I moved internal y to the Corporate
Lending Department of the Bank, climbing
quickly to the position of Manager, Nicosia
Unit. I also became involved in investment
banking projects and lectured in finance and
Dexter Lee with fel ow St Andrews alumni
management. In 1999 I moved to the largest
Joanna and Paul on their wedding day
and their wives
local petroleum company in Cyprus with a
mission to float the company on the Cyprus
Hugh Edgley
Stock Exchange, which was achieved in late
(1996 BSc Transport Management)
2000. I returned to the Laiki Bank Group in 2001
Joanna Franks
“On 1 November 2003, I married
and took over the role of General Manager
(née Cartwright, 1994 BSc Human Psychology)
Rachael Lapping who I’d met at the end of my
for its Australian retail bank subsidiary and
“I am currently putting to very good use the
placement year with Blakes Chil ed Distribution
moved to Australia with my wife and two
more professional skil s I learned working on
– the advantages of Aston’s speciality
lovely daughters, Eleni (7) and Ioanna (11). We
the Birmingham Sun. As a publications editor
sandwich courses can clearly be seen! Leaving
love Australia, but miss Cyprus too and hope
for RNIB I write and edit several magazines
my graduate job with Wincanton, I had five
to move back in 2005. I’d like to get in touch
for blind and partial y sighted readers. It’s
years more logistics business development
with my flat mates from my first two years at
fantastic to be in a job that is satisfying on so
experience with P&O Trans European Ltd in
Aston. Email the Alumni Relations Office at
many levels – even if I can’t work with a slowly
Ipswich, until Wincanton acquired P&O
alumni nfo@aston.ac.uk if you would like my
emptying pint glass next to my keyboard any
Trans European. After an enforced job change,
contact details.”
more! In my spare time I’m stil a voracious
I am enjoying myself as Logistics Planning
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 27
23/4/04 4:30:56 pm
28 Where are they now?
Manager for Arla Foods (the people behind
HSE aspects of the design and preparations
quality improvement processes within the Irish
Lurpak, Anchor Butter and lots of milk) improving
for operations of an FPSO (Floating Production
services of the GE Capital business. It was a
the running of their warehouses and pushing
Storage and Offloading facility) project, I now
chal enge, but as a native of Ireland I enjoyed
my career up a few gears. Arla has recently
enjoy life and work as HSE Manager Brazil for
getting back into the swing of life over there!
merged in the UK with Express Dairies, which
Shel Exploration & Production Americas.”
In April 2004, I moved to Leeds for my second
adds to the chal enge. The Aston Speological
rotation as a sourcing manager. My goals for
Society (ASS), or caving club, had one of its last
Dan Parfitt
this new position include assisting with the
heydays during my time at University and the
(1999 BEng Mechanical Engineering)
delivery of a purchase base target of £142.8m
group provides a valuable link back to my Aston
“After graduating I went to BAe Systems Flight
for 2004; developing supplier cost baselines;
days. The group, some of whom are in the photo,
Training in Prestwick, just outside Glasgow.
model ing supplier cost structures; developing
is in regular contact and active, walking, ski ng,
I was there for 5 months before moving with
process/tools for supplier spend management
socialising, if not so very often caving! Rachael
the training centre to Jerez, near Sevil e in
and sourcing metrics development and enabling
and I recovered from our hectic year during our
southern Spain. I spent 10 months there, leaving
digitisation of process.”
December honeymoon in Singapore and New
with a commercial pilot’s licence. From Spain I
Zealand, which included a stay with Steve Jay
went to work flying the Jetstream 41 (a 29-seat
SPOTLIGHT ON…
(1996 PhD Electrical Engineering).”
turboprop aircraft) for BACitiexpress in Cardiff
for 2 years and Newcastle for 6 months. I now
Tim Bayton
work for MyTravel Airways in Manchester flying
(2002 BSc French
the Airbus A320 and A321 (180 and 220 seats
and German with
respectively). I married Louise in April and we
Translation Studies)
live in Wilmslow.”
“During my final
year at Aston, I
began working as a
freelance translator
for a machinery
2000s
manufacturer in
Germany, where I had worked in the summer
Left to right: Miles Doughty (2001 MEng
Sarah Biasco
fol owing my placement. After finishing
Chemical Engineering), Martin Pyne (1996
(2000 BSc Psychology and
University, I began to look for opportunities
BSc Transport Management),
Business Administration)
to expand this and find more clients. At
Tristan Tapper (2000 PhD Chemistry),
“Since graduating I’ve moved to London, lived
the same time, being unsure if I wanted
Andrew Lil ington (1998 MEng Civil
in six flats and worked in four jobs! I had a brief
to be self-employed, I applied for several
Engineering), Daniel Fisher (1995 BSc
spel in market research before moving into
in-house positions and was shortlisted for
Transport Management), Rachael,
office management for an engineering firm. I
a job as a German-English translator at the
Andrew Knight (1996 BSc Transport
then worked at the Science Museum where I got
German Foreign Office in Berlin. However,
Management), Hugh, Lesley Haig (1996 BSc
to see al the big exhibitions for free! Last year,
given that my own business was starting
Human Psychology), David Wrigglesworth
I took some time out to stay in Valencia to learn
to look viable, and I had already returned
(1996 BSc Applied and Human Biology),
Spanish, which was lots of fun. I’m now back in
to England, I opted for the freedom of self-
Jo Barber (1999 BSc International Business
London working for the charity Christian Aid in
employment. I continue to work from home
and French and German).
the Human Resources department. I am hoping
as an independent interpreter and translator
to study for a CIPD qualification in Training and
and can be found on the Internet at
Development. I’m also feeling more ready to
www.TimBayton.co.uk
settle down after such a hectic three years!”
David Norman
(2002 MEng Electronic Systems Engineering)
Want to be
“I started at Aston in 1997 on the STEPs
in Apex?
foundation course. I carried on to the Electrical
and Electronic BEng programme, and after
receiving good first year results was asked
to continue on the MEng Electronics System
If you would like to be featured in ‘Where are
Engineering Programme. Having graduated in
they now?’ in the November edition of Apex,
2002, I am stil at Aston and currently in year two
please send some information about yourself
of my PhD with the Photonics Research Group.”
either by email to alumni nfo@aston.ac.uk or by
Jake
letter addressed to: Alumni Relations Office,
Simon Hall
Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham,
Jake Van Den Dries
(2003 BSc International Business and French)
B4 7ET. Should you wish to send a photo to
(1999 MSc Risk Management and
“After graduating, I joined the European
accompany your profile, please either post an
Safety Technology)
Management Development Programme with
original (which we wil return) or email one at
“Life changed significantly after graduation.
GE Capital. My first seven months were based
high resolution (250-300 dpi). We are waiting to
My offshore oil industry career took me from
in Shannon, the west of Ireland, as a team
hear from you – don’t be afraid! (Deadline for
the North Sea to the USA, then to Singapore
leader. The role involved both managing a team
receipt of information September 2004.)
and now Rio de Janeiro. Initial y involved in the
of around ten people, as wel as delivering
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 28
23/4/04 4:30:57 pm
Reunions
29
Our Reunions
Your Reunions
Julian Masters (1969 BSc Chemical
Alumni Christmas Party 2003 Engineering) organised a reunion for 1969
Chemical Engineering graduates in October
called the ‘Sixty Niners’ Reunion’. Julian tells
It may seem like a long time ago now, but on 13 December the Alumni Relations Office held its
us more about the day:
first ever Christmas Party at the Students’ Guild. Aimed at graduates from the last four years, over
400 people returned for the event and much fun was had dancing away to cheesy tunes, singing
“This was the first reunion we’d had in 34 years
Christmas karaoke and meeting up with old friends.
and what an unforgettable time we had! Held
at Aston Business School, 36 former students,
staff and their wives attended the weekend
event which brought together 69ers now living
in Canada, USA, Germany, Belgium and the
UK. Nostalgia boards reminded us how we
were in the 1960s and carried messages and
photographs from those unable to attend.
Highlights of the weekend included a tour of
our department and an after dinner ‘Oscars’
awards ceremony with everyone winning their
category. Guest appearances were made by
Jeff Jeffreys, Aston’s first Chemical Engineering
Christmas Party 2003 (photo courtesy of Simon Clifford)
Professor Eric Smith, Tony Bridgwater and
other members of staff. For more details and
AGM of Convocation
pictures visit our site www.sitemaster-internet.
co.uk/69ers/
The Annual General Meeting of Convocation
was held on 13 March with over 100 alumni and
their guests returning for the event. Aston alumni
were invited to attend the morning AGM, where
they heard from the Vice-Chancel or, Professor
Michael Wright, about the University’s vision
Julian Masters (third from right) with
and forward strategy and its achievements over
fellow 1969 Chemical Engineers
the past twelve months. Guests were taken on
Lunchtime at the AGM
an alternative visit to a glass blowing workshop,
after which everyone met up for a relaxed and
Janet Roughton (née Bentley 1963 BSc
informal lunch. In the afternoon, Drs Anthony Hilton and Peter Lambert showed alumni around their
Pharmacy) held a reunion at her house
laboratories where they are developing research into MRSA – the ‘Hospital Superbug’.
in September to celebrate 40 years since
graduating. Janet tirelessly searched Friends
Reunited and made numerous telephone cal s
Forthcoming alumni
18 September 2004
to the Pharmaceutical Society in order to
‘Forty-Five Years of Combined Experience.’
track down her classmates. She eventual y
events…
An invitation to al Combined Honours
made contact with fifteen people, ten of whom
graduates to return to Aston and celebrate
turned up for the reunion and one person even
17 July 2004
the School’s 45-year anniversary. Tickets
travel ed al the way from Bermuda! Fond
Reunion for al alumni living in the
are priced at £32 per head for a cocktail
memories were exchanged by al and nobody
West Midlands at the Heritage Motor
reception and a sit-down meal.
could believe that 40 years had passed.
Museum, Warwickshire.
19 March 2005
Tickets are priced at £36 per person, which
AGM of Convocation.
includes free entrance to the museum
fol owed by a three-course dinner in the
18 June 2005
Kestrel Rooftop Restaurant. Transport to the
Reunion dinner and dance at the Lakeside
venue costs an additional £8 per person.
Conference Centre to celebrate 20, 25
and 30 years since graduation. So, if you
Pharmacy Class 1963…
13 September 2004
graduated in 1975, 1980 or 1985, keep your
and 40 years later in 2003
House of Lords Reunion for al alumni living
eyes peeled for further information!
in the South East.
Please contact the Alumni Relations Office for
Tickets are priced at £35 per person for a
further details about any of the above events.
drinks reception and canapés.
Cal 0121 359 3611 or email alumni nfo@aston.ac.uk
Details are also available at www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/
reunionsandevents
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 29
23/4/04 4:30:59 pm
30 News from AGA
News from AGA
David Harrison, our treasurer,
gave an illustrated talk about
his involvement in The Mountain
Bothies Association at our October
meeting. The bothies are generally
situated in quiet country areas and
provide accommodation for walkers,
climbers and others who are looking
for a peaceful weekend. David
himself is a volunteer helper in the
restoration and maintenance of a
bothie in the Pennines.
Over 60 members and friends enjoyed a guided
tour of the Barber Institute at Birmingham
University in November. The Institute has
acquired a col ection of works of art of
international significance including work by
Bel ini, Rubens, van Dyck, Gainsborough,
Reynolds and Rossetti. On the occasion of our
visit the Institute was
holding an exhibition of
Turner’s early seascapes
together with other
paintings thought to have
influenced him. These
were loaned from the
National Gal ery, Tate
Britain, The National
Coming up
Maritime Museum and
The Yale Center for British
Some years ago AGA members were
Art USA. Our guides were
asked whether they wished to receive
able to give us an insight
mailings about social events. If you are not
into the life and times of
currently receiving this information and
both Turner and the other
would like to do so, please contact the AGA
artists who acted as his
secretary via the Alumni Relations Office.
contemporaries.
Forthcoming events are advertised at www.
In February AGA took a guided tour of the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Greenhouses.
astongraduates.com
The greenhouses contain examples of plants from tropical, sub-tropical, Mediterranean and arid
April 30 – Guided tour of The Warwickshire
regions. The gardens were opened in 1832 and the original layout is stil retained. A recent objective is
County Cricket Ground, museum, players’
the conservation of species threatened by exploitation. The gardens act as the home of The National
facilities, scoreboard, hospitality boxes, etc.
Bonsai Col ection and there are also exotic birds, an orangery and a gal ery where local artists exhibit
AGA members wil then be entitled to watch
their work. Cream teas were available for those in need of sustenance.
the County Championship match against
Glamorgan from the Tom Dol ery Bar for the
AGA works with the Alumni Relations Office at Aston to ensure the views of graduates are taken into
rest of the day, if they wish.
account and to provide an interesting and varied social programme. We also make awards to two
undergraduates who have made the most valuable contribution to the life of the university during the
June 11 – Joint meeting with Birmingham
previous year and from time to time we sponsor other events at Aston. This year we are making a
University at Edgbaston. Lecture on the
donation to the student hardship fund.
archaeological findings made during the
construction of the Bul ring. Buffet supper
Unfortunately the traditional visit to the Col ege of Food had to be cancel ed this year due to the
to fol ow.
refurbishment of the restaurant during January. The AGM of the Association wil be reported in the
next issue of Apex.
Jenny Martin
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 30
23/4/04 4:31:00 pm
In Touch
31
In-Touch – We’d like to find
1990 BSc International Business and French
The Alumni Relations Office has lost touch with the fol owing graduates.
We are out of touch with 16 International Business and French
Do you know any of them? We need your help to track them down…
graduates from 1990. Do you know any of those listed below?
Graham Baker
Steven Naldrett
Anna Apostolov
Graham Hives
(1983 BSc Managerial and
(1983 BSc Biological Sciences)
Susan Carter
Michael Hogan
Administrative Studies)
Zoe O’Brien
Graeme Crosbie
Ruth Humphrey (née Baylis)
Neal Beamish
(1999 BSc Business Administration
Carolyn Davies
Sarah Lord
(1999 MBA)
and French)
Charlotte Dominy
Sally Parnham
Jadwiga Butcher (née Cendrowska,
Alan Officer
Jonathan Edwards
Sarah Parry
1974 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
(1993 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
Georgina Georgiou
Barbara Szpytma
Hugh Campbell
Matthew Peddle
Rosemary Grundy
Johanna Walsh
(1985 MSc Personnel Management)
(1999 BSc Managerial and
Antonia Castle
Administrative Studies)
(1995 BSc International Business
Robin Piper
and German)
(1981 BSc Geological Sciences)
1979 BSc Pharmacy
Ryan Dallas
Kenneth Price
(1991 BEng Mechanical Engineering)
(1978 BSc Building Economics and
We are out of touch with 41 Pharmacy graduates from 1979. Here are
David Durant
Measurement)
their names. Do you know where they are?
(1995 BSc Computer Science)
Lynn Rawcliffe
Dirk Ebeling
(née Stockley, 1984 BSc Managerial
Julian Ashley
Steven Olley
(2002 MBA)
and Administrative Studies)
Jayne Barre
Ewe Oo
Carrie Flatley (née O’Rourke,
Paul Rowson
1984 BSc Managerial and
(1982 BSc Pharmacy)
Carol Bray
Robin Palmer
Administrative Studies)
Harpreet Sanghera
Sean Campbell
Utamkumar Patel
Alexander Gaines
(1999 Phd Electrical and
Norman Cotterill
Smuti Patel
(1992 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
Electronic Engineering)
Anne Cox
Kaushik Patel
Yan Gao
Olga Smirnova
Elizabeth Dean
Poornima Patel
(2002 MPhil)
(1998 BSc Pharmacy)
Margaret Dixon
Aruna Patel
Richard Hampton
Neil Spencer
Romka Doskocz
Elizabeth Read
(1994 BSc International Business
(1995 MSc Information Technology)
Ceri Evans
Joan Richardson
and French)
Julie Stubbington
Chee Feng
Donald Roberts
Nicholas Harris
(1987 BSc Human Psychology)
(1976 BSc Chemistry)
David Thompson
Christine Fisher
Paul Robinson
Janet Heaton
Pankaj Shah
Clare Jenkins (née Snowden,
(1996 BSc Managerial and
1993 BSc Managerial and
Administrative Studies)
Sara Herbert
Martin Stokes
Administrative Studies)
Kevin Tomsett
Mark Horsley
Lindsay Tovell
Chun Jing
(1986 BSc Chemical Engineering)
Paul Jenner
Kay Townsend
(2002 BSc Business Administration and
Cindy Tromans
Celia Kellett
Mark Vroobel
Engineering Management)
(1985 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
Andrew Kirkham
Colin Walker
Helen Knox
Geeta Varma
(1988 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
(1997 BSc Optometry)
Ann Mathews (née Shryane)
David Watton
Rita Mcguire
Alison Whyler
Sara Ludlam
Mark Vroobel
(1991 BSc French and Psychology)
(1979 BSc Pharmacy)
Elaine Noble
Rhonda McElhinney
Frances Webster
(1993 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
(1992 BSc Applied and Human Biology)
Paul Mckinley
Meishan Wen
(1984 BSc Ergonomics and French)
(2001 MSc Marketing Management)
John McOwan
Nicola Whitehead
(1988 BSc Ophthalmic Optics)
(1990 BSc Human Psychology)
In-Touch – You’d like to find
Are there any more like you?
A number of you take advantage of our In-Touch Service to track
To help in our search for lost alumni, please tel us who you are in
down long lost friends. Whilst many are happily reunited, others remain
touch with from Aston! We would welcome contact details of anyone
far more difficult to locate. Do you know any of the fol owing? If so,
you are in touch with if they are happy for you to pass their address
details on to us. Send any information to:
let us know!
Alumni Relations Office
Mike Baird
Michael Hogan
Aston University
(1984 BSc Physics)
(1990 BSc International Business
Aston Triangle
Dina Dattani
and French)
(1981 BSc Managerial and
David Jones
Birmingham B4 7ET
Administrative Studies)
(1989 MSc Public Sector Management)
Alternatively, email alumni nfo@aston.ac.uk
Paul Gillespie
Mark Kelly
(1982 BSc Geological Sciences)
(1990 BSc Maths and Computer Science)
or cal 0121 359 3611
Andrew Griffiths
Simon Latham
(1989 BSc Human Psychology)
(1991 BSc Human Psychology)
Are you looking for somebody from Aston? If they aren’t listed on our email directory on the website www.aston.ac.uk/alumni/directory then contact the Alumni Relations Office and
we wil see if we are in touch with them. If we have a current address you wil be invited to write a letter or leave your contact details. We wil pass these on to the address we hold.
As we rely on alumni tel ing us when they move on, we cannot guarantee the person you are looking for wil stil be at that address. We would like to hope, however, that you al keep in
touch with us and let us know of any changes to your address. The In-Touch Service does not give out individual names and addresses to inquirers and al mail is treated in the strictest
of confidence.
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 31
23/4/04 4:31:01 pm
32 Aston University Gifts
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
✁
To order your Aston University gifts, please complete the order form and return it to:
Alumni Relations Office, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK. All prices include postage and packaging.
Item
Description
Price
Size/Colour
Quantity
Total
1
Cufflinks
£15.00
2
Tie
£12.00
3
Scarf
£17.00
4
Mug
£3.00
5
Aston keyring
£5.00
6
Parker rol erbal
£3.50
7
Umbrel a
£18.00
8
Lapel badge
£1.00
9
Bookmark
£1.00
10
Coaster set
£12.00
11
Jumper keyring
£5.00
12
(3) Aston branded Titleist PTS Solo golf bal s
£5.00
(6) Aston branded Titleist PTS Solo golf bal s
£10.00
(9) Aston branded Titleist PTS Solo golf bal s
£15.00
(12) Aston branded Titleist PTS Solo golf bal s
£20.00
13
Shot glass engraved with University crest
£3.50
14
Sweater blue or grey s/m/l/xl
£25.00
15
‘Aston Babe’ diamante t-shirt Navy, Pink, Khaki s/m/l
£12.00
16
Crest keyring
£2.00
Total
Payment can be made by credit card or cheque made payable to Aston University, in sterling and drawn on a bank in the UK.
Al orders must be accompanied by ful payment. Refunds wil only be given if the goods are faulty. Please al ow 28 days from receipt of order.
Mr
Mrs
Miss
Ms
Name:
Would you like to see any
Address:
new additions to this gift
range? If so, write your
Postcode:
Country:
suggestions here:
Tel:
E-mail:
Tick as appropriate: I enclose a cheque in pounds sterling drawn on a bank in the UK for £
I wish to pay by MasterCard Visa Switch
Access Delta
Solo
Please charge to my account:
Card number
Cardholder’s signature
Name on card
Expiry date
Issue number
1123601 Aston Apex May 2004.indd 32
23/4/04 4:31:05 pm
