An interview with Jonathan Baldwin

Jonathan Baldwin studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Swansea University and graduated with a BSc in 1985 and an MSc in 1987. Jonathan was born and raised in Wales, but currently lives in Virginia, USA.

Why did you decide to study at Swansea University?

Being a Welshman I wanted to attend a university in Wales that had a very good reputation in Engineering.

What did you enjoy most about your course at Swansea?

It was hard work and rigorous with around 40 hours a week! Whilst my studies were undoubtedly central, I think the opportunity to unwind and let off steam with friends and colleagues was very important. Swansea University is extremely fortunate to have such fantastic amenities and great access to all that the city and Wales has to offer.

What are you doing now career-wise?

I am the Managing Director of Wye River Holdings LLC, which is primarily an investment vehicle for start-up and early stage companies with a focus in South Wales. My role is to decide which businesses are selected for investment.

How has Swansea University and your course helped you with your chosen career path?

I am a big believer in science and technology for the future so studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Swansea was a core development in my chosen career path. Swansea University gave me the opportunity to learn and has played a huge role in setting me up for success.

What are the most challenging parts of your job?

Assessing a business model with a view to understanding potential investment returns is reasonably straightforward. The most difficult part to asses is the human component, and this relies on having an instinct for a person’s ability and drive to succeed.

What are the most rewarding parts of your job?

Helping businesses and people succeed in their goals.

What advice do you have for current students and new graduates?

Stick it out! Muster the drive and determination to reach each goal you set for yourself. The benefits of achieving even modest goals may not be readily apparent when you start out, but the simple act of achieving them open up tremendous opportunities so just have a little faith. Remember knowledge is power and education is knowledge!

What are your plans for the future?

I may live in America but I will continue to invest in Wales and Welsh businesses. I want to provide opportunities to business-minded people and see Welsh companies advance in the world marketplace.

What have you done that you are most proud of?

My family! I am fortunate to have a wife and three great kids that seem to embrace the same ideals I have regarding education’s importance. In my career I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to play a lead role in the introduction of new surveillance technology into my chosen field of global aviation.

What are your favourite memories of your university years at Swansea?

The opportunities you get to make lifelong friends. At Swansea I was able to develop an interest in the field of aviation and decided to focus on this during my Master’s degree. I was very fortunate to be selected for membership in the University of Wales Air Squadron based at RAF St. Athan.

Alumni in Malaysia

Dr Rathiah Hashim studied Computer Science at Swansea between 2004 and 2008 as a Malaysian scholar, completing her PhD under the supervision of Professor Min Chen in Computer Science and Professor IanThornton in Psychology. Dr Hashim is a member of faculty at the University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) near Johor Baru. Dr Hashim continues to keep in touch with Swansea through Sheikh Mohsen, Islamic Student Advisor, and is hoping to send one of her own research students to the University next year. Their family links to Swansea are further strengthened by the fact the two of Dr Hashim’s three children attended school in the area.

Mohamed Asri B Abu Bakar visited the Swansea University stand at the British Council exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Since graduating in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in 1995 he has worked for the telecoms company Alcatel, set up his own company, and now works for the National Arts Academy (ASWARA), Malaysia’s premier institution of higher learning dedicated to preservation of traditional Malaysian visual and performing arts. He and his wife have fond memories of Swansea: the friendships they made and in particular, walks along the sea front.

Alumna wins prestigious Medal

Swansea alumna wins prestigious Conservation Medal

Swansea University alumna, Dr Kate Evans and ‘Elephants for Africa’ have been selected as the 2011 recipients of the prestigious ‘George B. Rabb Conservation Medal’ for their dedicated work in understanding elephant biology and supporting conservation in Africa.

Kate gained a BSc Zoology at Swansea University followed by MPhil in Biological Science, graduating in 2002. In January of that year, Kate started research in the area NG26 of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. Her interest in elephants started when she was seven years old and visited an orphanage in Sri Lanka whilst her family were living in Asia. In 2007, Kate registered the charity ‘Elephants for Africa’, dedicating elephant conservation through research and education.

This latest award to be bestowed on Kate and her charity was created in 2005 by the Chicago Zoological Society to honour the conservation leadership of George B. Rabb, its former president. Rabb’s pioneering work led the zoo towards its current position as a conservation centre, a concept he has championed for zoos everywhere.

Former recipients of the award are all eminent lifelong conservationalists with decades of expertise and major roles in universities and charities.

This accolade is a tremendous honour for Dr Evans, a founder member of ‘Elephants for Africa’, who is the first woman and the first non-US citizen to receive the medal.

An interview with Chris Corcoran

Chris Corcoran is a comedian, television and radio presenter. He studied History and Politics and graduated in 1993. 

You trained as a teacher. What made you take the step into comedy?

Early mid-life crisis and an urge to try something different, I suppose. I’d been having lots of comedy ideas whilst I was teaching. I would often have to pull over on myway to school to write stuff down. Looking back it wasall rubbish, but it was coming out and so I thought ‘why not give it a try’.

How did your move into television – in particular children’s programmes - come about?

I went to an audition at CBBC for the role of a cartoon teddy bear on a show called Nelly Nut Live. I gave him the voice and character of a 55 year old Welsh, rugby committeeman, with a touch of Huw Edwards. Somehow it seemed to work and I got the job.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Sitting on an isolated roundabout with Rhod Gilbert in Nantes for BBC Radio Wales during the Rugby World Cup to ‘soak up the pre-match atmosphere’. It didn’t take long – a few people walked past with baguettes, we had a coffee and that was about it.

I’m loving what I’m doing with BBC Wales now and anything that I did that helped or had a positive impact on any of the kids I taught.

Who has been your biggest inspiration in life, and why?

My Dad for managing to become a published novelist despite a) having a full time job b) full family responsibilities and c) not having enjoyed the comfort of underpants until he was nine.

You have covered the Six Nations Rugby tournament and the Ryder Cup for television. What sport do you follow and take part in?

I’m a huge rugby fan. I play Touch Rugby and have been training for a triathlon for well over three years now but have yet to compete due to my being intrinsically un-athletic and therefore constantly injured.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in the entertainment industry?

Do a proper job first.

What are your plans for the future?

To be happy. To continue to make fun TV and radio. To do a MA in Political Philosophy. To apply for a second blue plaque to be placed on the front of Cwmdonkin Drive. Not necessarily in that order.