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NETWORK UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 MICHELLE DE LEON ITV PRODUCER AND FOUNDER OF WORLD AFRO DAY MY SHANGHAI DIARY WESTMINSTER STUDENTS EXPERIENCE THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF CHINA’S BIGGEST CITY WRITTEN IN THE STARS PROFESSOR LEWIS DARTNELL ON HOW PLANET EARTH HAS DIRECTED THE COURSE OF HUMAN HISTORY
WELCOME FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS CONTENTS
WELCOME CONTENTS
4 16
IN TOUCH
Some key findings from Your Alumni
Survey and comments from our alumni
around the world
6
NETWORK NEWS
A round-up of news stories from across
the University, including the latest
research and alumni achievements
16
CREATIVE CREMATION
Arthur Mamou-Mani, Lecturer in
Architecture, constructed the temple
for Burning Man 2018
18
BEING WESTMINSTER:
ONE YEAR ON 26 40
An update from our Vice-Chancellor PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE FEEL YOUNGER THAN
and President, Dr Peter Bonfield FRONT LINE YOU ARE? HERE’S WHY
Photojournalism graduate Alessandro YOU’RE ON TO
20 Rota shares his experiences of SOMETHING GOOD
YOUR ALUMNI WINNERS capturing conflict Research suggests that feeling younger
We present the winners of this year’s than you are could be good for
Westminster Alumni Awards 28 your health
WORDS HEAL THE WORLD
22 Alumna Beatriz Buarque’s NGO is using 42
NOTES ON A BIG CITY: the power of words to inspire peace CLASSNOTES
It is my pleasure to welcome you to this or would be happy to recommend the In this edition, you can read how MY SHANGHAI DIARY A selection of alumni updates from
edition of Network magazine, our University of Westminster. We also Media Studies graduate Michelle The Westminster Working Cultures 30 around the world
annual publication to celebrate the appreciate there are areas we can De Leon, founder of World Afro Day, programme heads to Shanghai CHANGING THE WORLD
remarkable achievements of the entire improve and we will continue to share realised her purpose was to create WITH STYLE
Westminster community. It’s been a busy our plans with you. a positive environment and change Network talks to alumna, ITV producer
NETWORK
and exciting year for Westminster and We are delighted to support your views on Afro hair. We also catch 30 and the founder of World Afro Day,
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER
ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019
you, our graduates, continue to impress network with the launch of our new online alumnus and freelance documentary Michelle De Leon
with your achievements and willingness community, Westminster Connect. This photographer Alessandro Rota between Editor: Jenny Stubberfield
to be involved in university life. ‘one stop shop’ for all of our graduates projects and he shares what it’s like 34 Contributors: Heather Ridal, John Maher,
Liene Strode, David Brooks and Alyssa
We truly value your feedback and around the world is an opportunity to to document life in war-torn areas. IT GIRLS Martin. Thanks to all alumni, staff, students
continued support of activities across the connect with fellow alumni through the Meanwhile on campus, Dr Peter Bonfield Westminster is encouraging more and supporters who have contributed to
University and we were blown away with directory, to find out how you can give shares his thoughts one year on from women to pursue careers in technology this issue.
Cover Photograph: Kacper Rudolf
the response rate to Your Alumni Survey. back to the University and to expand taking up his role as Vice‑Chancellor
38
Print: Gemini Print
Launched in February, the survey asked your network to achieve what you want and President.
for your opinions, feedback and ideas professionally. Westminster Connect is I very much hope you enjoy this WRITTEN IN THE STARS Alumni Relations Office
University of Westminster
so we can continue to offer you the a hub where you can find access to your edition of Network and continue AND DRIEST DESERTS Cavendish House
very best opportunities to engage with alumni benefits and keep up to date with to stay in touch. ON EARTH 101 New Cavendish Street
Westminster, both in ways to give back news and activities from around the Professor Lewis Dartnell discusses his London W1W 6XH
and your personal and professional University. If you haven’t already signed latest publication and the upcoming T: +44 (0)20 3506 6245
development. We were so pleased to up, we look forward to seeing you online Chris Smith mission to Mars E: alumni@westminster.ac.uk
discover that nine in ten of you have, soon at westminsterconnect.org. Director of External Relations
2 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 3
IN TOUCH IN TOUCH
IN TOUCH
YOUR ALUMNI
YOU WOULD RECOMMEND YOU WANT ONGOING
WESTMINSTER TO OTHERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT STAY CONNECTED Thank you very much for everyone’s Excited to have joined the
SURVEY 2019 We were thrilled to discover that an
incredible 90 per cent of you have,
What stood out most was the high level
of interest in improving professional
University of Westminster
support – thrilled to have won and
be recognised amongst such great
@UniWestminster @uw_alumni
careers and employability mentoring
talented people from the University scheme. I hope to add value and
or would be happy, to recommend our skills, with 9 in 10 indicating that they Alumni Association
of Westminster – an institution that raise aspirations.
In February this year, we launched University to friends or family, and we would like the University’s support with helped me shape my career to
an alumni survey to learn about were equally happy to learn that 7 their career development. You also @uw_alumni this day. Dr Maria Kordowicz,
your connection to and thoughts in 10 of our alumni are proud to specifically said that improving your @MariaKordowicz (Psychology BSc,
tell people that they studied here. digital skills would be useful to your Mariam Ahmadi-Moghaddam 2005), Senior Healthcare Management
about the University, as well as University of Westminster (Professional Practice in Architecture
professional development. Professional, on signing up to
to determine what engagement Alumni Association PgDip, 2011), Architect and Senior support a student through our
YOU ENJOYED YOUR TIME AT
opportunities and benefits we WESTMINSTER WE CAN DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY Associate at Weston Williamson, Mentoring Scheme.
can continue to offer you to westminster.ac.uk on the news she had won the
We were pleased to receive the We’ve realised we need to find Outstanding Achievement Award
best support your development
feedback that 93 per cent of you felt different ways of sharing information @ alumni@westminster.ac.uk in this year’s Westminster
after Westminster. Alumni Awards.
your time at Westminster had a with you as 40 per cent of you weren’t
Thank you to everyone who took positive impact on your life. Almost aware of any of the benefits available Alumni Relations Office
the time to complete the survey; we 80 per cent of you were satisfied with as a Westminster graduate, such University of Westminster ARE YOU MAKING
were so pleased with the response rate.
Alumni all over the world shared their
your overall experience as a student,
and 70 per cent of you achieved
as access to online journals and
magazines through JSTOR and
Cavendish House THE MOST OF
feedback, with responses coming from everything you set out to during your discount on postgraduate studies.
101 New Cavendish Street
London W1W 6XH Such a pleasure getting the
YOUR ALUMNI
alumni who graduated as far back time with us. opportunity to share my experiences BENEFITS?
as 1954. HOW WILL WE USE THESE RESULTS? of being a Female Leader today to
Your feedback has been insightful YOU WANT TO BE INVOLVED students who are in the same place
and incredibly helpful as we look Your feedback won’t just stay with I was in just last year! Thank you
forward to enhancing your experience It was very promising to discover that the Alumni Team. We are working • Expand your network, browse
@uw_alumni for the opportunity!
as a graduate of the University half of you would like to be more to share this information across the job opportunities and plan
#wearewestminster.
of Westminster. involved with Westminster and that 60 University to a range of stakeholders events through our exclusive
per cent of you are interested in giving to ensure we’re offering beneficial Ethel Tambudzai, @etheltamb alumni platform,
Here we share a summary of our back to support students, either through opportunities relevant to you and (Development Studies and westminsterconnect.org
key findings. mentoring, completing an alumni your development. I wanted to give you some positive International Relations BA, 2018),
• Save 15 per cent on a Masters
profile or delivering a careers talk. feedback on the Westminster alumni Founder and Director of TAMBU
or PhD at Westminster
magazine which I really enjoy reading. GROUP was part of an inspirational
It is always really inspiring to hear panel of alumnae at our ‘What It Takes • Come back to campus and
of the incredible success of fellow to be a Female Leader’ event. use the libraries with your
Through your responses, we know available for graduates to come launched Westminster Connect graduates of the University. alumni access card
we need to work on making you, back and speak to students during – an exclusive hub for Westminster I also wanted to make a small plea • Receive discounts on gym
our graduates, feel connected to teaching, and with our alumni event alumni to expand their professional – would it be possible to change the membership, room hire and
Westminster and feel valued as speaker series What It Takes, this is networks, search for jobs, and offer packaging of the magazine from a summer accommodation
members of our vital alumni an area we will explore further in and receive mentoring from fellow plastic wrapper to a paper envelope
or better still, just a sticker to hold it Once Proud, Forever Proud, to be • Make use of the vast library
community. This is an ever-evolving the future. alumni. Make sure you sign up
all together? a member of our global community! of journals on JSTOR with your
and ongoing opportunity for us to After learning about your wish to Westminster Connect at
Great Shanghai Alumni Night free alumni access
find new ways to keep you up to date to access professional development westminsterconnect.org to learn Astrid Blackburn spent! Looking forward to
with knowledge of the University as opportunities, we will be working about the many benefits available (Urban Design, 2009) • Kick-start your career with free
contribute to the Alumni Committee!
well as developing even more unique with colleagues across the University to you now. careers support for three years
#westminsteralumni.
ways you can be involved. to expand our skills development We will continue to look for You said, we did! We have replaced after you graduate
You fed back that you want more offering for graduates. even more new ways to support the polythene packaging with Evelyn Ke (Public Relations MA,
public speaking opportunities, and You also showed a strong interest your connection to the University environmentally-friendly film made 2014), Founder of AdaptDept,
we know our students are incredibly in connecting with each other to of Westminster, so keep a lookout from potato starch. This can be joined our Westminster Working Find out more:
interested in hearing from graduates. make the most of our global alumni for more information in our composted or recycled in your Cultures students at the networking westminster.ac.uk/alumni-benefits
While we have current opportunities community. We have recently alumni e-newsletters. household garden waste bin. event in Shanghai.
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NETWORK NEWS NETWORK NEWS
THE UNIVERSITY RECOGNISES MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2019
COMMERCIAL MUSIC BA GRADUATE RECEIVES On 7 March, the University of These are some of the reasons why
OSCAR NOMINATION FOR BEST ORIGINAL SONG Westminster participated in University
Mental Health Day, an annual
the mental health and well-being of
students is so critical and why we are
awareness day which brings together working hard at London Higher Health
the higher education community to and Wellbeing Network, bringing
make mental health a national priority. London’s universities together to make
University Mental Health Day aims to a practical difference.”
create and enforce ongoing change for Westminster’s Student and Academic
a better future for students’ well-being. Services Department (SAS) and the
This year’s adopted theme was ‘Use Students’ Union (UWSU) were present
Your Voice’, a campaign which asks Wellbeing Network, which was at the Marylebone, Regent and Harrow
all affected students, staff and other established on World Mental Health campuses to speak to students, promote
members of the higher education Day in October 2018. student well-being literature and raise
community to use their experience Dr Bonfield said: “One in five awareness of future mental-health-focused
and stories to change the narrative students has a current mental health events. The University’s Mental Health
around the sensitive topic of student diagnosis; one in three has had a Society also brought alpacas from the
mental health. serious psychological issue for which Pennybridge alpaca farm to the Harrow
The University’s Vice-Chancellor and they need professional help; and four campus to help students de-stress and
President, Dr Peter Bonfield, chaired the in five report that they have struggled improve their mental health in support
second London Higher Health and with feelings of anxiety. of Wellness Week.
CHAIR OF LGBT CHARITY STONEWALL,
JAN GOODING, AWARDED
HONORARY DOCTORATE
The University of Westminster named of Women in Advertising and
social change champion and Chair Communications, London (WACL),
of the LGBT equality charity Stonewall, an influential club for senior women
Jan Gooding, Honorary Doctor of in UK Communications. Gooding
Letters at the College of Liberal Arts is also the President of the Market
and Sciences’ 2019 graduation Research Society.
ceremony on 8 July. She received In her acceptance speech at the
the award in recognition of her ceremony, Jan Gooding said: “That
Westminster alumnus and music Keys, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Plan B, and produced seven tracks on services to diversity and inclusion, you have successfully honed the skill
producer Alexander Shuckburgh, Tinie Tempah and Lana Del Rey, Plan B’s album ill Manors as well and her commitment to championing of learning how to come to your own
known professionally as Al Shux, and travelled across America as as scoring the music for the film social change. independent conclusion about issues
was nominated for the song ‘All the Lily Allen’s musical director. His of the same name. Gooding is Chair of the Board of is priceless. I am here to encourage
Photo credit: H.Tempest
Stars’, featuring Kendrick Lamar and first major track was Lupe Fiasco’s Graham Ball, Assistant Head Trustees of Stonewall and was ranked you not only to know your own mind,
SZA. The track, which Al Shux ‘Hi-Definition’ featuring Snoop Dogg of School for Music, said: “It is 16th in the Top 100 Outstanding in but to speak it. To continue to observe (former Chair of Women’s Business
produced alongside Kendrick Lamar, in 2007. always fantastic to see the great Business list published in the Financial and be critical of what you see Council), Richard Boden (television
Anthony Tiffith, Mark Spears and In February 2011, he received achievements of former Westminster Times. She also chairs the Publishers around you, but as your sphere of director and producer), Nigel Edwards
Solana Rowe was the lead single from a Grammy in the Best Rap Song students being recognised at the Audience Measurement Company influence grows to do something to (Chief Executive at the Nuffield Trust),
the soundtrack album for the Marvel Award category for producing and highest levels. Al Shux is an (PAMCo), the governing body which change it.” Mo Abudu (broadcaster and CEO
Studios blockbuster film Black Panther. co-writing ‘Empire State of Mind’ inspiration to our current music oversees audience measurement for Other recipients of Honorary of EbonyLife Media) and Colin
A West London native, Al Shux has featuring Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. students as well as aspiring the published media industry, and Doctorates at this years’ ceremonies Barrow CBE (former Leader of
previously worked with Jay-Z, Alicia Later on, in 2012, he also co-wrote artists everywhere.” is on the executive committee were: Dame Cilla Snowball DBE Westminster City Council).
6 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 7
NETWORK NEWS NETWORK NEWS
WESTMINSTER HOSTS UK’S
LARGEST JAMAICAN MUSIC EXPO
Bass Culture 70/50 was a four-week industry practitioners, academics impact of Jamaican music from a
exhibition exploring the impact of and audiences. youth perspective.
Jamaican and Jamaican-influenced The exhibition also included two The exhibition was staged by Bass
music on British culture. interactive events; the first, a ‘Rude Boy Culture Research, a three-year Arts and
The exhibition, which took place Catwalk’, invited attendees to come Humanities Research Council funded
in Ambika P3, featured previously dressed as they were when they first project set up to explore the impact of
unseen artwork, specially commissioned experienced a gig influenced by Jamaican music in the UK. The project
film, top industry speakers, UK reggae Jamaican music, such as ska or reggae, made headlines last year after publishing
label pop-up showcases, live jungle or grime, to reflect on five decades The Grime Report, which led to the
performances, and over 70 hours of of fashion inspired by these genres. withdrawal of Form 696, a controversial
individual testimonials, linking – for The second was a mini film festival Metropolitan Police risk assessment form
the first time – the memories and that premiered Bass Culture, a criticised for being discriminatory and
experiences of black British musicians, 60-minute documentary mapping the targeting genres such as grime.
UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER RANKED IN
THE TOP TEN BEST FASHION SCHOOLS
The University of Westminster’s Fashion Westminster’s Fashion Department Fashion Design BA Honours course
Department was ranked tenth by has an outstanding track record of was aligned with the international
Fashionista magazine in its Top 25 successful internships, with students fashion calendar, making it the
Fashion Institutions in the World. gaining invaluable experience at first undergraduate course to be
In its analysis, Fashionista took some of the world’s best fashion invited to show on the official
into account a variety of different houses including Marc Jacobs, London Fashion Week schedule.
factors, including famous and Alexander Wang, Christian Dior, Westminster is also home to the
successfully placed alumni, student Balmain and Givenchy. Westminster Menswear Archive,
and alumni feedback and annual In 2018, under the direction of the only public menswear archive
tuition fees. Professor Andrew Groves, the in the world.
Photo credit: Adrian Boot
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NETWORK NEWS NETWORK NEWS
REGENT STREET CINEMA HOSTS ALUMNUS SHORTLISTED FOR THE TURNER PRIZE 2019
GOLD MOVIE AWARDS
Oscar Murillo, a BA Fine Art Mixed from his studio. Murillo’s work reflects
Media graduate, was announced as on his own experience of displacement
one of the four shortlisted artists at and the social fallout of globalisation.
Tate Britain. Since graduating from the University
The Gold Movie Awards celebrate Gallery throughout the day, the Victoria Yeates, Josh Herdman, Ben The Turner Prize is one of the world’s in 2007, the Colombian-British artist
both independent and commercial red carpet event took place in the Lamb, Laura Main, Tamzin Merchant, most renowned prizes for visual arts has shown at ‘Forever Now’ MOMA
film and television across all genres evening, followed by the awards, Christina Cole and Charlotte Ritchie. and aims to promote public debate New York, has participated in the 2015
and were created to showcase the networking and an after-party at the The Best of the Year award was given around new developments in Venice Biennale and had a one-man
best up-and-coming and seasoned Cuckoo Club. The event also included to Madre by Rodrigo Sorogoyen, Best contemporary British art. It is awarded show at the South London Gallery.
filmmakers, giving them a place a champagne reception, a musical Actress was Marisa Tomei for her part to a British artist for an outstanding In February 2013, Oscar sold 24
to have their work screened. interlude and guest celebrity presenters. in Laboratory Conditions and the Best exhibition or other presentation of their works at Sotheby’s and Christie’s for
The second annual edition of the The awards jury included Karen Actor award was given to Billy Zane work in the past 12 months. an estimated $4.8m. He is represented
awards was held in January at the Bryson MBE, Kacey Ainsworth, for his role in Lucid by Adam Morse, Oscar was selected following his by David Zwirner (London), Carlos
Regent Street Cinema. Starting with Chizzy Akudolu, Kevin Guthrie, Elliot who also won Best Director and participation in the 10th Berlin Ishikawa (London) and Isabella
live screenings at the Old Street Cowan, Iain Glen, Simon Merrells, Best Feature. Biennale, his solo exhibition Violent Bortolozzi (Berlin). His solo exhibitions
Amnesia at Kettle’s Yard, Cambridge include South London Gallery and
and his solo exhibition at the chi K11 David Zwirner London.
art museum in Shanghai. The jury Speaking about his experience at
praised the way Murillo pushes the the University, Oscar Murillo said:
boundaries of materials, particularly “The University of Westminster was my
in his paintings. His work incorporates very first experience of an incredibly
a variety of techniques and media supportive educational system that
including painting, drawing, nurtured my desire to develop into
performance, sculpture and sound, often the complexities of being an artist in
using recycled materials and fragments today’s world.” Photo credit: Joo Yongsung
WESTMINSTER ALUMNI TRIUMPH ON
UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE CHRISTMAS DAY SPECIAL
In a match which aired on BBC Two
on Christmas Day, Westminster alumni
tackled a series of questions to beat
University of East Anglia alumni by
130 points to 100.
The victorious line-up included
comedian and author Danny Wallace,
neuroscientist Sophie Scott,
photographer Stuart Roy Clarke and
architect Torsten Schmiedeknecht.
Speaking about the experience,
Torsten said, “I had some truly
memorable experiences at the
Polytechnic of Central London and
formed many lifelong friendships. It was
good to feel a genuine Westminster
spirit in our fabulous team and it was
great fun to be on the show.”
Photo credit: ITV Studios
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NETWORK NEWS NETWORK NEWS
CLICK AND CONNECT
Introducing our new alumni portal, westminsterconnect.org
We are excited to announce the launch of our new alumni networking site, Westminster Connect.
This online community is an exclusive hub for graduates of the University of Westminster, allowing you
to reconnect and engage with your fellow alumni.
Westminster Connect will enable you to:
RECONNECT
THE 125 FUND RECEIVES 290 DONATIONS Utilise the trusted and talented Westminster community
to expand your professional networks, and locate former REGISTER NOW
DURING STUDENT-RUN TELEPHONE CAMPAIGN classmates and friends from your time at university.
Sign up at westminsterconnect.org and register
via LinkedIn (recommended), Facebook or by email.
GIVE BACK
More than £100,000 was raised over in 2018/19 and projects now distinguished and interesting Introduce, employ or offer advice to new graduates and
Whichever way you choose to sign up, you can
the three-week campaign last under way include a spice and Westminster alumni. We all learnt those looking for a career change through the ‘alumni to
sync details from your social media accounts by
November, made up entirely of relish stall at Borough Market, a so much from the conversations and alumni’ mentoring function.
clicking on account settings and the ‘Connect’ button
generous donations from Westminster’s documentary film on the LGBT+ gained such inspirational career
EXPAND next to the relevant logo.
alumni community. community in India and Goa, and advice from the alumni we spoke to!”
Established in 2016 to celebrate the establishment of a ‘croquet and Jordan Scammell, Development Enhance your own employment prospects and make new
connections to expand your professional network; search DOWNLOAD THE APP
125 years of the University, The 125 cocktails’ event business. Team Manager, also shared his
Fund is a matched-funding opportunity Following the Fund’s success over thoughts on the successful campaign, by location or industry to see who is willing to help. Westminster Connect is also available to download
open to all current Westminster students. the past three years, another telephone saying: “The annual telephone as an app for mobile devices.
ADVANCE
The Fund, which is generously matched campaign is scheduled to take place campaign continues to go from Gain access to resources and benefits exclusive to For Android devices go to Google Play and search
pound for pound by the Quintin Hogg this autumn. Speaking of last year’s strength to strength thanks to our Westminster graduates and keep up to date with the latest for ‘Westminster Connect’.
Trust, allows students to apply for campaign, student caller Hamada alumni acknowledging the importance events and professional development opportunities.
financial support to embark on projects Abdelrahman said: “I thoroughly of The 125 Fund, and their commitment For Apple devices, search for ‘Graduway Community’
that will enhance their employability enjoyed working on the campaign and to helping our students access the FIND JOBS in the App Store. Once downloaded, search for
and professional development. I know I speak on behalf of all of the opportunities they need to help set Employ from the talented pool of Westminster alumni ‘Westminster Connect’ to install the platform on
Thanks to the donations, a total of student callers when I say it was a them apart in today’s competitive by posting job openings, or advance in your career your device.
122 students were awarded funding huge pleasure talking to so many graduate market.” by browsing the opportunities advertised.
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RESEARCH NEWS RESEARCH NEWS
FIVE THINGS
WE LEARNT
5
TWENTY TIMES
THIS YEAR MORE ENGLISH
CHILDREN
4
COULD CYCLE TO
WALKING SCHOOL WITH
IN PATIENTS’ BETTER TRANSPORT
SHOES CAN PLANNING
HELP US UNDERSTAND
3
Academics at the
BUILDING CHRONIC DISEASES In a collaborative project, Professor
University continue to DESIGN Rachel Aldred, Reader in Transport
2
conduct world-leading, BURNOUT IN CAN REDUCE Dr Tina Cartwright and Candida at Westminster, has developed a
Halton from the Psychology new modelling tool which will help
impact-driven research DOCTORS HAS AIR POLLUTION Department at the University of transport planners visualise cycling
across a diverse range A SHOCKING Westminster, conducted collaborative potential for children in England.
1
According to Dr Rosa Schiano-Phan, research supporting the idea that Currently, only two per cent of
of disciplines. IN THE UK, 4.8 IMPACT ON Principal Lecturer in Architecture taking on the real-life experiences of pupils in England cycle to school,
Here are just five of the PER CENT OF PATIENTS’ CARE and Environmental Design, the a patient provides an effective way and planning for cyclists – especially
configuration of buildings could to understand disease. school children – is often overlooked
many discoveries made PEOPLE HAVE Professor David Peters, Director of the “potentially retain or aid The research was funded by the in transport schemes, with commuters
this year, which are helping ELEVATED LIVER IRON Westminster Centre for Resilience, took concentration of air pollutants, global pharmaceutical company taking priority.
part in major collaborative research while others allow them to disperse Takeda as part of the company’s An analysis of the National School
to shape and develop Dr Louise Thomas and Professor revealing that burnout in doctors has more easily”. ‘In Their Shoes’ programme, an Census suggested that if children in
the future of healthcare, Jimmy Bell’s new collaborative devastating consequences for the Her research, which examines the immersive simulation launched in England could cycle to school at the
research with Perspectum Diagnostics quality of care they deliver to patients. role of vegetation in dispersing air 2015, in which participants ‘become same rate as Dutch children (ie for
transport and architecture. reveals a prevalence of iron overload Professor Peters, alongside experts pollutants, shows that incorporating the patients’ to experience what it trips of the same distance and
in the UK Biobank population. from the universities of Manchester, plants into building design, as many is like to live with inflammatory gradient), more than two in five
The study assessed the combined Keele, Leeds and Birmingham, new buildings have done, can help bowel disease (IBD). children would do so.
burden of fatty liver and elevated looked at 47 papers which analysed clean air in windy and airy places By using a variety of different With the development of the
liver iron levels within 8,865 UK the responses of 43,000 doctors. by enabling the pollution to pass research methods, the study was Propensity to Cycle Tool (PCT),
Biobank participants. Researchers The research found that doctors with through, trapping pollutants when able to demonstrate that participants planners are able to visualise and
used the quantitative Magnetic burnout are twice as likely to make arranged in a canopy-like design. in the programme gained a plan for such growth, by mapping
Resonance Imaging (MRI) technique mistakes, such as diagnosing Dr Schiano-Phan’s findings significantly better understanding the routes through neighbourhoods
behind LiverMultiScan to provide incorrect conditions or prescribing emphasise the importance of of the physical symptoms as well as for individual schools.
a non-invasive assessment of the wrong medications. designing buildings that allow for the psychosocial impact of IBD. Furthermore, the PCT shows that if
liver iron. Findings also showed that burnout adequate ventilation. “One of the The study also showed that England achieved its school cycling
The data showed that over 20 per can double the likelihood of lower biggest barriers in London is really participants gained a much greater potential, the benefits could be huge:
cent of this population have excess professional standards and could the poor air quality,” she explains. level of empathy, better connectivity a 97 per cent increase in physical
fat in their livers and 4.8 per cent have an impact on patient satisfaction, “Therefore with the PhD students, to IBD patients and a greater sense activity from school travel for
have elevated liver iron levels, with which is three times more likely to we are starting to apply some of of confidence in speaking to others secondary school children and the
1.3 per cent having elevated levels be lower when doctors are physically, the methodology of environmental about the impact IBD has on reduction of transport-related carbon
of both fat and iron. emotionally and mentally exhausted. design to improve this.” patients’ lives. emissions by 81 kilotonnes per year.
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CREATIVE CREMATION CREATIVE CREMATION
CREATIVE
CREMATION
For the past six years, Architecture Lecturer Arthur Mamou-Mani
has invited a group of MA architecture students and staff to
accompany him to Black Rock City – an ephemeral metropolis
in the Nevada desert – and experience the wonders of
Burning Man.
What began as a bonfire ritual for the from Isaac Asimov’s 1980s sci-fi book
summer solstice, Burning Man is now series Foundation, was formed of 20
an annual end-of-summer celebration of timber trusses which spiralled into a
art, community and architecture, where tower and converged to create different
revellers set up camp in Nevada’s Black pathways towards a giant mandala at
Rock Desert and for nine days create a the centre of the pavilion.
‘leave no trace’ city from scratch. In keeping with the festival’s I, Robot
Asked in an interview with CNN why theme, Galaxia was a demonstration
he takes his students to Burning Man of the power of robotic devices and
every year, Arthur said: “Burning Man was designed with 3D-modelling and
is very extreme, it’s like an architecture fabrication tools such as 3D printers
boot camp – you take the students there and laser cutters. According to the
not just for an architectural experience Burning Man Journal, the structure was
but also to experience community living. “the ultimate network, the fabric of the
You are immersed into your art.” universe connecting living beings into
For the 2018 event, Arthur was one entity”.
chosen to design and build the ‘temple’, As is custom, the festival culminated
a wooden structure which traditionally with a ritual burning of the temple
forms the sacred centre of the temporary and Galaxia was sent up in flames
town. His creation ‘Galaxia’, which to represent a ‘collective release’ on
referenced the fictional planet Gaia the final day.
Photo credit: instagram.com/jamenpercy
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BEING WESTMINSTER BEING WESTMINSTER
BEING
And our ‘Being Westminster’ strategy
is very clear – I commend it to all
alumni to read. Testing it with external
WESTMINSTER:
stakeholders has been another key
element that evidences our attractiveness
and relevance.
I have enjoyed meeting many alumni,
ONE YEAR ON
either here in London or overseas. What
is consistent is the Westminster spirit. It
has been apparent in each of you I have
met. To all of our alumni on behalf of
the University, I thank you for all you
contribute – as mentors, as donors, and
as emissaries and ambassadors for our
I write this note to you having been in post as Vice-Chancellor University. We are so grateful for all you
do, wherever you work in the world.
for some 17 months since joining in May 2018. I am completely For the 3,000 students who
immersed in our wonderful and distinctive University of Westminster, graduated in July and for whom this
which has such an amazing and proud history and which, of course, is your first Network magazine, my
you are all part of. I am confident we have a bright future ahead message to you is to please join and
be active in the alumni network. It is
of us that builds on who we are and what we stand for. a brilliant thing to be a part of. Give
back to those students who follow
you. Become a mentor for our current
students. Engage with others, keep
It has been a huge privilege and such be innovative and proactive in how connected. Be our voice out there.
a delight to discover our University. we move forward. Remember our core values of being
I have spent a great deal of time with The spirit, mood and morale that responsible, compassionate and
colleagues, students and others who is uniquely Westminster is doing well. progressive. Be forever Westminster.
are part of our University. I have There are so many ways in which this And reach out to other alumni who
gained a strong understanding of what is evidenced. For example, the types are more experienced to help you
makes Westminster and what made the of events we have – political, edgy, grow your career path.
Polytechnic special. creative debates, exhibitions and Our future ambition is closely aligned
I have tested, explained and shows. Some very large in our Ambika with what we were set up to do over
promoted our position with the private facility under our Marylebone Campus, 180 years ago and which we have
sector, with our government, with
universities and others – not just in the
and others that are smaller but still
delivered with intensity and passion.
students goes out knowing more about
themselves and with the confidence “BUSINESSES AROUND THE WORLD been doing ever since. Our ambition is
to further that to a very clear and
UK but in other countries too – and
what is quite clear is that we are
It’s just extraordinary. Our students are
proactive and engaged in so many
to become good employees – or
employers, because many are now
NEED PEOPLE THEY CAN TRUST outstanding reputation about being the
university, the best university – responsible,
important and relevant. Our core ways – within their courses and in setting up their own businesses, WITH GOOD CORE VALUES AND compassionate and progressive in the
purpose of bringing in students from
a very diverse array of backgrounds
voluntary activities. We are working
hard to engage our commuting and
rather than going to work for others.
Businesses around the world need A WORK-READY EDUCATION, way it invites people from diverse
backgrounds, gives them strong core
to nurture them, to give them the
confidence and good core values that
working students who are so busy
juggling the different facets of their lives
people they can trust with good core
values and a work-ready education,
AND SO DO GOVERNMENTS” values, makes them great citizens, gives
them the skills and an education that
make them very employable citizens in alongside their studies. Many of our and so do governments. We complement make them eminently employable
a changing work environment and an alumni will be very familiar with that the more theoretical, research-intensive people. We want to lead the world in
increasingly fractured world is arguably because you have been part of this too. universities and we are finding our how we do that and that’s the ambition
more important than ever. It’s a unique essence and experience place, becoming better known and affordability of education, at Westminster So, a key component for me over for our University. Please do continue
I am pleased to say we are in good of Westminster that is alive and thriving valued for what we do – and that’s both we are doing well, and our unique the last 17 months has been getting to play your part in helping us with
shape and set fair for the future, though and is so enjoyable to be a part of. deserved and good for our reputation. offering and spirit remain increasingly to know and understand our University, this journey.
the university sector is highly competitive We are stretching, challenging and Despite the challenges of Brexit and attractive to new students. We will work and finding out what we have stood for
and subject to changing external individualising the educational the questions about the attractiveness hard to sustain and further improve all this time. What is really relevant to Best wishes
factors, so we will need to continue to experience so that every one of our of our country to others and the our reputation. the future is having a clear strategy. Peter
18 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 19WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AWARDS WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AWARDS
RECENT GRADUATE AWARD
YOUR
REASAT FAISAL
INTERNATIONAL PLANNING AND
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MA,
2017
ALUMNI
As a passionate development
practitioner, Reasat’s work is reducing
urban poverty in Bangladesh. Focusing
on solid waste management and fire
prevention mechanisms in informal
WINNERS
urban settlements, Reasat’s current
CONTRIBUTION TO THE project has helped 50,000 low-income
CREATIVE INDUSTRIES AWARD people living in urban slums. He has
RITNIKA NAYAN piloted a fire prevention mechanism
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
MUSIC BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MA, that is currently being replicated in AWARD
2007 20 cities across Bangladesh.
Ritnika Nayan started her music company
DR MICHAEL TAYLOR
PHD, 1989
MGMH in 2007, dealing with artist
Westminster Alumni Awards recognise and celebrate Michael is a passionate Chartered
management, live concerts and SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
the outstanding achievements of graduates of the consultancy, as well as operating a Engineer who has consistently used
University of Westminster and our predecessors, rehearsal studio in Delhi. She is a strong ALICIA WILLIAMS his engineering skills to improve the
advocate for local music and believes the CRIMINAL JUSTICE BA HONOURS, quality of life and safety of others.
including the Polytechnic of Central London and the 2016
He has held roles with organisations
Indian music industry needs to be at par
Regent Street Polytechnic. The awards highlight the with the rest of the world. In 2019, Ritnika When Alicia travelled to St. Thomas including the Metropolitan Police
variety of ways our graduates make a real impact set up India’s first standalone music in Jamaica, she noticed that a number Service, the Cabinet Office, and
business management certification course of children were illiterate, facing trauma AbilityNet. Michael is a Fellow of
across the globe. after the loss of one or both parents the IET, the RAeS and the BCS, and
with Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and
Communication, Delhi. The course teaches and severely lacking in confidence. a Freeman of the City of London. He
We received almost 300 submissions for the Awards students about the various facets of the She decided to set up Araba Scott is also a Liveryman of the WCIT and
this year, and our selection panels had the challenging music industry and helps them get real Children’s Foundation, creating a named inventor of over 13 patents.
task of choosing just three finalists in each category, world experience through internships safe haven for children from her The UK IT archives recently published
and job placements. grandmother’s church. his profile online.
leaving us with 18 finalists overall. More than 2,500
alumni, staff and members of the public then voted for
their favourites, and we checked and verified the votes OUTSTANDING
ENTREPRENEURIAL AWARD
to discover who received the most per category. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
RAHAT KULSHRESHTHA
TELEVISION PRODUCTION BA MARIAM
This year we introduced a new category for recent HONOURS, 2010 AHMADI-MOGHADDAM
graduates. This award recognises someone who Rahat set up Quidich Innovation Labs PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE IN
has achieved something extraordinary within just in 2013, as one of the first few drone
ARCHITECTURE PGDIP, 2011
three years of leaving Westminster. service providers in India. It has worked Mariam’s work as an architect has
with leading companies like National greatly contributed to the success of
Here we present the final winners as decided by Geographic, BBC on Planet Earth 2, high-profile infrastructure projects in
Red Bull and PepsiCo. His team have London and overseas. In 2017 she was
the public vote. developed cutting-edge technology that the Lead Architect on the prestigious
enables them to showcase broadcast- Crossrail Paddington project, Europe’s
grade Augmented Reality on live aerial largest infrastructure project, and one
footage from the drone. This technology of the most complex ever undertaken in
COULD YOU WIN A WESTMINSTER ALUMNI AWARD? is the first of its kind in the world and the UK. She was a finalist for the ‘Best
Look out for more information from January 2020, or visit was used during the Indian Premier Woman Architect’ in the Women in
westminster.ac.uk/westminster-alumni-awards-2019-winners League in 2018, as well as at the Construction and Engineering Awards
to find out more. Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018. of 2017.
ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 21WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES
NOTES ON A BIG CITY:
MONDAY 22 APRIL TUESDAY 23 APRIL
MY SHANGHAI DIARY
Jet lagged, slightly disorientated we headed to Chenghuang Today we met alumnus Kevin Bao,
but excited for the week ahead, Temple and experienced the founder of Imagination
I was up early this morning to Shanghai in a whole different Education Inc. He gave us some
meet alumnus Vincent Schoofs. light – old traditional buildings, really interesting advice on how to
Our Westminster Working Cultures programme gives undergraduates the Vincent is Partner-Director of small shops and the delicious build a successful business whilst
opportunity to travel abroad and experience diverse cultures and working luxury events agency WHAT IF smell of street food. providing something that is
and he gave us a presentation The taxi ride home tonight was necessary and benefits society.
environments across the globe. This year, for the first time, 14 lucky students on the creative sector and quite eventful as the driver didn’t It was so inspiring to see the
spent eight days exploring the bright lights and heights of Shanghai. experience-based advertising in speak English and we had no genuine passion he has for
Liene Strode (BSc Real Estate, 2019) shares her travel notes from the trip. Shanghai. He also spoke to us access to the internet! I came up children’s education. It was clear
about his experience as an expat with the idea of pointing out the that he really valued the knowledge
acclimatising to life in China. Metro station closest to our hotel he gained at Westminster too.
Later, we took a trip to the on the map (as all stations are His presentation got me thinking
beautiful Jade Buddha Temple listed in English and Chinese). It about the possibility of working
at Jiangning Road to try some was definitely a good opportunity in Shanghai one day myself, as
traditional tea tasting. Then to test my problem solving skills! it’s such a large market for any
industry. Although, in our afternoon
presentation we met alumnus Klink
Zhou from Grouphorse Group
who explained the 9-9-6 rule:
people in China work from 9am
to 9pm six days a week! I’m not
sure I could manage that…
PRE-DEPARTURE SUNDAY 21 APRIL
I have always been fascinated After nearly 12 hours of flight time,
by Chinese culture and how it we arrived in Shanghai in the early
differs from Europe, although I’ve evening. The coach ride to the
never had a chance to visit the hotel was accompanied by rain
country before. More than and bright lights all the way.
anything, I’m excited to learn We had our first dinner out as
about how business is conducted a group this evening and I was
in Shanghai and to gain an insight introduced to a large glass spinning
into the culture, city life and the tray called a ‘Lazy Susan’ to
built environment. experience the food sharing culture.
The roast duck, black fungus and
lotus roots were divine!
22 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 23WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES WESTMINSTER WORKING CULTURES
WEDNESDAY 24 APRIL THURSDAY 25 APRIL FRIDAY 26 APRIL
We were back on more familiar After a studio tour of Shanghai During our visit to East China
soil this morning with a visit to the Media Group today, we had Normal University today, we
British Consulate, where I had the chance to meet lots more enjoyed round table discussions
the pleasure to meet and discuss Westminster alumni at the in English with local students.
property with Benjamin Jiang networking reception. Everyone The sky was clearer today at last,
(the Senior Trade and Investment I spoke to was really friendly and so I could finally appreciate the
Officer). We talked about the real knowledgeable about their business Shanghai skyline in all its height
estate market and the current sectors, and happy to discuss the and glory. Perfect timing too as we
social aspects affecting property pleasures of living in Shanghai. went to visit the amazing Baiku
development, which I was keen I learnt how handy WeChat is Jiangxin Art Centre in the world’s
to learn about from a local when making contacts too, as second tallest building – Shanghai
person’s perspective. it’s a very popular platform for Tower. We may have only made it
Strolling through artists’ studios communication, even in business. to the 38th floor, but the view was
in the M50 district this afternoon still incredibly impressive.
reminded me of Camden Town.
Writing on one wall said “Shanghai
is the future for 19 time zones”. I
think innovation is a priority in both
business and creativity here.
SATURDAY 27 APRIL SUNDAY 28 APRIL
For our free day, we chose to visit It was a late one last night, so the Thank you to all our alumni who
Qibao – a water town not far from early flight back wasn’t easy, but have supported Westminster
Shanghai. I’d been getting a bit we made it home safe and sound. Working Cultures.
bored with rice noodle soup and This trip has been a great team If you live in Berlin, Brussels,
steamed dumplings for breakfast, experience and I’ve learnt so much Dubai, Hong Kong, Mumbai,
so I was very pleased to have the about the society, ethics and Shanghai, Toronto or Washington,
option to try grilled frog this business environment in China. I’ve D.C. and could provide a few
morning! It actually tasted quite learnt the city is quite Westernised hours to talk to our students or show
nice and I’d happily have it again. and I think I could adapt if my work them around your workplace,
After some souvenir shopping, ever took me there. we would love to hear from you.
we headed back to the city centre I feel very lucky to have had Please email
to see the vibrant colours of Yayoi this adventure. WorkingCultures@westminster.ac.uk
Kusama’s exhibition.
24 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 25PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE FRONT LINE PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE FRONT LINE
PHOTOGRAPHY
ON THE FRONT LINE
Photojournalism MA alumnus and Study UK Alumni Awards Global Finalist
Alessandro Rota shares the risks and rewards of working as a conflict reporter
and photojournalist.
“It’s completely different shooting a only with bullets and explosions, but when you go back home,” he explains.
catwalk in Milan to being in a war zone also with kidnapping – which is a really “Sometimes when you come back, you
in Iraq,” states Alessandro, who at just tough topic. It’s increasingly difficult to feel like everything is senseless. So you
31 years old, has enjoyed a career report in war zones.” need to be ready for that and learn to
spanning both. But since he’s been willing to take that take care of yourself.”
Alessandro fell in love with risk, Alessandro’s photography has In his five years of freelancing,
photography when studying for a BA featured in publications including the Alessandro has covered four active
in Industrial Design in his hometown, Guardian, Der Spiegel, Newsweek, and conflicts and travelled to more than 25
Milan. After learning the basics at night on the National Geographic website countries. Witnessing violence on such
school and discovering his passion for – to name just a few. Considering how a scale has inevitably had some
being behind the lens, he decided to competitive the industry is, these consequences. “The first time you
move to London to study documentary achievements reveal Alessandro’s see a gun or hear a gunshot is very
photography at Westminster. seemingly limitless dedication to frightening,” he remarks, “but over the
“The UK has a special relationship photojournalism; from the repeated risks years you get completely used to it. This
with journalism,” he explains. “I wanted to his safety on location to his day-to-day is dangerous, as the more time you
to get a sense of that. That’s what drove life back in Italy. (He lives “in the spend in conflict the less vulnerable you
me to choose Westminster, as it’s one countryside of Milano, minutes away feel. Which is one of the reasons you
of the most prestigious universities for from International Airport of Malpensa” always need breaks at home with your
documentary photography.” – ready to jump on a plane at a friends and family, to properly
Fast-forward ten years and moment’s notice.) decompress what you have witnessed
Alessandro, now an award-winning Above all, his experience so far has and to realise that’s not your reality, or
conflict reporter working with taught him – sometimes the hard way daily routine – but part of your job.
humanitarian clients such as Emergency – the importance of being prepared. “I’ve spent a lot of time in Iraq
and Oxfam, spends up to six months a “Naivety is so dangerous,” he says. covering the Islamic State war. Even
year travelling to war-torn areas of “You can’t just fly to Mogadishu and without assignments, I would travel
Africa and the Middle East, capturing shoot a story for two weeks. It’s there for research and to expand my
the violence and the lives of those becoming more and more unsafe to network of contacts. It was extremely
caught up in it. work in these areas and so constant violent, especially the Mosul Offensive
“One of the things I love about training is absolutely compulsory.” in the very last days of the caliphate. It
photography is that you have to be The Hostile Environments training was like a house-by-house fight, with a
in the field,” he says. “You have to Alessandro is referring to is an intensive lot of casualties, including civilians. It
have your feet on the ground to get a five-day course which covers was very tough and one of the most
sense of what is really going on. But surveillance, security and first aid; violent conflicts I’ve seen. Alessandro to disconnect from his Greece, all along the Italian coast. experience, and a good way to relax
it’s a dangerous job and you must essential knowledge for living in a war “You need to deal with things like this career in conflict when needed. Friends visited sometimes, but I was following my previous year. At the
accept that, otherwise you’re stuck zone. However, there are other risks and be at peace with it. Another side “I had a very hard trip to Iraq in basically alone. moment, the boat is in Greece as it
and cannot work. which this type of training won’t effect of seeing such terrible events is March 2017,” he explains, “so last “It felt extremely good to start a new needs refurbishment, but I will go back
“The biggest threat these days is the prepare you for. that you feel powerless, which can year I decided to take a break and photography project, telling the story of to it in the summer. For the meantime,
fact journalists are no longer seen as “A few years ago, I started to make you angry but also depressed. went sailing around the Mediterranean the amazing Mediterranean Sea, which I am starting to feel ready to go back
impartial, neutral spectators. Especially confront the reality of being a conflict You need to learn to let things go.” Sea on my own. I found this old 1970s is super beautiful and fragile. I found to the war zones.”
in the Middle East with the Islamic State photojournalist; the notion of travelling Fortunately, understanding the boat in France, bought and refurbished some incredible treasures; it was a
war. Journalists are now targets – not to these countries and the consequences importance of self-care has allowed it, and sailed on my own from France to completely unexpected and special Photo credit: alessandrorota.photoshelter.com
26 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 27WORDS HEAL THE WORLD WORDS HEAL THE WORLD WORDS HEAL THE WORLD How one Westminster alumna is using the power of words to challenge hate and inspire peace. In the video ‘Behind the Scarf’, a young And while producing messages to When Beatriz won a scholarship and project,” explains Beatriz. “They really woman, eyes smiling, explains to the challenge hate, they also challenge moved to London to start her Masters supported me. It started to gain camera, “I’m the same person with or their own misconceptions.” here, Words Heal the World was international recognition and I was without the niqab.” In another video, Words Heal the World began life as quickly embraced by the University’s invited to conferences to talk about ‘100 Black Girls’, a mother talks about a website in 2017, set up while Beatriz Democratic Education Network (DEN) what we were doing. her search to create a list of 100 was a journalist in Brazil to increase and University of Westminster students. “I am very grateful to the University children’s stories where a black girl is the visibility of organisations that DEN is a network of over 200 students of Westminster because I learnt a lot the main protagonist. And in ‘Who You promote peace but did not have the and staff, led by Professor Farhang there. Not only from the professors, but Fear, You Should Hear’, four students resources for social media teams. Morady (Principal Lecturer in from the other students. Westminster has are challenged to meet blindfolded Beatriz quickly recognised that students Development and International a big diversity of students. You can find and get to know each other through – naturally expert in social media and Relations) that encourages our students, people from all over the world at this voice alone. brimming with ideas – were the perfect alongside colleagues and communities University. This is very, very important.” All these videos are the output of people to do this. So Beatriz began in London, to inspire, engage and apply Words Heal the World is still Words Heal the World, a non-profit a partnership with the Universidade their education creatively in society. growing and is expanding beyond organisation that puts young people Federal do Rio de Janeiro, where “DEN provided me with all of the the UK and Brazil to become an centre stage in tackling extremism and students could gain credits by taking means necessary to turn Worlds Heal international force as universities and online hate. Students are trained to use part in an extension course. the World from a website into a organisations start to realise the impact their natural creativity and digital skills of empowering undergraduate students to write articles, make videos, develop in challenging hate and preventing social media campaigns or produce World. “The methodology I developed between people, young adults are often radicalisation, and involving young documentaries – anything that cultivates critical thinking in our the target of the dark side of social people in their outreach strategies. challenges hate speech or promotes students. They learn about extremism, media. But Words Heal the World sees “We have started negotiating with the work of partner organisations that about the vicious circle of hate, about young people as the answer. other universities to empower students advocate peace. the impact of digital media on these “I think it is crucial to work with to challenge hate in the US and Africa. In only two years, Words Heal the ideologies and they also take action. undergraduates. It is not enough to give Until December, we are going to World has grown to encompass They are encouraged to come up with them a flyer or a book, or ask them to premiere our third movie, Silenced 24 partner organisations, has won the ideas to tackle racism, antisemitism, read something. Our greatest Saints, and launch our first report in Transcendence Award from Michigan Islamophobia, misogyny and advantage is that we inspire students to partnership with UNESCO-MGIEP, State University and been nominated for homophobia. After they share their lead change,” says Beatriz. the Hate Map of Brazil. the Luxembourg Peace Prize (awarded ideas, we implement them and monitor “The impact on our students is the “I really hope Worlds Heal the by the Schengen Peace Foundation and the results. They are involved in the most rewarding part of working on the World will break the vicious cycle the World Peace Forum). full cycle.” project. You witness your students of hate and create a virtual circle of “Our work with students is very Young people are at the heart of growing, not only professionally but peace. That is my vision. We only unique,” explains Beatriz Buarque Words Heal the World. At a time when emotionally. They become empowered need to give young people the (International Relations and Security we value emotions more than facts and and aware of their own potential; the opportunity to use their creativity MA, 2018), founder of Words Heal the digital media is contributing to divisions fact that they can make a difference. for peace.” 28 NETWORK | | ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 ALUMNI MAGAZINE 2019 | | NETWORK 29
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