Alumni stories: meet the changemakers

Edward Parnell, a 1996 graduate in American Studies, is the author of Ghostland, shortlisted for the PEN Ackerley 2020 Award. His debut novel, The Listeners, won the Rethink New Novels Prize in 2014.

After graduating in 1994 with a degree in English, Liz Sproat forged a successful career with Google and LEGO. Now a leadership and development coach, she works with clients across the education and technology sectors.

Nobel Prize-winning economist Guido Imbens spent a year here, which inspired his PhD in Economics. He later became a Professor of Economics at Stanford Graduate School and was awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize for contributions to econometrics.

Since graduating from Hull, Seguntuyi Onakoya has built House of Tuyi - a fashion brand rooted in culture, community and inclusion. From student union rep to sold-out pop-ups and gallery catwalks, he reflects on finding his voice in Hull.

Indhu’s achievements have long been a source of pride for our community. In 2017, the same year as her MBE award, she received an Honorary Doctorate. The next year, in 2018, Indhu returned to campus to take part in a ‘Women in Leadership’ event.

Tracy Borman is Joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and a successful author, best known for Elizabeth’s Women, a study of Elizabeth I told through the women who influenced her.

As Student’s Union entertainments manager, Ed Bicknell brought The Who, Jimi Hendrix, The Kinks, Pink Floyd and many more to Hull. After graduating, Ed went on to manage Dire Straits - crediting his university experience for much of his success.

“It was great seeing the enthusiasm of the students about radio and news. It was very rewarding and I was made to feel very welcome.”

Emma began by exploring how the Brontës imagined war in their unpublished writing. Her interest in childhood and conflict took her from literary archives to the fascinating role of military historian at the Royal United Services Institute.

Heather is a disability rights advocate, writer, and business development professional, driving inclusion through lived experience and strategic influence.

Daniel is an inclusive theatre leader, creative producer, and changemaker transforming access in the performing arts.

Laura is a sustainability leader driving innovation in waste recovery and circular economy solutions.

James is a performance analyst and lifelong rugby league fan shaping elite sport through data and dedication.

Usman is an investor and strategist driving innovation across emerging technologies and global markets.

Dr Nina Purvis is based at one of the most remote research stations on Earth. Combining her research background and love of space with her clinical qualifications, she’s shaping medical considerations for future missions to Mars.

Joshua Western graduated from the University in 2014 with a degree in Politics. He is Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Space Forge, a company working to manufacture semi-conductors in space.