Gemma Ferguson
BDes Interaction Design
Recent Ulster University graduate Gemma Ferguson has a lot to celebrate recently as herself and the rest of the Ulster Elks Hockey Team won the Denman Ulster Shield, one of the longest running ladies’ hockey competitions in the world! It is also worth mentioning that Gemma and the Ulster Elks just finished third at the all-Ireland EY Hockey League which now means they are qualified to play in the Championship trophy!
When Gemma is not playing Goalkeeper for the Ulster Elks, she is using her problem solving and design skills as a Product Designer for software development company Instil Software.
Massive congratulations to Gemma and the rest of the Ulster Elks Hockey Team for their incredible achievement!
Alan Wallace
BSCh Communication with Advertising & MSc Business Development
Ulster University alumnus, Alan Wallace, founder of Inspiring Belfast, is transforming how businesses connect with their audiences. Through working with leading brands like Red Bull, Tourism NI, SSE Airtricity, and Martin Phillips Carpets, Alan has achieved some unbelievable feats in the digital storytelling space!
In 2024, Alan’s creative campaign in collaboration with Martin Phillips Carpets featuring a playful red-carpet activation struck a chord with audiences globally. The video went mega-viral, racking up 65 million views and becoming Ireland’s most-watched brand video of the year. Alan is the Official Ambassador for TikTok UK and was named as one of the top 100 creators in the UK by the BBC; one of only two individuals from Northern Ireland selected for their prestigious creator programme.
With a hands-on background and experience working with global brands, Alan has carved a unique niche in brand activations and emotional storytelling. Through his innovative approach, he has built a community of 175,000 loyal followers, redefining what it means to engage audiences effectively, and cemented his position as a thought leader in digital storytelling and platform-specific strategy.
Kerry Boyd
BAH Business and Management
Kerry Boyd, who graduated from Ulster University with a BA Honours in Business and Marketing is Chief Executive of Autism NI. She is a champion for change in Northern Ireland and is heavily involved in campaigning for better autism services.
Kerry recently led the successful lobby for the Autism Amendment Act 2022, which strengthened supports for autistic people and their families.
Autism NI is Northern Ireland’s longest serving autism charity, dedicated to supporting over 35,000 autistic people and their families across the region. With a mission to promote autism acceptance and build an inclusive society, Autism NI offers tailored services, accredited training, and a network of over 20 local family support groups.
The Charity works collaboratively with communities, schools, businesses, and government to raise awareness and improve accessibility for autistic people. Through its person-centred approach, Autism NI continues to be a vital advocate and resource for the autism community in Northern Ireland.
Massive congratulations to Kerry and Autism NI for all your incredible hard work, dedication and achievements!
Irfan Ahmed
MSc International Business with Data Analytics
Founder of innovative tech start up, Eye Interaction, who launched EyeDrive, a groundbreaking wheelchair, moves with your gaze, offering seamless and intuitive mobility.
Powered by advanced eye-control technology, EyeDrive's innovative eye-tracking extends beyond wheelchairs, enabling industries from healthcare to robotics to create personalised, vision-driven applications.
Irfan's achievements with Eye Interaction earned him a prestigious Global Talent Visa. Irfan is a published academic who is currently lecturing part-time in Computing at Ulster University's branch campus in London. Additionally, he will soon be taking up a teaching post at Swansea University and is preparing to undertake a PhD. Congratulations, Irfan!
Professor Paul Carmichael
PG Cert Teaching in Higher Education
Ulster University alumnus and Professor, Paul Carmichael, from the School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, has been awarded the Sir Isaiah Berlin Prize 2025 from the Political Studies Association (PSA) for his outstanding professional contribution to Political Studies.
From initially studying at Ulster University for his PGCTHE, to taking up a range of roles as a member of staff, including, Head of the School of Criminology, Politics and Social Policy at Ulster University from 2005-2010, Dean of the former Faculty of Social Sciences from 2010-2017, and Associate Dean (Global Engagement) in the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences from 2017-2022. Most recently, Paul returned to the School of Applied Social and Policy Studies, where he is the Director for the Centre for Public Administration.
Massive congratulations to Paul for this amazing achievement!
