Andrea Teruel Diez
MSc Environmental Management with Geographic Information Systems
"I completed my Master of Science in Environmental Management with GIS (online) at Ulster University while working in the environmental sector in Canada.
A few years later, in 2019, I moved back to Spain and decided to take a bold step to shift my career path towards creativity and personal development. This journey led me to begin writing, and in 2021 I started working on Create Your Ideal Life: Open the Door to Your Dreams, which is available in both Spanish and English, as well as a bilingual children’s trilogy titled The Magical Teachings of an Antennian Family, featuring illustrations that I personally draw and color by hand. Published on Amazon between 2023 and 2024, these works aim to inspire and empower readers to design and live their ideal lives.
This 2025, I have expanded my creative expression through music, writing an album titled ReSt@rt, featuring five songs inspired by psychoanalysis and personal growth. Using AI technology, I brought both music and vocals to life, blending creativity with innovation. My songs are available on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, and other major platforms.
Currently, I am creating AI-enhanced videos for my songs. You can watch my first video, Clay of a New Life, on my YouTube channel!"
Sir James Galway
Globally Celebrated Flautist
Ulster University has announced that world-renowned flautist Sir James Galway will receive an Honorary Doctorate in recognition of his outstanding contributions to classical music and his lasting connection to Northern Ireland.
Born in Belfast, Sir James rose from a musical working-class background to international fame through his talent, determination, and innovation. He helped found the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra, became principal flautist of the Berlin Philharmonic, and later achieved global success as a solo artist.
Known as “The Man with the Golden Flute,” he has sold over 30 million albums and collaborated with icons such as Luciano Pavarotti, The Chieftains and Sir Elton John. His performances have elevated the flute’s status in both classical and popular music, inspiring musicians worldwide.
Sir James has also made notable contributions to popular culture, performing on film soundtracks such as The Lord of the Rings and helping to bridge the gap between classical and mainstream music.
Darren Quinn
BA Hons English
A graduate of Ulster University with a degree in English Literature, Darren Quinn has just published a satirical book about pseudoscience and the nature of belief. Darren moved to Bulgaria in 2010 and founded a successful language school. As well as preparing students for major English language examinations, he is an editor and a teacher trainer. He also holds a diploma in newspaper journalism and has lectured in history and literature at the University of Veliko Tarnovo.
Darren’s first love is literature, in which field he was heavily influenced, guided, and inspired by his professors at Ulster University. Many of the poets and novelists he studied during his time there feature in his novel. The book is now available on Amazon!
Denis Mulcahy
Founder and Director of Project Children
At a special ceremony at Castle Leslie, County Monaghan, on 7 October, Ulster University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to Denis Mulcahy, founder of Project Children, in recognition of his lifelong dedication to peacebuilding and supporting young people across Ireland.
Born in Rockchapel, County Cork, Denis moved to America in 1962, where he served with distinction in the New York City Police Department, retiring as a First Grade Detective after 33 years. In 1975, he co-founded Project Children, which gave more than 23,000 Catholic and Protestant children from Northern Ireland the opportunity to spend a summer in the U.S., away from the violence of the Troubles.
The programme has since evolved into an internship scheme for university students across Ireland, promoting cross-community and cross-border understanding through work and study experiences in the U.S. The award formed part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of Project Children, and to safeguard its legacy, the organisation has partnered with Monaghan County Council and the Peace Campus in Monaghan to preserve its archives and highlight its lasting impact as a model of peace and reconciliation.
