Ifedayo (Sam) Agboola
MSc International Business with Data Analytics
Since graduating from Ulster University, Ifedayo (Sam) Agboola has focused on applying postgraduate training to the development of real-world digital products and start-up ventures, both in the UK and internationally. Their work has included contributing to public-facing digital systems used at major technology events in Belfast, as well as co-founding a hardware–software start-up that gained recognition through accelerator and innovation programmes.
More recently, Ifedayo (Sam) founded a UK-registered marketplace platform, built entirely from the ground up and developed in collaboration with a small, distributed team. This venture reflects a strong commitment to combining technical expertise with practical problem-solving in live commercial environments.
Based in Belfast, Ifedayo (Sam) continues to actively engage with the local technology ecosystem, regularly participating in industry events and start-up communities. They remain keen to share further insights into their career journey and experiences since graduating.
Joanne Campbell
BSc Hons Applied Psychology & MSc Guidance & Counselling
Since graduating from Ulster University at Jordanstown Joanne has completed a PGCE at Stranmillis University College, raised a family and worked as an Associate Trainer with Barnardos NI and Parenting NI.
From 2013 Joanne has developed her artistic skills, working as a freelance artist, specialising in acrylic paintings on canvas, wood and slate from her home studio in Whitehead, County Antrim. Building on the communication skills developed at the UUJ, she has facilitated art sessions for a range of age groups.
Participating in CC Photography's 'Pivot Stories' last summer, photograph by Caroline Chan, Joanne has been enjoying networking with other women in business in NI through this project and as a member of MEA Enterprising Women.
Joanne's next solo exhibition of her original acrylic artworks, currently in its development stage, will be local. Previous exhibitions have been in Belfast, Hillsborough, Carrickfergus, Glenarm, Larne and Whitehead. Joanne uses vibrant acrylic paints and takes inspiration from nature, local NI scenes and rural animals.
Maintaining a social media presence on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook, as Joanne Campbell Artwork, Joanne markets her artwork and has been kindly supported by some local artisan shops. This New Year she looks forward to further growth as an artist.
Photo credits: CC Photography
Dermot Lavery
ADVDIP Comb Studies in Art & Design
Dermot Lavery graduated in Fine Art from Belfast College of Art in 1981. At that time the College of Art stood alone on York Street, very different to its placement at the heart of the magnificent new Ulster University complex we see there today.
Thankful to lecturer Mike Catto for introducing him to film studies while immersed in his painting Degree, Dermot after graduation went on to complete a film studies and production course in London. On returning to Belfast, he co-founded in 1986 the production company DoubleBand Films with long-time production partner Michael Hewitt.
Forty years later DoubleBand continues its storied journey as Northern Ireland’s longest established independent film production company. Throughout that period Dermot has been an award-winning director, producer and executive producer with responsibility for a wide range of acclaimed documentaries and feature films for broadcasters such as the BBC, RTE, Channel 4 and TG4, some of which have enjoyed international distribution including on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+.
With over 160 productions made, highlights among DoubleBand’s credits include the critically acclaimed and award-winning feature documentary ROAD narrated by Liam Neeson, and LOST LIVES, a landmark film on the Troubles in Northern Ireland featuring an ensemble cast of Irish actors, including Kenneth Branagh, Brendan Gleeson, Roma Downey and Ciaran Hinds.
Dermot has been the recipient of multiple awards the most recent being a Royal Television Society award for the documentary "My Name is Ottilie", about Irish Blues singer Ottilie Patterson. He has previously served as the Northern Ireland representative on the Council of UK industry trade body PACT and is currently a member of the Board of Northern Ireland Screen. He continues with DoubleBand Films and is looking forward with hope to meeting with some of his 1981 Art College cohort – after all those years.
Tori Stewart
BSc Hons Business Economics
Hailing from Ramelton, Co. Donegal, 23 year old Tori has been named an honouree by Irish Echo in their 19th annual Irish Top 40 Under 40 Awards, which will take place on 27 February in NYC.
During her time at Ulster University, Tori studied Business Economics at UUB, as completed a student placement working with the Development & Alumni Relations Office, focusing on stakeholder and alumni engagement.
Ready to utilise her academic background in economics, she moved to the US on the Graduate Visa in April 2025. Initially in New York, she made the move to Florida and now serves as a Graduate Intern at Stifel in Palm Beach Gardens, working under Financial Advisor, Michael Brewster.
Tori also holds several music certifications from the Royal Irish Academy of Music and Trinity College London.
Congratulations, Tori!
