Sinead Burns, Josh McAvoy & Eva Robinson
BDes (Hons) Animation
In 2020, during their placement year at Ulster University, Sinead, Josh and Eva came together to launch their joint business, Aura Digital Studios, motivated by their frustration with limited opportunities for digital media in NI. Aura is one of only a handful of Northern Ireland companies working with virtual production (VP). It also uses a range of technologies, from XR to motion capture to real-time rendering, to blur the boundaries between real and virtual worlds. Last month, Aura worked with Deepa Mann-Kler, who is based in Co Down and is known for creating artworks out of neon lights, and provided 10 pieces for The Metaverse And Me, an exhibition held in Ormeau Baths.
Located in: Northern Ireland
Holly-Mae Greer: Winner NI Bradley Art Prize (Aged 19-23 Category)
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Holly-Mae’s contemporary ‘Noodle Bar’ canvas earned her top prize at the NI Bradley Art Competition; her beautiful piece was showcased in the Terry Bradley Gallery in Victoria Square in August, and at the office of the NI Executive office in Brussels. Holly-Mae was also confirmed as the overall Bradley Art Prize winner and has been commissioned to create a bespoke piece of artwork for Titanic Belfast. A wonderful achievement that will highlight Holly-Mae as one of Northern Ireland’s most promising young artists.
Located in: Northern Ireland
Niamh Mooney: Runner up NI Bradley Art Prize (Aged 19-23 Category)
BA (Hons) Fine Art
Niamh is another artistic talent within the UU alumni community. Niamh was awarded Runner-up prize in the NI Bradley Art Competition for her thoughtful, emotive piece ‘Sisters’. In addition, Niamh has an impressive go-getter attitude and led a group of 10 graduates from her course to approach the Arts Council of NI to ask for support to showcase their artwork to the public. Impressed by their enthusiasm and initiative, the Arts Council supported the students in helping curate their very first independent exhibition, First Steps for a New Generation of Visual Artists, staged in ARTcetera Studio in Rosemary Street, Belfast.
Located in: Northern Ireland
Chloe Morris: business owner – Cuteryko
BDes (Hons) Graphic Design and Illustration
During the pandemic, Chloe combined her creativity skills with her entrepreneurial mindset to found her own quirky jewellery business, Cuteryko, which aims to help people express their individuality. Initially, Chloe started her business by upcycling charity shop finds into quirky jewellery e.g. using IKEA carrier bags, but through harnessing the power of social media over the past three years, has built Cuteryko up to become a global brand and six-figure business, which ships products worldwide.
Located in: Northern Ireland
Matthew McClean: Selected to compete for Great Britain and Ireland in the 2023 Walker Cup
MOptom (Hons) Optometry
Matthew’s impressive pro golf career has continually gone from strength to strength. He was selected to compete for the Great Britain and Ireland Team in the 49th Walker Cup at the beginning of the month. Despite the team’s loss to Team USA, we are incredibly proud of Matthew and the team.
Located in: Northern Ireland
Adam McKeown: Gold Medallist World Outdoor Bowls Championship
BSc (Hons) Economics
We are immensely proud of our recent graduate, Adam McKeown, who took home the gold at the World Outdoor Bowls Championship in Australia earlier this month alongside fellow NI team member, Gary Kelly. Adam also won gold in the men’s fours at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, and a national title for winning the open singles at the Irish National Bowls Championships in 2022.
Located in: Australia
Caroline McLaughlin: honouree of Tip O’Neill Annual Irish Diaspora Award 2023
BA Banking and Finance
The Tip O’Neill award gives recognition to those who have excelled in their chosen field whilst honouring their contribution to Ireland and its Diaspora. For almost 30 years Caroline has been an exceptional builder of both individual and community relationships, and a strong influencer in improving the lives and experiences of diverse and disadvantaged groups. She is a leading representative of the Irish diaspora community in the UK, and has been active in leading networks and supporting programmes for the betterment of fellow emigrants.
Located in: London
Matt McRoberts: Head of Marketing for Hastings Hotels
BSc Business Studies & PG Cert Professional Practice
We are delighted to congratulate our graduate, Matt McRoberts, who was recently appointment Head of Marketing for Northern Ireland’s leading luxury hotel brand, Hastings Hotels. In his new role, Matt will oversee all marketing, branding, PR, digital and social media strategies across six hotels including spa and food & beverage outlets: Europa, Culloden Estate and Spa, Stormont Hotel, The Grand Central Hotel, Everglades Hotel, and Ballygally Castle.
Located In: Northern Ireland
Chris Quinn: Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland
MSc Youth and Community Work
Chris is a passionate advocate of participative democracy and has dedicated his career to enabling and empowering young people to participate in decision making. Chris is a true public servant having worked at Belfast City Council to set up their first Youth Council, and more recently, Chris served 15 years as Director of the NI Youth Forum and was a key contributor to establishing the NI Youth Assembly. We wish Chris every success in his new appointment as Commissioner for Children and Young People for Northern Ireland; we could think of no better person for the role.
Located In: Northern Ireland