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Gulzar Alam
PhD in Computing - Class of 2024
'An Approach for Curating and Sharing Open Datasets in Human Activity Recognition'
Supervisors:
- Dr Ian McChesney
- Dr Peter Nicholl
- Dr Joseph Rafferty
I recently completed my PhD in Computing at Ulster University. My research, supervised by Dr. Ian McChesney, Dr. Peter Nicholl, and Dr. Joseph Rafferty, focused on “An Approach for Curating and Sharing Open Datasets in Human Activity Recognition.” This work aimed to enhance the accessibility and reproducibility of data-driven research in pervasive computing. My academic journey began with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Software Engineering from KFUPM. Throughout my doctoral studies, I have been fortunate to contribute to AI and data science projects tackling real-world industrial challenges, an experience that has shaped both my research and professional direction.
My proudest moment was submitting my thesis on open datasets in human activity recognition, knowing it could encourage open science. I’ll always remember the encouragement from my supervisors, the Doctoral College, the School of Computing, and the wider Ulster community. Their support alongside my family helped me overcome every challenge. Securing a Data Scientist role at the AICC is a proud next step. If I could advise my past self, I’d say: “Trust the journey, you're building more than a PhD.”
Vaibhav Dubey
PhD in Biomedical Sciences – Class of 2024
'Impact of pregnancy, diet, age and gender on the morphology and function of the pancreatic islets'
Supervisors
I am Vaibhav Dubey, and I recently completed my PhD in Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University, Northern Ireland, under the supervision of Professor Peter Flatt. My research focused on the adaptive mechanisms of pancreatic islet cells during pregnancy, particularly in the context of diabetes, exploring regeneration, neogenesis, and transdifferentiation. Prior to this, I earned a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Ulster University, where I investigated the chemopreventive potential of microemulsified curcumin in prostate cancer.
In addition to my academic and research pursuits, I founded and was managing director to pharmaceutical company Volhart Health Care Pvt. Ltd. in India, where I led the development of Cincumolife™, a patented natural product with therapeutic potential.During my glorious times at Ulster, I actively engaged in science communication and was a finalist in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2024, where I presented my research to a broad audience. I’ve also been involved in university life as President of the Cricket Club and a member of the Badminton Club at Ulster University. These experiences reflect my commitment to scientific innovation, leadership, and public engagement.
My proudest moment was when I was selected as a finalist in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition in 2024. Presenting years of complex research on diabetes and pregnancy in just three minutes to a broad audience was both a challenge and a deeply rewarding experience. It reminded me of the power of clear science communication.
My favourite memory was the moment I successfully defended my PhD thesis. It was the culmination of years of dedication, setbacks, breakthroughs, and growth both personal and professional.
I’ll never forget the sense of purpose I felt while leading Volhart Health Care Pvt. Ltd. and launching Cincumolife™. It was my first step in translating scientific knowledge into a real-world healthcare solution, and it taught me the value of innovation and resilience.
I couldn’t have got through this without the unwavering support of my supervisor, Professor Peter Flatt, my lab colleagues, and my family. Their encouragement, guidance, and belief in me kept me going through the toughest phases of my PhD.
If I could speak to myself at the start of my PhD, the best piece of advice I would give myself would be: “Trust the process. Research is not a straight path embrace the failures, celebrate the small wins, and never lose sight of why you started.
Peter Cassidy
PhD in Architecture, Built Environment and Planning – Class of 2024
‘Who is at risk from accidental dwelling fire fatalities, what can be done to reduce this risk and how can this be delivered in the community?’
Supervisors
- Dr Nigel McConnell
- Dr Karen Boyce
I could not have got through this without the support of my supervisors, Dr Nigel McConnell and Dr Karen Boyce, my colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and Michael Roberts and Connor Breen from the Safer Together Co-production Project. Most of all, my wife Deirdre and daughter Katie supported me throughout my PhD. Deirdre was very encouraging and always a voice of reason. Katie is wise beyond her years and often encouraged me during difficult times.
Although fire fatalities in the UK and Northern Ireland have decreased over the last four decades, older people are overrepresented in fire fatality statistics. This study identified who is at risk from accidental dwelling fire fatalities, what can be done to reduce this risk and how this can be delivered in the community.
The study began with an analysis of fire fatalities in Northern Ireland between April 2009 and March 2019 and ended with a co-production project to develop fire safety intervention strategies to help the support network around older people identify and manage fire risk. Co-production included the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was known as the “Safer Together Project”. My supervisors were Dr Nigel McConnell and Dr Karen Boyce.
