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Name
Jamie Macdonald

Where were you born and raised?
Born in Poole, Dorset. Raised in Swanage and Beaminster, both in Dorset. The area is famous as the birthplace of Thomas Hardy, the setting for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s River Cottage and for ITV’s Broadchurch drama series, for Dorset Knobs, Clipper Teas, Henry Hoovers and Dorset Cereals, and for being a proper farming county.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
I was marched around the local hills by my mum from an early age. I then lived next door to my local youth centre with whom I accessed many outdoor activities and adventure travel trips locally and abroad. This developed my love for the outdoors and exposed me to many great inspirational leaders whose best characteristics I have tried to imitate.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
After my undergraduate degree, I was on a climbing expedition around Europe, and had been away from home living in a towing caravan (no cool campervan for me) for a full year. I realised I was desperate to tax my brain with academic stimulation, and drove home (all the way from Eastern Europe in a two day push) to find a PhD programme.

If you were not an academic what would you be doing instead?
I would love to work in the motor industry as an engineer, or in aviation as a pilot. I love cars, and during my undergraduate degree I was part of the RAF Air Squadron. I got to fly solo, and still regret not getting my “wings”.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I am interested in most outdoor activities but especially climbing, mountaineering, ski touring, and mountain biking. I dabble in road biking, open boating and sea kayaking, and a bit of running.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
I have many. Top of the list is probably Sebastien Loeb, the most successful driver in World Rally Car driver in history. It’s a big claim but I don’t know of any athlete in any sport with such a successful career. I also really like Welsh rugby star George North; we gave George an honorary degree in 2014 and he was the most humble, committed athlete I have met. Ueli Steck was a brave, talented, alpine and Himalayan climber who pushed the boundaries of what is possible in mountaineering. I also really admire my friend and cross fit athlete Harri James (@harijamespt) because of her bravery on speaking out about body shaming (and because she can beat me in an arm wrestle, even if I use two hands!)

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
Film: tough call, but The Matrix is up there. I get very excited by each new James Bond film too.
TV Show: The Wire. American crime drama at its best.
Music: I love Radio Six music at the moment, especially Cerys Matthews’ show. Smooth Chill on DAB is another favourite.

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
Without doubt the biggest challenge is for students to successfully make the transition from the assessment-orientated, heavily supported culture of School/College to the self-guided nature of University.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
I truly believe that whatever your academic ability, what you get out of your career is directly related to the amount of effort you put in.

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Name
Ross Roberts

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Worcester. I turned up in Bangor in 1998 as a fresh faced 18-year-old to study Sports Science and go climbing and never looked back…

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
You don’t want to know! My dad is responsible for a lot of things, although I don’t have his building talent…yet!

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
Prof. Lew Hardy, Prof. Nicky Callow and Prof. Tim Woodman. I remember a lecture in my 3rd year from Lew (a now retired Bangor Sport Science Professor) that made me think that an MSc would be a good idea. I started my MSc and then through discussions with Nicky made me want to do a PhD with her, and then at the end of my PhD started working with all three of them. I feel very lucky to have them as mentors, colleagues and friends.

If you were not an academic what would you be doing instead?
Hanging out with my family, running in the mountains with my mates, making bread, coaching junior rugby (for the world’s greatest rugby team – Bethesda U13s!), playing the piano, eating and walking my dog…preferably all at the same time.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I have a pretty serious addiction to fell running and like to feed that as often as possible. I’m also the assistant coach for the Bethesda U13 rugby team which is one of the most rewarding things I get to do and is great fun. I also seem to spend a lot of time driving my kids to places!

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
Easy, three people. Joss Naylor, Nicky Spinks and Jasmin Paris. Three absolute legends of fell running who have conquered some unimaginable difficulties in their lives and still achieved at the highest level.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
Although I’m not a huge TV watcher (I’d rather be doing something), The West Wing is probably my favourite TV show and one of the greatest pieces of TV ever. I’ve watched all 7 seasons countless times and it never gets old. The Office does comes a close second though. I’m also a big fan of Taskmaster and Eight out of Ten Cats does Countdown (words, numbers and comedy – whats not to like?!). I’m not a massive film buff but The Shawshank Redemption and Dead Poets Society are great. Withnail and I is also a classic. Music-wise I like the Band, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, John Martyn, Ben Folds and lots of other people…I am very out of touch with most stuff after about 2000 although I did stumble across Boygenius the other day who have gotten me hooked. I rely on my teenage kids to tell me about more modern things.

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
With more and more people graduating its vital for students to be able show how they can contribute meaningfully to society and what skills they bring and to do this without having to be the loudest person in the room.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Can I have three?
1) You are not the finished package yet…go and learn lots of skills that make you the best person you can be. You will have already learned a load of these, even if you don’t realise it.
2) Be kind to yourselves and each other, being a good human is more important than being first past the post.
3) We live in a data rich world so if you learn some basic programming skills you will be massively employable (just ask the postgrads who can use R!).

Name
James Hardy

Where were you born and raised?
Born in Liverpool and raised on Anglesey.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
From an early age I was a national level gymnast which has impacted how much I value hard work and persistence. 

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
My undergraduate supervisor, Prof Rich Masters, was hugely influential; enthusiastic and inspirational – bit of a legend really.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I coach Men’s gymnastics. 

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
Daily Thompson

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
Gladiator but not the second one. Criminal thriller TV shows like Criminal Minds. House music.

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
My Dad was a founding member of PE/Sports Science staff here at Bangor, and my office was Thomas Telford’s bedroom when the Menai Suspension Bridge was being built. 

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
Currently, I think there are two common challenges; how to successfully deal with financial (e.g., working while studying) and mental wellbeing pressures.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
The world doesn’t owe you anything no matter how hard you’ve worked during your degree. You still need to make it happen!

Name
Andy Cooke

Where were you born and raised?
Chesterfield, Derbyshire

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
I was born into a sport-mad family. I have siblings and cousins of a similar age so there were always other kids around for a kick-about, a race, or whatever. I was clear from a very young age that sport was always going to feature in my dream career.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
Truthful answer - my undergraduate degree at ����VR��Ƶ - when I started my degree my career plan was to become a PE teacher or join the fire service, but I got a taste for research during my Year 3 project, and I loved it. I applied for PhD scholarships off the back of my Bangor degree and was fortunate to be offered a position at the University of Birmingham. I enjoyed 5-years studying and then working as a researcher in Birmingham, before returning to Bangor to start my career as a lecturer. The key figures that inspired me most along the way were Prof Tim Woodman (my Year 3 project supervisor), Prof Lew Hardy (guided my Year 2 project proposal while Tim was on sabbatical) and Prof Chris Ring (my PhD supervisor from the University of Birmingham).   

If you were not an academic what would you be doing instead?
Maybe a PE teacher, or in the fire service.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I enjoy most sports – table tennis was my main sport at school, but I also played football and cricket and a bit of golf. At Uni I played a lot of tennis. Now I mainly do running (for fitness). I’m also learning Welsh.   

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
Roger Federer for his longevity and class.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
A lesser-known British-film that was a favourite of mine growing up is “When Saturday Comes” – Sean Bean gets scouted from his Sunday league football team and ends up playing (and scoring) for Sheffield United against Man United in the FA Cup. I harboured the footballer dream for many years until I finally realised I had two left feet.
I enjoy classic comedies on TV – Only Fools and Horses is a favourite.
I have some old indie albums in the car, but I usually listen to the radio.

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
I am a proud member of ����VR��Ƶ’s research Institute for the Psychology of Elite Performance (IPEP). We are one of the largest groups of performance-focused researcher-practitioner sport psychologists in the world!
Check out our website here:

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
That is a hard one because challenges always change, and they look different for different people. The psychologist in me says that if you work hard most challenges can be overcome and turned into valuable opportunities.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Work hard and celebrate your successes!

Name
Stuart Beattie

Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in the fair city of Glasgow.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
I seemed to have faced my fair share of adversity when I was young. I think this shaped me to be more resilient, determined to succeed in life, and willing to help other people.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
Academia was my second career profession (I worked in Forestry and was a full-time lumberjack for 3 years before returning to education). I met Prof Lew Hardy when I did my second-year undergraduate project proposal module here at Bangor in 1998. My interest in research and his inspirational supervision led me to where I am today.

If you were not an academic what would you be doing instead?
My first career aspiration was to become a pilot. My careers officer at school firmly put those thoughts out of my head. Told me to chase something less academic! What did he know?

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I love skiing! Off-piste skiing and ski touring is one of the most exhilarating sports I have ever done. Touring up alpine mountains to ski back down in fresh powder, where no one has been, is one of the most rewarding things to do. I used to run the canoe club and have kayaked most of the rivers in North Wales. I even did the Afon Nant-Peris after 2 days of rain (Google it). I have been playing guitar for over 30 years and have appeared on TV and Radio over the years. The band I am in do lots of weddings, so when the time is right give us a shout!

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
Tough choice! Stephen Hendry was a hero growing up and Andy Murray has been an amazing sportsman to watch over the years. Both Scottish of course.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
I loved Young Guns when I was young. Lost count of how many times I have seen that movie. Don’t really have a fave TV show but I do have the entire collection of Red Dwarf on DVD. The last 6 concerts I have been to were Def Leppard, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Mumford and Sons, Foo Fighters, The Killers and I am a regular at Download Festival. Eclectic enough?

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
I will give you two pieces of advice. First, keep a clear head in difficult times and you will always find a solution. Second, don’t let social media rule or ruin your life. It’s just not that important (you will only realise that when you are older).

Name: 
Jonathan Moore

Where were you born and raised? 
Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today? 
I learnt that participation in education and sport would help me to maximize my potential and pursue new opportunities.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic? 
Too many to name. Inspiring science teachers at my school. Also, there are many teachers in my family. 

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in? 
I used to swim competitively. I played rugby union at school and through university. I’m a keen fell runners and have taken part in some interesting and challenging long-distance events.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
Muhammad Ali

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
The Princess Bride, Blackadder, Radio 6 Music

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
Nothing that can be included here.

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
Financial uncertainty; difficulty balancing study, part-time work and leisure time.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Your career journey is a marathon not a sprint. And push beyond your comfort zone to discover new skills and experiences.

Name: 
Tim Woodman

Where were you born and raised? 
I was born in Norwich. There was not a molehill in sight, let alone a mountain… When I was 14, we moved to the South of France, which is close to the Alps – Heaven.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today? 
I come from a family of four and have always felt I had to compete for my place. I also was sent to boarding school when I was 6, so I learned early on to go out and get things for myself. Regardless, I have always strived to be the best I can be. My mother was French, and my father was British, so I have benefited from that duality in that I feel at home everywhere.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
I love learning, I love sport, and I love understanding people. I was always going to fall into Sport Psychology. My curiosity has always led me to ask the “why” question (no, really, why?). Professor Lew Hardy helped me to focus that curiosity into a meaningful academic career. 

If you were not an academic, what would you be doing instead? 
I do not consider myself to "be” an academic; I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and I consider academia a wonderful replenishment vehicle. Equally, I have yet to decide what I want to do when I grow up, but I am enjoying the search... 

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sports you take part in? 
I love to move. I climb and ski and get in the hills and mountains when I can (not so easy these days with two young children), I play squash (yes, I am competitive…), I do some yoga when I can (at least a couple of sun salutations every morning). With two young children, I derive a lot of pleasure from observing them achieve things. Nurturing one’s child to ride a bike is a delight and a privilege. 

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most? 
I respect them all. I admired Brian Clough; what he did with Nottingham Forest is the greatest sport example of extracting the most of out of each person in the pursuit of a common goal – a leadership masterclass. He should have been England manager - a classic example of ignorant, weak, and risk-averse management getting in the way of genuine excellence. 

What is your favourite film, TV show, and type of music? 
I prefer to be active than to watch TV. I love the Big Blue by Luc Besson. I flip between Radio 1 and Radio 4. Today’s music is always the best; we live in a time of fabulous music, and we always will. 

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself? 
Not that could be published here... 😊 

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education? 
There seems to be so much pressure to “find a job” and “move forward,” etc. I got my BSc degree at 26, my MSc at 29, my PhD at 34. I took some time to know myself in depth, which I think was time well spent. I understand that it is not so easy these days, but then again, I consider it even more important today precisely because of that. 

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year? 
You are the now and the future; do not listen to me! 😊

Name
Eleri Jones

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Inverness and lived the first years of my life in a very small village called Lochcarron on the West coast of Scotland. When I was five I moved to live in Llangefni on Anglesey and lived there till I was 18.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
Living in two very rural and remote areas of the UK, the outdoors has been a big part of my upbringing. Sport has also played a large role in my upbringing. Both of these make me the person I am today and are my go to activities when I want to unwind!

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
Understanding how humans behave and interact has always been a passion of mine, which inspired me to pursue a career in science. My mother was also a big inspiration.  She was a PE teacher and sports coach for many years and I would often observe her at work. I also had a fantastic lecturer in my undergraduate degree called Dr Martin Eubank who always challenged me to think outside of the box.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I like to be active and play netball in a local league. I also have been doing CrossFit for the last few years and really enjoy learning new skills and testing myself in lots of different ways. More recently I have a toddler who keeps me on my toes!

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
The list is endless, but Billie Jean King is someone who I have admired greatly for all that she has done for gender quality in sport. Likewise, I think Serena Williams is an amazing role model and inspiration for challenging societal norms of what it means to be a female athlete.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
One of my favourite films has to be Remember the Titans, it’s a must watch!

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
I am colour blind……this only occurs in 0.5% of females!  

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
I believe one of the challenges faced by students is making sure that you stand out from the crowd. I always encourage my students to think creatively and not be afraid to be diverse in their thinking. This is how sport science will progress and graduates have such a great opportunity to be part of this.  

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Don’t be afraid to stand up and be heard, if you don’t agree with something then challenge it in a constructive manner.

Name
Gav Lawrence

Where were you born and raised?
I emerged from an Egg on a Mountain top. At least that is the story my swine farmer friend ‘Pigsy’ would have me believe as I was growing up in Evesham, Worcestershire. Imagine my joy when I found out the only real ‘nightclub’ there (Marylyn’s) owns the ‘nightclub’ here, in Bangor!

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
I grew up in the picturesque countryside town of Evesham, which when young it is akin to a healthy grave. As a result, my youth was wholly ‘experimental’. I am a middle child and had to fight for everything. I soon learned that my sister could be extremely vicious, and my brother had an unprecedented ability to be unseen by onlookers when fighting…In the words of the late great Johnny Cash, I knew I had to ‘get tough or die.’

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
This is a complex answer because my journey into academia was neither planned nor smooth. Firstly, I was never ‘academic’, I was an athlete and an artist. Correction, I was a failed athlete with a passion for graphic design. Having played topflight Rugby and Basketball I believed I was destined for a career as a professional sportsperson. But it never materialised, and I never made the final hurdle. I was paid, but not enough to live and I wanted to know why…what did I do wrong and what did those around me do right? So, I stumbled my way onto a Sport Science degree and was simply hooked. This newfound passion and my university lecturers helped turn my ‘terrible’ A-Levels into a First Class Degree. I then turned that into a PhD back in 2004 and I’d somehow become an ‘academic’…

If you were not an academic what would you be doing instead?
Basking in my retired glory as a professional Rugby or Basketball player and maybe trying my hand at punditry and supporting and developing the newest talent.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
Everyone’s hobbies are exciting. The exception is when someone else must listen to you talk about them… but if you really have to know, I have an unhealthy passion from Drumming, just ask my neighbours.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
I always admire the true greats and pioneers in their field. Here are just a few from sport:

• Michael Jordan
• Dick Fosbury
• Ellen McCarthy
• Lauren Jackson
• Rob Andrew
• Roger Federer
• Denise Lewis

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
I love the movie, Jaws. Its nearly 50 years old, but still gives me something new every time I watch it. My music tastes are very eclectic, but I like a bit of Motown and classic soul. But whatever it is, it has to be on Vinyl, it has to be played loud, and it has to be in a room large enough to dance like you’re both the first and last on the floor!

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
I’m young (well youngish) but still too old to fully understand the challenges faced by students today. In fact, that might indeed be one of the major challenges the current generation of students face; people far older than them determining what their challenges are. Lets switch things around and ask the students themselves to decide and then ask the older generation to support them in solving those challenges. Wouldn’t that be nice?

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
This is easy really. Whatever you do in life make sure you give 100%. Unless you are donating blood, then you might want to rethink that advice.

Name
Vicky Gottwald

Where were you born and raised?
I am a southerner at heart and born and raised in Oxfordshire.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
I am a twin, which is where I think I get a lot of my competitiveness from. We both went to a small school and independently picked exactly the same GCSEs. Back then, the teachers used to read your marks out to the class and so we were always compared very publicly, which I found quite difficult at the time. However, it made me who I am, which I don’t regret. I also used to cycle to school and race anyone I came across on a bike. They never knew they were in my race and I used to get to school quite exhausted! I also used to set my alarm to go off in the middle of the night so I could be the first person in my family ready in my school uniform (I had three siblings). Again I was the only person in this weird race in the mornings and had some very early starts!

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
I had always wanted to be a PE Teacher and after my undergraduate degree, went on to complete my PGCE teaching secondary PE. However, when I introduced Professor Michael Khan (who had been my supervisor for my undergraduate project at Bangor) to my parents at my undergraduate graduation ceremony, he told them I should come back and do a PhD one day. So that’s exactly what I did and it was the best decision I ever made!

If you were not an academic what would you be doing instead?
If I was not an academic, I would likely be coaching basketball out in Canada – it’s never too late!

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I would call it more of an ‘obsession’ than a ‘hobby’, but I represented Wales on the Senior Women’s National Basketball Team for a number of years where I had the opportunity to travel and play in some amazing European Countries (as well as some poverty-stricken ones). However, I have now exchanged my boots for a whistle and am a UKCC Level 4 Coach. I have been involved in coaching several of the Wales National Team Basketball Programmes as an Assistant Coach and Head Coach: U12 through to U18. I have also coached the University Women’s Programme playing BUCS Division 1.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
I would have to pick Billie-Jean King: not just for being an incredible tennis player (39 Grand Slam titles), but for being such an inspiring advocate for gender equality and social justice.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
Favourite Film: Glory Road
TV: I don’t have TV, but I do have Netflix and love a bit of Queer Eye! Especially Antoni!
Favourite Music: Less than Jake, Green Day, Reel Big Fish, Jimmy Eat World. I have fairly low tolerance for the radio.

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
I am scared of clowns.

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
Good question. I think that social media is a real challenge for young people at the moment. There are clearly some real benefits of social media in terms of networking and information / knowledge sharing, but it also creates some real challenges for young people, e.g., addiction, mental health issues and missing out on real life experiences. I think with anything, the challenge is in finding the right balance and being able to do without as well as using it for good.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
I tell this to the athletes I work with on a regular basis, but it is really important that you make sure you take the time to ‘enjoy the journey’! It is really easy to get bogged down in assignments and work to the point that you forget why you’re even doing the degree in the first place. Take a step back from time to time to reflect on the bigger picture and enjoy the ‘present’ for what it is.

Name
Julian Owen

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Bangor, in the old St Davids’ Hospital (where Fitness First and Go Outdoors are now located) and lived in Harlech until I was 14, we then moved to Lancaster as a family until I started University in Liverpool at 18.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today?
Growing up in Harlech was an important part of my development. It was a very active childhood, as there was a swimming pool, Championship golf course (The Royal St Davids’), a good football team, a cycling club, a squash club and beaches and sand-dunes for miles.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
I always loved biological sciences and went to Liverpool to study for a degree in biology and biochemistry. After graduating I worked in molecular biological research for a while but felt something was missing. I stumbled upon the advances in the discipline of sport science during a conversation one day. This was the ‘lightbulb’ moment for me: ‘Imagine combining biological science and my passion for sport!’. I started my studies in sport science at Liverpool John Moores University and during this period the late Professor Tom Reilly was a major inspiration.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in?
I played football to quite a good standard during my youth and University days and was also a keen rugby player, golfer and dabbled in various martial arts. I have too many long-standing injuries these days and now enjoy non-competitive pursuits like weightlifting, circuit training and running.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
Too many really – but I always admired Ed Moses who was a 400m hurdler in the 70’s and 80’. He won every race for 9 years at one point! Eric ‘The King’ Cantona comes a close second.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
One of my favourite films is Delicatessen (a French-Belgian dark comedy) and Breaking Bad is a particular favourite TV show. My musical taste is a bit wide-ranging from 90’s trance at one end to thrash metal at the other, with a little bit of SKA, reggae and indie in the middle.

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
A few years ago, I was working as a physiologist with the Wales senior men’s Hockey team during the EuroHockey Championships. We were staying in a hotel outside Lisbon and on the first evening I had been to visit our training facilities. On returning to the hotel I was waiting for the lift on the ground floor, two large men began speaking angrily with me in Portuguese and started to usher me away. I thought I was being abducted in plain sight! As the lift opened standing there was Cristiano Ronaldo, he apologised on behalf of his ‘minders’. Coincidentally, the Portuguese team were staying in the same hotel as us, and the next day the Welsh squad and staff were invited to watch the game between Portugal and Serbia (incidently, Vidic had Ronaldo in his back pocket for the whole game).

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
Students are pressured through school to focus on attainment of certificates and grades. I think this is wrong, because the bottom line is that we (Universities) and employers are looking for competence in understanding, knowledge and skills. This means learning should be the key factor, regardless of whether this is linked to an assessment or grade.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. This is where learning happens!!!

Name 
Sam Oliver

Where were you born and raised? 
Dorchester, Dorset.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today? 
My first love at school was sport, and I was lucky enough to live close to the beach, so I enjoyed many hours in the sea - swimming, snorkelling and sailing. 

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic? 
The excitement and enjoyment of learning new things 😊

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in? 
I’m happiest in the outdoors, and so I can often be found hiking, MTB, and surfing in the hills and sea of North Wales. I recently took up wing foiling, which can be pretty exciting when you crash, and is the closest I’ll come to flying.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most? 
Kelly Slater.  Few have won as many world titles in any sport, and he’s still competing and charging big waves in his 50s.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music? 
It's too tough to choose a single genre of music, but if I were stuck on a desert island, I’d hope I could listen to BBC 6 Music, which has a good mix. 

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself? 
I spent a Christmas in Zambia helping at a children's orphanage. At the end of the visit, I spent a day exploring the Victoria Falls, and bodyboarding down the Zambezi river – I was glad the guide only told me afterwards that the river is full of Nile crocodiles! 

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education? 
Although not a new challenge, learning to balance academic study with extracurricular activities is becoming more difficult as there are so many clubs and societies to choose from. I’d encourage all students to get along to serendipity in welcome week and join some of the clubs and societies, as these are a great way to make new friends.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Be a lifelong learner. Trying new things leads to more wonderful opportunities, many of which are unforeseen before you began – so go for it, take the first step!

Name: 
Germano Gallicchio

Where were you born and raised? 
Taranto, Italy.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today? 
I owe it to my parents for instilling in me the confidence to pursue my dreams, never settle, and always strive for more.

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic? 
I became an academic to do research. Since young I have always been intrigued by the idea of pushing frontiers and exploring new territories.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in? 
I practice capoeira, an art form from Brazil’s colonial era rooted in resistance and rich in history, music, and culture.

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
I admire Umberto Pelizzari, who popularized freediving in the 1990s and demonstrated levels of physiological control that science once thought impossible.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music?
Films: I enjoy sci-fi films. My favourite are Back to the future and Interstellar. Music: Instrumental (e.g., Ludovico Einaudi, Yann Tiersen, Hans Zimmer), Latin (e.g., Tribalistas, Gipsy Kings), Electronic (e.g., Gigi D’Agostino, Swedish House Mafia).

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself?
I think I don’t have great sense of direction. I regularly get lost in Bangor’s Main Arts.

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
The biggest challenge is choosing their own path in a world full of options and distractions.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
To follow their passions and be ambitious.

Name:
Gethin Thomas

Where were you born and raised? 
I was born in Bangor and raised in Llangefni, Ynys Mon/Anglesey on a pretty tough council estate.  My Dad was a plumber and my mother a secretarial clerk.  My Dad belived in child labour and so I accompanied him on Jobs during holidays, weekends and sometimes evenings after school – If the job was close enough for me to ride my bike there.  I learnt how to build central heating systems and electrical circuits in domestic and commercial settings from the age of 12.  And when there wasn’t enough work for the two of us he would ‘pimp’ me out to a joiner of roofer that might also have been on the contract.

How did your early environment shape you into the person you are today? 
My Dad was a strong man, he’s still strong and in his mid-80s.  When not working, we would walk, scramble and climb.  My dad and I attended a BBQ on the eve of my GCSE Maths exam.  It was at a local builder centre.  He entered me into a brick lifting competition.  I was 16 and I won!  Beating labourers brick layers and some very bad losers!  My mother was supportive of my passion for sport and outdoor activities from a very early age.  I was first introduced to Gymnastics – something quite rare on Anglesey at the time.  Then it was swimming, followed by Rugby.  But it was when playing Rugby for the sixth form at the age of 15 (something not advised these days) that I learned that I could run – fast!  Probably in fear of being caught by big boys with beards!  Many of my North Wales records over 200 and 400 remain.  I ran for Stretford, Manchester and was an international athlete running for Wales at junior and senior level.  I also won Ynys Mons first Gold in the International Island Games. 

What made me into the person I am today? Simple answer – the people around me! 

What (or who) inspired you to become an academic?
I’ve never really seen myself as a traditional academic. I think of myself more as a pracademic, someone who helps bridge the gap between research and real-world practice. I enjoy supporting others to understand research and to use evidence in meaningful, practical ways. At the heart of my work is a simple aim: to help society become more active and to see the wide-ranging benefits that an active lifestyle can bring.

Although I work within the School, I also work as a consultant across education, sport, and health, mostly in England and Wales but sometimes beyond. My career has taken me through several roles; teacher, senior leader, work within a school improvement service, and contributing to ESTYN (the Welsh equivalent of OFSTED). A particularly influential chapter was my time as a Welsh Government adviser, helping to develop Curriculum for Wales. That experience opened new doors and eventually led to opportunities such as representing AfPE on Sport England’s Physical Literacy Expert Panel.

When I think about who inspired me, two people come to mind: Professor Lew Hardy and Dr Dave Markland. Both are leaders in their field and have a real gift for making complex ideas accessible and relevant. Their ability to connect research with practical application has had a lasting influence on how I approach my own work.

Do you have any exciting hobbies or sport you take part in? 
I still enjoy lifting weights, nearly 40 years after buying my first set of dumbbells. Strength training has been a steady thread throughout my life, something that keeps me grounded and gives me space to switch off. I also dabble in road cycling, mostly for the sense of freedom it brings and the chance to explore new places.

My real passion, though, is the mountains. I love being in high places and testing myself in different environments. Over the years I’ve taken part in hillwalking, scrambling, climbing, and ice climbing. More recently, I’ve been drawn to mountaineering, tackling routes on rock, ice, and alpine terrain. The mix of physical challenge, technical skill, and the simplicity of being outdoors keeps pulling me back.

Away from sport, I also really enjoy building and DIY. I almost always have a project on the go, whether it’s fixing something, improving a space, or taking on a new creative challenge. It’s a different kind of problem-solving, but one I find equally rewarding.  Guess that my Dad in me!  And as often as he can – he’s in the thick of it with me!

Which sportsperson do you respect and admire the most?
That’s a very difficult question. I’ve never had just one sporting hero, and I tend to admire athletes for different reasons. For example, Ueli Steck’s speed, precision, and commitment in the mountains were extraordinary, his achievements pushed the boundaries of what many thought was possible in alpine climbing. Jenson Button is someone I admire for his calm, intelligent approach to racing and the way he carried himself throughout a long career in Formula 1. Jamie Baulch stands out for his energy, positivity, and the way he’s used his profile to support others well beyond his competitive days. And Sir Chris Hoy is a great example of relentless dedication and discipline, showing what can be achieved through years of consistent hard work.

What links all of them for me is not just their performance, but their attitude: humility, resilience, passion, and a willingness to keep improving. Those are qualities I really respect in any sportsperson.

What is your favourite film, TV show and type of music? 
I used Spotify to help me answer the music question, and apparently my “music age” is 55, with electronica as my top genre. That said, my taste is fairly eclectic, I can happily move from The Pet Shop Boys to Mumford & Sons, and then into trance and house music without missing a beat.

When it comes to films, I’m a big fan of the Bond series and have a definite soft spot for Guy Ritchie’s style of filmmaking.

Do you have an interesting or funny story about yourself? 
I used to DJ, mainly parties and wedding and the odd night club, I would travel across North Wales and sometimes onto the Wirral.  I once did a warm-up set at a small nightclub, now closed, for a new and upcoming Band.  They came on stage and the first track they played was called ‘Charlie’. Turns out they were The Prodigy!

In your opinion, what are the challenges faced by the current generation of students in higher education?
Today’s students are navigating an increasingly complex and connected world. One of the biggest challenges is finding their way through the noise, managing life’s demands, making the most of opportunities, and doing so at a time when meaningful relationships and genuine human interaction can sometimes feel undervalued.

Another significant challenge is learning how to use emerging technologies responsibly. AI, for example, can be an incredibly powerful tool when used well. It can enhance learning, support creativity, and improve efficiency. The key is to embrace it as a way to deepen understanding, rather than relying on it to take shortcuts or make risky decisions that undermine personal growth.

Overall, students today need to balance digital fluency with critical thinking, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills, all of which will help them thrive in both their studies and their future careers.

What single piece of advice would you give to students who are about to graduate this year?
Don’t panic if you haven’t figured out your entire life plan by graduation; nobody has. Some people just bluff better than others. What matters is taking the next step, even if it’s tiny.

Stay curious, stay humble, and keep asking questions, especially the ones you think you “should” already know. And remember, opportunities rarely arrive with flashing lights. The best chances often start quietly, long before you realise, they matter.

So move forward with purpose, even if the path ahead looks a bit foggy. That’s usually where the most interesting things begin.