Class Notes

We continue to be inspired by our alumni. Each month, we highlight a selection of your achievements to share with our community. 

Explore 2026 by month:

• February
• March
• April

April 2026

Back to top

Professor Derek Ward-Thompson (Astronomy PhD, Collingwood, 1984-1987) has co‑authored Islands in Infinity: Galaxies 3‑D with Sir Brian May. A leading astrophysicist involved in producing the first image of a black hole, Derek has directed the Jeremiah Horrocks Institute at the University of Central Lancashire since 2012. He also featured as the reserve for the University Challenge alumni superteam that triumphed in 2025.  

David Brayshaw (Theoretical Physics, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1997-2001) will take on a major charity challenge this summer, cycling the entire Tour de France route, around 3,500km over three weeks. In support of Cure Leukaemia, the charity whose work helped him during his own treatment in 2016/17. 

Andrew Fattorini (Natural Sciences, Van Mildert College, 1986-1989) has won second prize in the Italian National Final 2025 for the FISAR best Sommelier wine-tasting team competition. His interest in wine-tasting started at the Van Mildert College wine cellar and has since flourished. 

Nicole Ireland (English Literature, Van Mildert College, 2021-2024) has undertaken a marketing apprenticeship within the charity sector at The Key, a charity that supports young people across the North East to build confidence, develop skills and discover their potential through youth-led programmes.  

Dr. James F. McGrath (Theology, Ustinov College, 1995-1998) has published Beyond Deconstruction: Building a More Expansive Faith. Available here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467468817/beyond-deconstruction/ 

Anthony R Wells (Modern European History, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1962-1965) has published Monuments Man & Woman in the 21st Century: A New Pursuit of Stolen Nazi Art, inspired by the late Benjamin Ferencz. The book features several references to Durham, including a central character who is a Durham graduate. Available here:  Monuments Man & Woman in the 21st Century: A New Pursuit of Stolen Nazi Art: Wells, Anthony R: 9798369455524: Amazon.com: Books 

Dr Richard Warren (Classics, St Chad’s College, 2010-2014) has published Heresy Alpha, a novel set in Rome and is inspired by his PhD studies in Classics at Durham University. Durham Alumni can access a free advance copy: Heresy Alpha (An Alternative History of Empire and Belief) by Richard Warren - Review Copy | BookSirens 

March 2026

Back to top

Professor Peter Cook (Geology, University College, 1958-1961) has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in the 2026 Australia Day Honours, recognising his eminent service as an innovator, pioneer and international expert in the development of carbon capture and storage, in policy development, and in climate‑change mitigation.

Jacquetta Gomes (Economic History & Sociology, St Aidan’s College, 1972-1975) has recently contributed a chapter to a book published by the Women’s Interfaith Network. Keeping Faith: 20 years of women's interfaith network was launched at the Speaker’s House in Parliament in October 2025. Her chapter highlights her time at Durham through the Buddhist Society and her studies in Mahayana Buddhism.  

Sophia Russell (Law, South College, 2021-2024) has just completed her training with Vocalise, teaching debate skills in prisons, and is now undertaking vocational training at the Inns of Court College of Advocacy. She will begin pupillage at Queen Elizabeth Building Chambers in September 2026, specialising in matrimonial finance law. 

February 2026

Back to top

Sue Flood (Zoology, St Mary’s College, 1983-1986) has been recognised with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the King’s New Year Honours list?  After studying at Durham, Sue went on to work with her childhood hero Sir David Attenborough in the BBC’s Natural History Unit before becoming a full-time photographer, adventure travel tour leader, motivational speaker and author.  

Jonah Agus (Human Geography, Grey College, 2015-2022) has had his novel Danger in Jerusalem published. The novel is a thriller and is based on his own research. 

Ron Barnett (Combined Arts, St Cuthbert’s Society, 1967-1970) has just been elected as this year's (annual) Fellow of the Society for Educational Studies. 

Dr Kris Lockyear (Archaeology, St Aidan’s College, 1984-1987) has been shortlisted for the award of "Archaeologist of the Year" by Current Archaeology magazine. He has just celebrated 50 years in archaeology having joined the Welwyn Archaeological Society in December 1975 at the age of 11. 

Stewart (Mac) Maclaren (Computer Science, Van Mildert College, 1978-1981) has built a career by creating the Lemonrock web and mobile app subscription platform. Lemonrock is a guide to music gigs and venues, and has grown over 20 years from a guide to music in Mac’s local area to listing over 34,000 gigs a year in over 50 counties, with an audience of over 2 million people. 

Paul Morgan (Geology and Geophysics, Van Mildert College, 1966-1969) has recently retired after a long and successful career. His research projects in geophysics, tectonics and geothermal energy included two missions to the surface of Mars, Deep Space II in 1999, and InSight (2018-2022), a geophysical lander, and the first mission dedicated to study the internal structure of Mars. 

Rachel Rivers Porter (Education, The Graduate Society, 1981-1982) has had two children’s novels published: Bandit’s Great Escape and Kiss of the Tsunami. Rachel retired from teaching to follow her dream of becoming an author. She led a children’s writing group whilst she was writer-in-residence at Belmont Library.  

Georgie Rudd (Grey College, English Literature, 1997-2001) is due to have her first business book first business book published by Practical Inspiration Publishing in April 2026. Georgie, an accredited executive coach, has coached hundreds of brilliant leaders who have the equally demanding job of parenting. In The Working Parent Equation: Balancing small humans and big careers, she brings the power of executive coaching to print.