Featured – Page 3 – WEST

Research Finds VR Sign Language Used by Deaf Gamers

26May

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Research Finds VR Sign Language Used by Deaf Gamers

A graduate and current PhD student from the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has led a study on the experiences of deaf people in VR social spaces as part of her postgraduate degree and revealed that members of the deaf community have created a ‘virtual sign language’ specifically for accessing VR technology. The findings, shared by BSc (Hons) Computer Games Development graduate Lara McIntyre, highlight VR headsets’ ‘incompatibility’ with BSL - a visual-spatial language used by 87,000 deaf people in the UK, which uses a mix of hand shapes, facial expressions, lip patterns and body language to convey meaning. It shows some deaf people who actively use VR as a means of socialising with other gamers are adapting by creating a new form of sign language, called virtual reality...

25May

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Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: David McFadden

In this alumni interview we speak to the newest member of University of the West of Scotland’s Fundraising & Alumni Team, David McFadden. Trust and Foundations Manager David, who graduated from UWS in 2011, tells us about his career in fundraising and his new role at UWS. David McFadden BA (Hons) Business Studies & International Marketing (2011) Can you tell us a bit about your time at the University - what you studied and why you chose UWS? I studied Business Studies and International Marketing at UWS and graduated in 2011. I’m local - I was born in Paisley and grew up in Erskine - so UWS always felt like a natural choice for me. It was close to home, but more importantly, it felt accessible and grounded. It felt like somewhere I could grow, build confidence, and prope...

Business Geared Towards Improving Mental Health Launched by Graduate

21May

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Business Geared Towards Improving Mental Health Launched by Graduate

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) nursing graduate is focusing on supporting wellbeing with the launch of a business that uses an immersive sound experience to put clients into a calm and meditative state. Jade Swan, who graduated from UWS Ayr Campus with a BSc in Mental Health Nursing, is offering sound frequency therapy or soundbaths to offer the brain time to rest. “Having busy lives we’re often in our fight or flight response in a high state of alert,” said Jade. “Many people struggle with busy brains and struggle to sleep, soundbath allows the brain to shift into a meditative state which many people struggle to do.” A soundbath is an immersive sound experience that uses different vibrations and frequencies via crystal sound bowls and other instruments to allow clien...

UWS Graduate Supports Independent Cinema in Scotland with Film Premiere

20May

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Alumni Stories, Featured

UWS Graduate Supports Independent Cinema in Scotland with Film Premiere

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate is set to screen his new Scottish indie drama, The Thistle in the Kiss, at the Aberdeen Art Gallery 30th May as part of the effort to revitalise independent cinema in the Northeast of Scotland. Craig Andrew Robertson, who graduated from the MA Filmmaking programme at UWS in 2019, co-wrote and produced the coming-of-age drama with fellow classmates. “What makes this project particularly special to me is that it was a real showcase of UWS talent,” commented Craig. “Several members of our crew, including my co-writer C.J. Lazaretti, my producer Reece Steel and my script supervisor Daniel Archibald, are also graduates from the same class, making this a true collaboration born out of the university’s creative community.” The Thist...

Graduate Releases New Psychological Thriller

8May

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Graduate Releases New Psychological Thriller

An Edinburgh author, and University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate, explores the risks of psychedelic healing in new psychological thriller The Medicine. Scottish author Emma Dhesi, who graduated from the then University of Paisley (now UWS) with a BA (Hons) in Applied Social Studies, returns with The Medicine, a psychological suspense novel that examines trauma, memory, and the growing interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy. Emma is the author of five novels, including The Day She Came Home and Follow Me, and is known for writing emotionally charged stories centred on women navigating complex personal crises. Her work blends domestic suspense with psychological depth, often exploring the tension between perception and truth. The third instalment in A Scottish Sus...

30Apr

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Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: Melanie Smyth

In this alumni interview we speak with Melanie Smyth, a proud adult nursing graduate from UWS Ayr Campus, who has built an impressive career beyond traditional clinical practice. Now serving as Senior Director of Clinical Operations at hVIVO in London, Melanie reflects on her journey from the wards to senior leadership. Melanie Smyth BSc Adult Nursing 2008 Looking back, what originally inspired you to study nursing and why did you choose UWS? I've always seen nursing as more than just a ‘job’ - it's something in you, I genuinely believe it’s something you’re born with. I carry my nursing values with me everywhere, not just at work but also in my personal life. I chose UWS mainly because it had a great reputation and was close to my parents’ house, which made things easier while I ...

29Apr

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Featured, Profiles

Alumni Interview: Amanda Hursy

In this alumni interview we speak to comedian and writer Amanda Hursy, whose sharp observations have helped her build a growing reputation on the comedy circuit. Amanda graduated from the BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology degree at UWS. Photo: Amanda Hursy, BA (Hons) Psychology and Sociology (2009) Can you tell us a bit about what you’re doing now? I am working up material for my new stand up hour called ‘Death of a Saleswoman’ that will be on at the Gilded Balloon Patter House this Edinburgh Fringe. It's a new show about masking in the corporate sales world for over 20 years and accidentally becoming a comedian. I am also building up my own business which is launching this year and have already been booked for huge civic events such as the Commonwealth games - so it's an exci...

Alumna Strikes Gold at European Championships

14Apr

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Alumna Strikes Gold at European Championships

A University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate has picked up gold at the European Badminton Championships in Huelva, Spain, and become the first British woman to win a singles title in 40 years. Kirsty Gilmour, who graduated from UWS in 2015, beat Line Hojmark Kjaersfeldt of Denmark in the final to win gold after previously placing second in the 2016, 2017, 2022, 2024 and 2025 finals. In a story of resilience and determination, Kirsty overcame injury to win a European Championship gold medal for the first time against the opponent who beat her in the final last year. “Being able to call myself European Champion after so many near misses feels better than I could’ve ever dreamed. It’s certainly made for a great story,” commented Kirsty on social media. https://www.yout...

Sport Graduate Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Fordham University

3Apr

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Alumni Stories, Featured

Sport Graduate Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Fordham University

Following a national search, Fordham University has announced that a University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate will become its new head women's basketball coach, taking the reins of the school's 55-year-old program. Neil Harrow, BSc Sport Coaching 2010 Sport coaching graduate Neil Harrow joins Fordham after a standout season at Long Island University, where he orchestrated a 20-win season in his debut year as head coach. His arrival at Rose Hill follows a decorated coaching career, including a successful stint as the associate head coach at James Madison University from 2022 to 2025 "I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead Fordham women's basketball," said Neil. "I want to sincerely thank President Tetlow and Athletic Director Charles Guthrie for their faith i...

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

25Mar

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Alumni Stories, Featured

NHS Fife Announces Alumnus as its New Chief Executive

NHS Fife has announced the appointment of University of the West of Scotland (UWS) graduate William Edwards as its new Chief Executive. William Edwards, BA Business and Management 1999 William joins NHS Fife from NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, where he has served as Deputy Chief Executive since May 2025, having previously held the role of Chief Operating Officer. William said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Chief Executive of NHS Fife. It is a privilege to lead an organisation with such a strong commitment to high-quality, person-centred care. “I look forward to working closely with staff, partners and local communities to build on existing strengths, embrace innovation and ensure our services are sustainable for the future. Together, we will focus on delivering safe, effect...