Are you wondering where a degree from Queen’s can take you? From starting their own businesses and shaping policy to studying the stars, our graduates are making their mark all over the world. 

Meet some of our alumni and find out how their time at Queen’s set them up for success. 

Ruchira Rangaprasad, Marketing, Class of 2024 

As CMO and Co-Founder of Balantra, Ruchira Rangaprasad brings innovation and strategic insight to the forefront of sustainable business and marketing. A recent graduate of the MSc Marketing programme (Class of 2024), she is also an active committee member of the Queen’s Graduates Association. Ruchira’s Queen’s journey was shaped by dynamic learning environments and strong community ties that encouraged her to pursue bold ideas.

Now at the helm of a purpose-driven enterprise, Ruchira blends her global perspective with deep-rooted values of collaboration and integrity. Inspired by Queen’s ethos, she remains dedicated to creating positive impact through both her professional and alumni engagements.

Varshitha Manjunath, International Business, Class of 2024

Named one of Belfast’s ‘22 Under 22 Entrepreneurs to Watch’, Queen’s International Business student Varshitha Manjunath (Class of 2024) is making a lasting impact both within and beyond the University community. As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, her leadership as Chairperson of the Queen’s International Students’ Association helped create a welcoming and supportive environment for students from around the world.

During her time at Queen’s, Varshitha embraced opportunities to give back, serving as a Go Global Ambassador and volunteering through initiatives such as Handy Helpers, supporting local community projects, and Homework Club, where she mentored young students.

With a passion for driving positive change, Varshitha continues to champion global perspectives and social impact, truly embodying the spirit of Queen’s.

Jesselyn Angky, Actuarial Science and Risk Management, Class of 2024

Originally from Indonesia, Jesselyn Angky is now working as a Modelling Trainee Actuary at the Utmost Group in Dublin, having graduated with a BSc in Actuarial Science and Risk Management in 2024. When she first arrived in Belfast, Jesselyn faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture and environment while being far from family.

At Queen’s, Jesselyn was committed to supporting other international students, serving as a Student Ambassador to answer questions, give campus tours, and help new students settle into life in Belfast. She also joined the QUB Influencers team, creating social media content and YouTube videos with practical tips, from “day in the life” vlogs to accommodation tours and finance advice - resources that have helped many students decide to choose Queen’s for their studies.

In addition to these roles, Jesselyn took on leadership positions such as Sector Head in the Queen’s Student Managed Fund, leading a team to produce investment analyses and reports, and contributing to the EQUIS accreditation student panel.

"Queen’s gave me the foundation to think critically, work collaboratively, and aim higher than I thought possible. My time at Queen’s shaped my career in so many ways. Being a student ambassador gave me the confidence to work with people from diverse backgrounds and taught me how important it is to create welcoming environments, something that has carried through into my professional life."

Yi Kang Choo, Law, Class of 2021

Queen's Law graduate and Student of the Year for 2021, Yi Kang Choo is shaping a better world and driving global impact through his work. During his time at Queen’s University Belfast, he benefited from the support and guidance of lecturers, staff, and peers -particularly through the challenges of the Covid era, an experience that shaped his academic and professional journey.

"The unwavering support, mentorship, and guidance I received from the incredible lecturers, staff members, and friends during my university days - especially through the challenging times of Covid - have played a vital role in shaping the person I am today."

Now serving as International Programmes Officer at Transparency International and a Board Member of CIVICUS, Yi Kang remains committed to making an impact on communities worldwide. Inspired by his time at Queen’s, he embraces the privilege of giving back and encourages others to do the same.

"Queen’s motto ‘Pro tanto quid retribuamus?’ (‘In return for so much, what shall we give back?’) continues to be a source of inspiration as I move forward in my career. It reminds me of the impact I can have on the people, community, and world around me; and more importantly, to embrace the joy and privilege of giving back whenever I can!"

Nicku Abraham Mathew, Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development, Class of 2017

Nicku Abraham Mathew is a management consultant passionate about transforming rural economies and enabling sustainable livelihoods. He is currently a manager at Ernst & Young’s Government and Public Sector Advisory, designing social development programmes, working at the intersection of policy, technology and community-led development.

“My time at Queen’s was truly transformative. Queen’s shaped the foundation of my professional ethos - leading with evidence, empathy and impact. The experiential learning, field-based research and community projects cultivated an appreciation for data-driven policymaking and participatory development."

Nicku was a Commonwealth Scholar and has a MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Rural Development from Queen’s, with his dissertation focusing on sustainable agriculture and farm livelihoods in India, and a project on the future development of community green-ways linking Belfast Hills.

“Today, whether I’m designing women’s economic empowerment programmes or advising governments on digital public infrastructure, I draw upon the principles of sustainable leadership and systems thinking that Queen’s instilled in me.”

Dr Aswin Sekhar Fras, Physics, Class of 2014

From a small village in rural Kerala, India, to the historic Paris Observatory, Dr Aswin Sekhar has charted a remarkable journey among the stars. As India’s first professional meteor scientist, he studies the orbits of small celestial bodies, advancing our understanding of space. His groundbreaking work has earned global recognition, including the naming of a minor planet, 33928 Aswinsekhar, in honour of his contributions to meteor science. 

Beyond his research, Aswin is passionate about public engagement and education, regularly organising sky-gazing sessions and outreach programmes for young people in rural and tribal parts of India, as well as coordinating telescope donation programs to rural and tribal schools and colleges across India. 

"My job is to study orbits of asteroids, comets and meteor showers and try to make our Earth and Earthlings safer from outer space risks and threats." 

Aswin has fond memories of his time at Queen’s and Northern Ireland where interactions with scientists and students in Northern Ireland revealed the importance of science outreach. He has been appointed as an Honorary Professor by the Indian Centre for Space Research, and Christ University Bangalore. 

"The seeds of spreading the magic of space science through telescopes and sky gazing came to me from the community".

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Zoe Brankin Staff Writer | Queen's Global Hi, I'm Zoe, and I'm proud to be part of the Queen's Global team.     Over the past six years, I've held roles that let me create content for a variety of audiences, from start-ups to larger organisations. At Queen's, I'm always exploring new and creative ways to bring fresh content ideas to our main website.   Outside of work, I love reading (I even run a local book club), spending time with my dogs, and never missing an opportunity for a coffee or brunch outing.