Alumni Profiles – December 2025
Hear about the experiences and career paths of alumni who have placed climate and sustainability at the heart of their career choices, while also discovering the role the University has played in their lives.
María Fernanda Souza
Studying at the University of Edinburgh helped María find her voice and broaden her perspective on climate issues. She’s now a leading figure in Latin America’s climate diplomacy, serving as Uruguay’s National Director for Climate Change while still drawing on her Edinburgh experience.
Yiming Wang
Yiming didn’t wait long after graduation to make his mark. Using the technical skills in energy systems and power electronics developed at the University of Edinburgh, he founded a company that has become a global powerhouse in solar and energy storage, currently employing more than 5,000 people.
David Shearman
This three-time Edinburgh graduate has built a successful medical career while nurturing a life-long passion for the environment. Combining his expertise and commitment, he co-founded a charity in Australia where doctors and students collaborate on environmental and health initiatives.
Unelker Maoga
Unelker is an environmental scientist passionate about conservation that works for both people and the planet. Managing projects at a global development organisation and heading a youth-led environmental organisation in Kenya, she turns community-rooted ideas into real-world impact.
Rashneh Pardiwala
Rashneh founded one of India’s most respected environmental organisations. From renewable energy to afforestation and community education, her leadership has driven climate projects that set the pace for sustainability across the nation.
George Harding-Rolls
George has taken an unexpected route from studying Chinese at the University of Edinburgh to fighting for a fairer and greener future. Drawing on the skills and experiences he gained during his degree, he now helps drive campaigns and strategies that push companies towards genuine environmental responsibility.
Susan Cheyne
From co-founding a conservation charity that protects Borneo’s rainforest to leading one of the longest-running studies of gibbons in the world, this graduate has become a major force in wildlife protection. It was at the University of Edinburgh that Susan’s drive to work with wildlife and primate conservation was shaped.
