From Newcastle to New England: New Alumni Network established on the East Coast
With almost 4,000 Newcastle University alumni residing in the United States, a dedicated group of graduates have joined together to develop a new Alumni Network in New England, providing opportunities for alumni to connect and support their alma mater.
10 March 2025
The Newcastle University New England Alumni Network is led by graduates Samantha Hullah, Siamac Vaghar, Jennifer Wills and Alexandros Zapris.
Together, they aim to build an active alumni community in the six states of the New England region, fostering connections between graduates and supporting the University. Keep reading to meet the group and hear their fond memories of their time at Newcastle.
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Putt-ing yourself out there
Last year, the Network hosted an alumni brunch at The Lenox Hotel in Boston. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, reminisce about university days, and enjoy great food in the company of fellow graduates.
Looking ahead, the Network plans to host more events to bring alumni together and strengthen the Newcastle University community across the New England region.
Their next event takes place on Saturday 22 March 2025, in which all Newcastle University graduates living locally are invited to join us at Project: PUTT! In Malden for a round of mini golf followed by lunch and socialising! Alumni are also welcome to bring a guest to this event.
Samantha Hullah (BSc Biochemistry with Immunology, 2006; PhD, 2010)
Samantha studied Biochemistry with Immunology at Newcastle before completing her PhD in Alastair Hawkins' lab at the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences (ICaMB). During her time at Newcastle, she lived in Marris House, Sandyford, and Fenham, making fond memories and enjoying nights out on the Quayside.
Now based in the Greater Boston area, Samantha is an Executive Director of Program Design with Syngene International, a contract development and manufacturing organisation. Since relocating from England over three years ago, she has enjoyed exploring the city but still misses the cheap sandwiches from the Union basement and the Geordie accent, but not the perpetual rain or the wandering cows in Leazes Park!
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Siamac Vaghar (BSc Engineering Geology, 1979)
Siamac graduated from Newcastle University with a degree in Engineering Geology in the late 1970s before earning a Master’s and working in the UK for seven years. In 1988 he moved to the USA, where he became a registered Professional Engineer.
Today, Siamac is the Chief of Geotechnical Engineering at the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in New England. His career spans projects across the UK, Europe, Africa, and the US, with a focus on large dams.
Some of Siamac’s fondest memories of Newcastle include his time living in Jesmond and enjoying cheese and onion sandwiches in the Student Union. A few years ago, Siamac returned to campus to celebrate 40 years since his student days, with plans for another trip underway!
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Jennifer Wills (BSc Animal Science, 2007)
Jennifer graduated from Newcastle University’s School of Agriculture with a degree in Animal Science before earning a Master’s in Assisted Reproduction Technologies and a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Nottingham. After gaining postdoctoral experience, she transitioned into commercial roles within the life sciences, drug discovery, and contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) sectors.
During her time at Newcastle, Jennifer lived in Henderson Hall and Sandyford. Now based in Boston, she enjoys the beauty of New England’s seasonal weather—a welcome change from the Newcastle rain.
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Stay connected with the New England Network
If you can join us, we would love to see you for a round of mini golf on 22 March and hear where life has taken you since leaving Newcastle. Register your place.
To be the first to hear about future news, events and opportunities, make sure to join our LinkedIn group. You can also find fellow Newcastle alumni now living stateside here too.