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REC 3 2025 | KELLOGG COLLEGE | UNIVERSITY OF OXFORDTABLE OF CONTENTS 28 50 43 70 25 14 28 60COLLEGE UPDATES Please connect! 2 Letter from the President A thriving community 4 MCR President Fahad Al-Huda reflects on his year at the helm of the Kellogg MCR From the archive 7 The creation of the College crest MEMBERS IN FOCUS Historically speaking 8 Professor Yasmin Khan is a historian to the core And breathe… 11 Dr Nayia Petousi has a busy life juggling research and clinical practice What’s cooking at Kellogg? 14 Meet Alejandro Falla, a key part of Kellogg’s kitchen Kellogg in print 16 Impactful publications from College members Music man 18 Professor Hyung-Suk Kim is enlivening academia with musical brilliance STRATEGIC PLAN The shape of things to come 22 The College President looks forward to transformational development at Kellogg Enhancing the student experience 23 It’s not just about academia – the Welfare Dean takes a broader view of student life Natural remedy 25 Art and nature come together in pop-up sessions in Kellogg’s gardens Academic excellence and dynamism 26 Kellogg is increasing its support for the growing student body IN THE WORLD Bynum Tudor Fellow: Mishal Husain 28 The journalist and broadcaster is the newest member of the Bynum Tudor Fellowship Alumni updates 32 News of recent and not-so-recent Kellogg alumni Personal development 38 What Anne Fairfax learned at Kellogg is influencing her development practice Fired up 41 Aisha Hassan turned to Oxford when inspired to write her debut novel Well informed 43 Dr Daud Faruquie is championing evidence-based decision making Care giver 46 Dr Hasmukh Patel has become the architect of a new approach to care homes in Canada Investing in learning 50 Shirley Pi found the different pace and experience she was looking for while studying at Kellogg STUDENT PROFILES A pioneer entrepreneur 52 Anoud Almoqbil is not afraid to take on a challenge Acting together 56 Maximilian Stecher is bringing together Kellogg creative talents in The Oxford Players Country culture 58 Hannes Frey is fascinated by political culture and its representation in literature Kellogg’s African connections 60 The college is welcoming students from the University’s Africa Oxford Initiative RESEARCH CENTRES Collaborative thinking 62 Professor Alis Oancea introduces Kellogg’s research centres GCHU: Connecting with local and global communities 64 The Global Centre on Healthcare and Urbanisation continues to work with the community on solutions to global challenges The write stuff 66 The first intake of students was 20 years ago, and the MSt in Creative Writing continues to nurture and inspire Democratising the economy 68 Working as a champion of employees, customers, and local communities to embed social purpose Bridging the gap 70 Do sovereign wealth funds need to rethink their approach to co-owned business? A challenge for the ages 74 The impact of ageing on the workforce and evolving family structures are among the urgent issues being researched by the Centre for Population Ageing 2025 | CONNECT MAGAZINE | 1 W elcome to the 2025 edition of our annual publication, Connect. So called as its primary purpose is to connect you – a member or friend of Kellogg – with the events and activities we host, and with other members and friends of the College. I trust it will succeed in doing so. It may be that in choosing your lunch option through the servery, the Sous Chef serving you will be Alejandro – although he’s equally happy being addressed as Alex! – and you may feel more connected knowing that he is not only a wonderful chef, but also keen on football, cross-fit, and hiking! A welcome development has been more submissions to Connect than ever from our alumni, keeping us con- nected with what they’re up to around the world. LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Please connect! If you would like to be more involved with the College’s research endeav- ours, then several of the articles in this issue should provide insights on those activities. Other articles provide pro- files from across our community, from Vice President, to Research Fellow, to Student President – and his colleagues on the MCR who help to put on such a wonderfully diverse and engaging annual calendar of events. We are fortunate in having so many wonderful members of our College – being added to each year. In addition, we have over the years added whole categories of members – non-sti- pendiary Junior Research Fellows, Research Members of Common Room, Artists in Residence, and Writ- ers in Residence. The first two – JRFs and Research Members of Common room – provide college membership to Research Officers employed across the university who otherwise would miss out. They in turn have created a vibrant research community within the College. It has connected them to the collegiate system, and it has enabled Kellogg members to connect to this hugely important part of the university’s endeavours. The Artists in Residence scheme has attracted fantastic speakers to the Col- lege, such as the actor Brian Cox. As KELLOGG | COLLEGE UPDATES 2 | KELLOGG COLLEGE | UNIVERSITY OF OXFORDyou can read from the piece about our Artist in Residence Joy Richardson, it also provides you with opportunities to connect with other College members and with nature when you are on site, by joining Joy in her drawing activities around the gardens. Our Writers in Residence scheme includes one writer each year being funded by the Royal Literary Fund to provide free of charge sessions with any College member on writing styles and skills. Those signing up have included students, staff and fellows. One Gov- erning Body Fellow told me that Oxford University Press had returned his book proposal requesting that the key con- tribution of the work be brought out in a more engaging way. Following a ses- sion with the Writer in Residence, the resubmitted proposal was accepted. The only problem being that he now has to deliver the book – and with the self-proclaimed bar having been raised! I trust what you read will inspire you to become more engaged with the College, and will illustrate ways in which you might do so. I look forward to joining you at those events. “We are fortunate in having so many wonderful members of our College – being add- ed to each year. In addition, we have over the years added whole categories of members – non-stipendiary Junior Research Fellows, Research Members of Common Room, Artists in Residence, and Writers in Residence” — Professor Jonathan Michie OBE 2025 | CONNECT | 3 W elcoming a growing number of students to Kellogg means embracing a responsibility: to build and nurture a thriving academic community. A thriving community MCR President Fahad Al-Huda reflects on his year at the helm of the Kellogg MCR 4 | KELLOGG COLLEGE | UNIVERSITY OF OXFORDThe Middle Common Room (MCR) Committee plays a key role in fulfilling this responsibility, and throughout my time, I’ve been committed to empowering my team to create a vibrant and dynamic space that reflects the diversity and excellence of our peers. This year, we kicked things off with a bang, organising a big and bold Wel- come ‘Week’ series—spanning four weeks! With help from returning stu- dents and recent alumni, we crafted a lineup that was all about exploration, connection, and fun. From guided walking tours of the Colleges to group trips to iconic Oxford spots, dance taster sessions to unforgettable nights out, our events gave everyone the chance to dive into Oxford life, bond with new friends, and start envisioning what their Kellogg experience could look like. The Kellogg Clubs and Societies Fair was a highlight, where Club Captains and postgraduate student societies shared how newcom- ers could get involved, all while enjoying a delicious MCR-hosted brunch. Once Michaelmas term hit, our focus shifted to helping everyone make the most of their time at Kellogg. Our term card featured popular events from last year: Guest Night Dinner Exchanges, Well-being Cakes every week, and regular film nights. But we also ven- tured beyond our walls. We partied with Somerville for matriculation, had a great time at Trinity’s Beer Cellar, and enjoyed a lovely Chai & Chat with St. John’s. A special moment came when our Founder, Geoffrey Thomas, joined us for a Wine & Cheese exchange with Corpus Christi—showing him firsthand the warmth and hospitality of our MCR. New this term were yoga sessions, Swiss chocolate tasting, and hot chocolate tasting—because who doesn’t love a cozy treat? Our sports clubs grew too, with new additions like running, golf, and chess. One of the standout successes of the term was our twice- termly “Meet the MCR Committee” Pizza Nights, where members could chat with us over pizza. Who knew that pizza could bring the community together so effectively? By the end of the term, the excitement surrounding the second round of MCR Committee elections was palpable. With passionate nominees, compelling manifestos, and fierce campaigning, we saw the most competitive elections in recent memory—and the highest voter turnout to date. This surge in engagement was a clear reflection of the strong desire within our community to shape and influence their time here. MCR President Fahad Al-Huda Continues on next page. 2025 | CONNECT MAGAZINE | 5 After a refreshing winter break, the MCR Committee was ready to kick off Hilary term with even more energy. We celebrated the Lunar New Year with mooncakes and red envelopes, and indulged our creative sides with regular Craft Circles and Salsa lessons. Our new Kellogg Thinking Group and Book Club provided platforms for deep discussions, while our ever-popular Pub Quiz kept everyone on their toes. Of course, we didn’t miss the chance to share Kellogg spirit with our peers across Oxford. We had a blast karaoke- ing with Worcester, ice skating with the Clarendon Scholars, and BOP-ing with Green Templeton. Our own Time Travel-themed BOP was a showstopper, with cocktails, a fantastic DJ, and costumes that transported everyone to different eras—yes, we even had a Pharaoh! The Common Room renovation project also made huge strides this term. With a focus on thoughtful design and sustainability, we’re excited to see the space evolve into a welcoming environ- ment for both relaxation and socialising. At the same time, our committee has continued strengthening relationships with College Offices, collaborating on initiatives focused on student well-being and enrichment. Listening to peers’ feedback remains central to how we shape these initiatives, ensuring we continue enhancing the Kellogg experience. Looking ahead to Trinity term, our focus will be on thriving, even as the pressure of deadlines and exams ramps up. Although I’m under strict instructions from my committee not to spill the beans, I can guarantee that there will be plenty of opportunities to relax, celebrate, and make the most of the final term of the year. It’s incredible to see how far our MCR has come. We’ve grown not only in numbers but also in the depth of our connections, the diversity of oppor- tunities we offer, and the energy with which everyone participates. Kellogg’s MCR is rightfully known across Oxford as one of the most welcoming com- munities—a place where every student can truly feel at home. As my time on the committee comes to a close, I’m confident that the spirit of inclusivity, camaraderie, and ambition will continue to shape our MCR for years to come. With the passion and dedication I’ve seen, Kellogg MCR’s best days are ahead of us. Photo: Outings to iconic Oxford spots, well- being walks, city sights, bookshops, and other college highlights were on the MCR agenda. 6 | KELLOGG COLLEGE | UNIVERSITY OF OXFORDFrom the archive It’s a familiar sight to see the crests of Oxford Colleges on proudly flown flags, and adorning college gates. When Kellogg College came into being, it was decided it should be no exception, and should set about creat- ing its own strong identity. The Governing Body realised that much work would need to be done to establish it within the family of Oxford Colleges. One of the first decisions made was that its colours should be royal blue and white. (See the story in the last issue of Connect.) The next step on our path to establishing the College’s identity was to design a College shield. This took a number of years and many iterations. We were helped in this by Martin Lewis of the design firm Lewis Designs. The many early design boards are kept in the Archive. (Anyone for a green squirrel as a symbol?!). Governing Body, after protracted dis- cussion, finally decided on the design we now have, and submitted it to the College of Arms for approval. After con- sultations with Bluemantle Pursuivant, Mr Robert Noel, of the College of Arms, and following a memorable dinner with him at Kellogg, the College received from the College of Arms its Letters Patent for the shield in April 1999. In the words of Bluemantle Pursuivant: “… the College’s heraldic persona has now been expressed in paint and vellum and scrivener’s ink ….” The accompanying photograph is of the official document, complete with wax seals. The more modern rendition of the crest is well known to College Members, but few may have seen this traditional image. The colours are the blue and white of the College with a deep red added for aesthetic reasons and yellow/gold for the ear of corn. The symbols represent the following: • the shield is divided in two to represent the association of the College with its original benefactor; • the eleven points of the dividing line represent the eleven Founding Fellows; • on the left side, the arch/chevron represents the ancient arch of Rewley Abbey and, therefore, Rewley House, out of which Kellogg grew; • the open book below the chevron represents learning; • on the right side, the ear of corn represents the WK Kellogg Foundation, the College’s benefactor. The College of Arms formal description of the shield is: Per pale indented argent and azure on the argent a chevron enhanced gules in base a book azure leaved argent on the azure an ear of wheat palewise or the whole with a bordered gules. Top: the familiar modern representation of the college crest. Underneath: other insignia that feature on the official Letters Patent. 2025 | CONNECT MAGAZINE | 7 Next >