A family can now celebrate a collective academic achievement – four doctors who all graduated from Swansea University.
Dr Matthew Kelly became the latest member of his family to achieve the title after gaining his PhD in Economic Geography at a ceremony held at the University’s Bay Campus.
Joining Matthew on the stage to see him receive his award were his parents Professors Steven and Diane Kelly from the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences.
The couple met at Swansea University back in 1979 when they began studying for their PhDs in Genetics. After marrying and establishing successful academic careers, they went on to hold academic posts at Sheffield and Aberystwyth Universities before returning to Swansea in 2004 when the Medical School was established – Professor Steven Kelly as lead for research and Professor Diane Kelly initially as Reader.
They were delighted when their eldest son Tom applied to the Medical School and went on to become the third Dr Kelly when he was among the very first cohort of Graduate Entry Medicine students to graduate from Swansea in 2014. He is now a GP in Cardiff.
Meanwhile Matthew followed in their footsteps and came to Swansea to study for his doctorate. His research in Climate Finance has led to his current role at the Development Bank of Wales.
Professor Steven Kelly said: “I am delighted to see Matthew join us as Drs Kelly. It is amazing that we have all had this opportunity to study at Swansea and we all have fond memories of life in the city and the University. I could never have envisaged this when I first came onto the campus as an undergraduate. Life certainly has it surprises!”
Professor Diane Kelly said: “It is a real joy to celebrate Matthew’s PhD award. We have been truly blessed as a family to have reached this milestone. Swansea University has very special memories for both Steve and I and it has been good to share even more with both our sons.”
Dr Matthew Kelly said: “What can I say, I owe my very existence to Swansea University! My parents were the first generation in their families to go to university and my brother and I have benefited tenfold. It has been a privilege to study at Swansea and I’m grateful the opportunities it has brought – diolch o galon Prifysgol Abertawe!”
The family’s link to Swansea University is set to continue. Steven and Diane both now hold Emeritus positions within the Faculty and are involved in several forthcoming high-profile research papers in the field of microbial cytochromes P450 and antifungal resistance.
