Post by William Roddis

I am very pleased to share that I have graduated from Durham University with First Class Honours in Anthropology (BA). This included a first in my dissertation, “Colonial Legacies and the 2013–2016 West African Ebola Epidemic: A Comparative Analysis of Structural Vulnerabilities and Outbreak Response in Sierra Leone and Liberia.” Drawing on medical anthropology and postcolonial theory, my dissertation looked at how historical inequality shapes health infrastructure, who gets protected in a crisis and who doesn't, and why the same crisis can be a temporary disruption in one place and a lasting condition in another. Alongside my studies, rowing with St Cuthbert's Society Boat Club has been a defining part of my Durham experience. Between early mornings on the water and regular sessions in the gym, to competing at major events including BUCS Regatta and Marlow Regatta, rowing has been a hugely rewarding part of my university life. Ending with a run to the qualifying round of the Temple Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta made for a fitting conclusion, and I’m especially grateful to everyone in the Men’s 1st VIII for an unforgettable season. Durham has given me three incredible years, lifelong friendships, and experiences I will carry forward into the next stage of my life. That interest in risk and resilience is one I'm keen to carry forward professionally, and I’m excited to begin this next chapter interning with Aon, joining the Financial and Professional Lines team within the Reinsurance division.