UWTSD alumna leads the way in sustainable innovation and entrepreneurship
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of alumna and former staff member, Dr Tyra Oseng-Rees, whose pioneering work in sustainable design and entrepreneurship is gaining recognition on national and international stages. A triple alumna of UWTSD, Tyra completed her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees with the University before going on to contribute as a member of staff.
From the early days of experimenting with recycled glass to her current status as a globally recognised thought leader, Tyra’s career has been defined by creativity, innovation, and a commitment to sustainability. Her work transforms discarded materials such as bottles, car windows, and construction glass, into architectural panels and installations that blend artistry with environmental responsibility.
As Founder and Director of Oseng-Rees Reflection Ltd, she leads the UK’s only company producing architectural panels made entirely from 100% recycled glass, a venture that has earned accolades such as the Surface Design Award 2025 and the Wales Prestige Award 2023/24.
In recent months, Tyra has been recognised for her contributions to sustainability and entrepreneurship and has shared her expertise on a number of high-profile platforms.
Following her nomination for The Small Awards’ Net Hero category for best sustainability-focused business, she was invited to 10 Downing Street for the Small Business Britain Awards, which celebrated the vital contribution of small businesses to the UK economy and local communities.
She also delivered a TEDx Swansea talk encouraging audiences to shift perspectives and take meaningful action toward a sustainable future. Drawing on the Five Ways of Working from the Well-being of Future Generations Act, she reflected on a collaborative project at UWTSD that produced the recycled-glass Reception Desk at the IQ Building on the SA1 Swansea Waterfront campus.
Reflecting on the project, Tyra said:
“My time at UWTSD was defined by the freedom to learn across disciplines, engaging with art and design, conducting scientific material testing within engineering, and integrating social and environmental perspectives. That interdisciplinary experience shaped the project and empowered students to think beyond disciplinary boundaries. With support from Jane Davidson and colleagues across the University, it became a shared success.
“More than an architectural feature, the project enhanced the learner experience, fostered cross-faculty research, and demonstrated how recycled glass can be transformed into a commercially viable product. I now draw on that journey through talks and guest lectures, helping others explore the transformative potential of cross-sector collaboration.”
This summer, the project received coverage from Norway’s national broadcaster, Norsk rikskringkasting (NRK). A native of Norway, Tyra was pleased to feature her work on the project as well as her broader contributions to sustainable design and glass reuse.
Building on her international profile, Tyra recently joined A-Speakers, a global agency representing thought leaders who inspire change across industries. Through this platform, she delivers keynotes that challenge conventional thinking and provide practical strategies to embrace circular innovation, foster creativity, and make sustainability a driver of growth and competitive advantage.
Through her research, entrepreneurship, and public speaking, Tyra has established herself as a respected voice in innovation, sustainability, and leadership. UWTSD is proud to see her recognised internationally as both a designer and thought leader, inspiring future generations to think differently about business, the environment, and creative enterprise.
See Tyra share her vision for a sustainable future in her recent talk at TEDx Swansea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2a5UbNbOPw
Further Information
Mared Anthony
Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: +447482256996