A Curtin University first-year pharmacy student has been awarded the inaugural Richard Langham Scholarship.
Julie Ng, 18, from Atwell, who graduated from Emmanuel Catholic College last year, is the first recipient of the scholarship, valued at $5,000.
The scholarship, named in memory of Richard Langham (1936 – 2011), recognises the outstanding contribution he made to the pharmacy profession in Western Australia and internationally.
Ms Ng said that she had always dreamed of becoming a pharmacist.
“I worked really hard in my final year at school to obtain the high score that you need to get into pharmacy,” Ms Ng said.
“My favourite subjects were chemistry and human biology, and I love interacting with people, so a career as a pharmacist is the perfect choice for me. Curtin also has a fantastic reputation for innovation in science, which is a bonus.
“I feel very grateful and excited to have received this scholarship. The funds from the award will help to cover the costs of my books and contribute to my fees.
“When I graduate I hope to work as a pharmacist in a local chemist or a hospital helping people to manage their health and wellbeing.”
Ms Ng was awarded the scholarship based on her ATAR score and the supporting statement she wrote against the eligibility criteria.
Professor Jeff Hughes, Head of Curtin’s School of Pharmacy, said Richard had a lifetime passion for pharmacy, dedicating 40 years of his life to research, teaching and mentoring pharmacy students.
“He was well respected by everyone. His expertise in behavioural and forensic pharmacology led to his role as an expert witness in close to 200 court cases involving the behavioural effects of alcohol, cannabis and other chemicals,” Professor Hughes said.
The scholarship, which will be awarded each year to a student commencing the first year of the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, was presented to Ms Ng at a Curtin awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 March 2012.
Notes to editors:
- Mr Richard Langham was born in Sydney on March 23 1936. He completed a pharmacy degree in NSW before settling in Perth in 1966. He completed a Master of Science in Pharmacology at the University of Western Australia.
- Mr Langham’s main research interests focused on the effects of drugs on behaviour.
- He was a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of WA, and a member of the Australasian Society for Clinical and Experimental Pharmacoloigsts and Toxicologists; the Australian Physiological Society; the International Cannabinoid Research Society and the International Association for Cannabis as Medicine.
- Mr Langham is survived by his wife, Olive, his son, Bernard, daughters, Julia and Vivienne, and his grandchildren, Max and Amelia.
Contact:
Kristy Jones, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 1930, Mobile: 0402 517 300, Email: k.jones@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
