Congratulations to Jessica Hagley, Dr Matthew Roughan, Paula Van Dokkum and Isobel Walker, who have each been awarded the 2022 Val Asche Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence.
The Val Asche Memorial Prize for Academic Excellence is awarded annually to recognise outstanding achievement by students undertaking public health and health research courses. Each of the recipients consistently achieved very high grades and are highly regarded by their lecturers.
Jessica Hagley – Master of Public Health (MPH)
Over the past 8 years, Jessica has worked in health promotion with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote communities in the Katherine west region to improve heath literacy.
Currently she coordinates the Tackling Indigenous Smoking program that aims to reduce the smoking prevalence of tobacco use through population health promotion initiatives.
“The Master of Public Health has broadened my knowledge and skills in analysing population health issues, evaluating and designing public health interventions and formulating strategies with communities to address complex health and social issues.”
Dr Matthew Roughan - Graduate Diploma of Public Health
Matthew is currently a public health registrar working in Brisbane, Queensland. He began his medical career in South East Queensland in 2018, and then moved to Darwin in 2020 to work as a Resident Medical Officer at Royal Darwin Hospital.
It was during this time that he developed a keen interest in public health, specifically due to his experiences working with First Nations patients, and then throughout the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Matthew’s public health studies have improved his understanding of the broader issues impacting on the health of communities, and helped him to better appreciate the role of prevention and promotion in healthcare. His Graduate Diploma has assisted him in focusing his career on public health, leading to his current role working in a public health unit.
He looks forward to completing his MPH with Menzies in the coming year, and continuing his career in public health.
Paula Van Dokkum - Graduate Diploma of Health Research
Paula commenced working as a registered nurse/midwife at the Alice Springs Hospital (ASH) Maternity Unit in 2005 and is a founding member and primary midwife of the multidisciplinary Diabetes AnteNatal Care and Education (DANCE) clinic based in ASH Maternity Unit. Paula has also been working as a research midwife for Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and Menzies School of Health Research since 2012.
“Undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Health Research, whilst challenging at times, has been extremely valuable in gaining a broader understanding of research processes. Incorporating new knowledge into my current roles has improved my confidence and enhanced my clinical and research skills. Many thanks to the lecturers for their guidance throughout the course”.
Isobel Walker - Graduate Diploma of Health Research
Isobel is a physiotherapist who has worked in the field of continence for a decade and recently commenced practising in the allied health paediatric disability sector.
Isobel has previously completed a Bachelor of Applied Science (Physiotherapy) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy. Studying health research has provided a broader view of health and particularly health equity. Isobel will continue her studies at Menzies and hopes to complete her Masters of Health Research in 2023.
“I am so grateful to Menzies for supporting me to achieve my Diploma. There have been challenging periods trying to balance work, study and family particularly over the COVID-19 pandemic however it has been achievable thanks to Menzies flexible and incredibly supportive approach.”