Emily Younger with Head of the Department of Radiation Therapy Associate Professor Peter Larsen
Fittingly, this year's recipient of the Angela Allen Travelling Scholarship for top Bachelor of Radiation Therapy graduate, Emily Younger, is a “keen and avid” traveller.
The $5,000 scholarship was established in 2003 by Charles Allen and is named in honour of his late wife Angela, a radiographer, who died of breast cancer. Angela was born in Invercargill and studied radiography at the University of Otago.
The Allen family has maintained an interest in the department and each recipient has received a signed certificate, personal letter and copy of Angela's eulogy from Charles Allen, who lives in Melbourne.
“This award means the world to me and the story behind it is very touching and one I connect with,” says Emily, who graduated in early May and is currently working at St George's Hospital in Christchurch. “I am a keen and avid traveller, and this scholarship will go a long way in helping further my education and skills in radiation therapy and in an overseas environment.”
In her thank you letter to Charles Allen, Emily says she decided to study radiation therapy after hearing stories from relatives who had undergone radiation treatment, as well as having an existing passion for helping people.
"I'm incredibly grateful for this award and I couldn't have got here without the support of the incredible lecturers alongside my family and friends,” she says. “It was lovely to have this award presented at graduation and it was great getting to see everyone again after such a long time."
Emily has high hopes of working overseas in the future, but for now is enjoying being qualified and continuing to develop her skills. She is looking forward to being able to attend a conference overseas within the next year or two as the world opens up.
Head of the Department of Radiation Therapy, Associate Professor Peter Larsen, says the department is extremely grateful to the Allen family for their ongoing support of this scholarship.
“Providing our top graduate with the ability to travel to a world-leading conference in Radiation Therapy provides a huge boost to their career. The exposure to leading experts in the field, and the best research being done internationally is extremely valuable. I am sure that Emily will derive huge value from the experience that this award will offer her.”