JCU student wins top scholarship

JCU student wins top scholarship

Dylan Morris

A final year medical student from James Cook University has won one of Australia’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarships.

Dylan Morris last night was awarded one of 14 General Sir John Monash Scholarships for 2015.

The General Sir John Monash Scholarships, named after the Australian civic and military leader General Sir John Monash, are awarded to outstanding graduates from Australian universities who have demonstrated leadership skills and have a vision for a better Australia.

The scholarship enables them to undertake a Masters or Doctoral degree at any of the world’s leading universities.

Dylan Morris said he’s thrilled to win the award and plans to study a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford.

“I’m very privileged to have been awarded a John Monash Scholarship. Sir John Monash was one of Australia’s most influential leaders who sought to use his education and abilities for the benefit of the community.”

“This scholarship allows me to pursue my ambition of conducting large-scale population research to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Australia and worldwide,” Dylan Morris said.

Dylan hopes to improve prevention and management of cardiovascular disease through clinical trials and population research.

“I plan to pursue a project at the Nuffield Department of Population Health, at the University of Oxford, to explore new ways of preventing stroke at a population level. Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Australia. Stroke prevention strategies are key to reducing disability and improving the quality of life of our ageing population.”

“My study will investigate whether early identification of individuals with underlying problems of their cardiovascular system may prevent strokes later on. I will also be involved in a large clinical trial which will identify the best surgical management of asymptomatic carotid artery disease - narrowing of the large arteries in the neck.”

“Most importantly, I hope to learn the necessary skills required to conduct large clinical trials upon returning to Australia.”

Dylan would like to thank Professor Jonathan Golledge, Professor Meg Morris, Dr Joseph Moxon and the James Cook University School of Medicine for providing him with a strong research foundation and inspiring him to pursue a career in cardiovascular research.

The Sir John Monash Scholarship provides $60,000 per year for up to three years’ study.

Background:

Dylan Morris is a final year medical student with a strong interest in academic vascular surgery.

He holds several leadership positions including Editor-in-Chief of the Australian Medical Student Journal (AMSJ) and co-founder of the James Cook University Surgical Interest Group.

Dylan has consistently achieved noteworthy grades and in addition, has conducted internationally recognised research evidence by 10 international peer-reviewed publications and many presentations at national and international conferences on cardiovascular disease.