Curtin Uni awarded bursaries to help them complete studies

22/7/96

Three Curtin University honours students have each been awarded Neville Stanley Bursaries to help them complete their studies.

The $5,000 bursaries, administered by the Department of Commerce and Trade, will help cover the cost of books, equipment and other expenses related to the students' honours projects.

This year's winners are Darren Coulson, of Preston Street, Como; Christopher Walton, of Virgilia Street, Duncraig; and Michael Wilson, of Aitken Drive, Winthrop.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said the students had been selected from a strong field of 19 applicants.

"The Department of Commerce and Trade offers Neville Stanley Bursaries to students undertaking an applied honours project in conjunction with a private sector organisation," Mr Cowan said.

"The bursaries were introduced primarily as a means to promote interaction between industry and tertiary institutions.

"Feedback from past winners has indicated that projects assisted through the bursaries have contributed significantly to improvements in productivity, efficiency and export potential."

Mr Coulson is studying the growth of the eucalyptus and acacia species used for revegetation to predict the duration and regenerative capacity of the species.

The study is being conducted in conjunction with Griffin Coal Mining Co Ltd and is expected to provide valuable knowledge to improve environmental rehabilitation of coal mine overburden dumps in the South-West.

Mr Wilson, in conjunction with Alcoa Australia Pty Ltd, is investigating the build-up of sodium oxalate in the refining of bauxite. Sodium oxalate is a major obstacle in the quest for maximum alumina yield in the refining process.

Mr Walton is studying aspects of seismic surveys to improve accuracy of results. The project is in association with Maximal Computer Solutions.

The bursaries were named in honour of Professor Neville Fenton Stanley, a world-renowned microbiologist who was instrumental in Western Australia getting an international reputation in microbiology.

Since 1989, 15 bursaries have been awarded to students in a variety of industry sectors.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595