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UWA congratulates student Sophia Stannard, the 2016 recipient of the prestigious Dr Louisa Alessandri Memorial Fund Scholarship.

Louisa Alessandri, whose memory is honoured with the award, achieved much in her field and within the community, despite many physical and health challenges. In recognising the financial impost of many medical conditions and disability, Louisa’s family set up the scholarship to pay tribute to Louisa and to give recognition and financial backing to students in similar situations.

Scholarship applicants are considered on academic merit and community involvement.

Academically Sophia is a true ‘all-rounder’. While she is working towards a Science degree, her majors are both Microbiology & Immunology and English & Cultural Studies; all combined with a Diploma in Modern Languages. With her many interests and strengths, it was UWA’s flexible course structure that allowed Sophia to pursue this diverse study program.

Sophia’s community involvement includes organisations such as Rare Voices Australia, a national alliance of people living with rare diseases. With limited public health and research funding for these diseases, this organisation plays an important role in lifting the profile of some rare diseases and supporting the people who have them.

Sophia’s academic interests lean towards public health and she is considering using the award to fund a short exchange to further her knowledge and broaden her experience in the field.