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Graduate stars with appliance of science
From the Bolton Evening News, first published Friday 8th Jul 2005.
A high-flying young Chorley scientist is focusing on a career path which could help save thousands of lives after receiving record marks in her degree.
Elizabeth Harper, 21, who graduates from the University of Manchester this month, has gained a first class honours degree in medicinal chemistry -- the only one on her course to do so.
Elizabeth, who lives with her parents in Harvest Drive, Whittle-le-Woods, was also awarded a remarkable mark of 87 per cent in her final dissertation, the highest of any student in the whole of the chemistry department.
The former Parklands High School and Runshaw College student is now going on to further her studies with a doctorate in which she will contribute to improving medical products and drugs.
She said: "The research I did for my course was looking at ways of improving material used for things such as heart valves and replacement hips.
"We were looking at extending the shelf life of these products so they will work longer and benefit the people who need to have them fitted.
"This could have uses in both the medicinal and commercial fields."
Elizabeth who is a keen netball player and runner has also been contributing to the fight against disease in a different way.
She recently ran the Race for Life along with 10,000 others in Manchester.
Elizabeth said: "It was another way to raise funds and awareness for medical research into helping cancer sufferers.
Elizabeth, who hopes to be a writer for science journals, wants to encourage more girls to study sciences.
She said: "There are still far more men than women studying for science degrees and I definitely believe more girls should continue to degree level.
"I'm thoroughly enjoying the experience and knew that studying a science would leave me with various career options."
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