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Prize awarded in memory of Psychology graduate

20/09/2019
Prize awarded in memory of Psychology graduate

A new graduation prize has been launched in memory of a talented University of Wolverhampton graduate who tragically passed away.

The Cassie Morgan Memorial Prize has been awarded for the first time this year to a dedicated Psychology student.

Cassie, who was a successful Psychology graduate herself and achieved a First at University, sadly passed away in 2013 at the age of 26. Her research was published posthumously with her supervisor Dr Niall Galbraith.

Her family decided to launch a prize in her memory to recognise a graduating student who has made an outstanding contribution towards Psychology research which is publishable in a peer reviewed journal.

This year, the award of £100 was presented to Sally Frost, who is graduating with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Psychology and is being recognised for her "exceptional professionalism, enthusiasm and passion".

Cassie's mother Dr Angela Morgan, who works as a Senior Researcher at the University, is sponsoring the prize alongside Cassie's grandmother Carol Ann Forsyth.

Angela said: "I was always, and continue to be, enormously proud of Cassie and her achievements. She struggled with many of life's difficulties, yet she surpassed almost everything to achieve her dreams. It is my great pleasure to ensure Cassie's name lives on, both at the University of Wolverhampton and in the life of her son, by donating this annual award."  

Dr Niall Galbraith, Reader in Health Psychology, was Cassie's tutor. He added: "Cassie was a very bright, professional and diligent young woman, who showed an unusual degree of independence and application in her work. She met every challenge presented to her and in doing so, produced advanced-level research which we published together in a peer-reviewed academic journal. It is fitting that her name is given to this prize, which recognises students who produce publishable work - a rare and exceptional achievement at undergraduate level."

Cassie worked as a carer for women with mental health problems to gain experience towards her planned career as a clinical child psychologist. She had been accepted onto the Masters in Clinical Research Methods at Birmingham University shortly before her death.

Sally Frost has published one paper as co-author and a second paper is currently being prepared. In her final year project, she recruited 400 carers from a hard to reach group, from which she is preparing two further peer-review papers. 

The Cassie Morgan Memorial Prize was presented at the Psychology graduation ceremony at the Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton, on Wednesday, 18 September 2019.

Further information 

Pic 1: Sally Frost and Angela Morgan

Pic 2: Cassie Morgan on her graduation day.

Pic 3: Carol Ann Forsyth, Sally Frost and Angela Morgan.

For more information please contact the Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736 or 01902 518647.

Date Issued: Friday, 20 September 2019

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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